If you have ever crept northbound on the Loop 101 from Chandler toward Tempe on a Sun Devil football Saturday, you already know how the story goes. The closer you get to Rural Road, the thicker the traffic gets — and by the time you hit University Drive, you are nose-to-tail with every other fan in the East Valley trying to reach the same 53,599-seat stadium at the same time. Then comes the parking pass you forgot to buy in advance, the lot that is full, and the 10-minute walk to the gate in 100-degree Arizona heat.
Renting a bus to Mountain America Stadium exists to skip every frame of that film.
One bus, picked up at your tailgate house in Chandler or your hotel in Tempe, drops your whole group near the stadium, stages in the Copper/RV Lot while the game runs, and has everyone home before the post-game Rio Salado Parkway closure lifts. Below is exactly how that works — parking zones, lot names, road closures, approach routes, and what shapes the price — built on ASU's official 2025 football parking page and the city of Tempe's published traffic plans. For the full picture of Chandler group transportation to ASU and East Valley sporting events, see the Chandler sporting event transportation page.
Why Rent a Bus to Mountain America Stadium?
The math on driving a group from the Chandler-Gilbert area to Tempe on game day falls apart quickly. Thirteen miles sounds manageable — and it is, the roughly 18-minute off-peak run via Loop 101 North exits onto University Drive or Rio Salado Parkway. But game day is not off-peak.
The Loop 101 backs up well before kickoff, the SR-202 off-ramps onto Scottsdale Road close on big game days, and northbound Rural Road between Rio Salado and University Drive gets shut in both directions. If part of your group planned to carpool, someone in every car is not tailgating — they are navigating.
A Chandler charter bus rental changes that entire equation. Your group loads up at one address, the pregame energy builds on the ride up, and nobody is drawing straws for who has to stay sober and find parking. Partybuschandler.net makes it easy to compare party buses, minibuses, and charter buses through a large network of bus companies serving the Chandler and East Valley area — one quick form or a call to 602-627-0325 and you see quotes in under 30 seconds. No account required.
Charter Bus & Party Bus Drop-Off at Mountain America Stadium
Mountain America Stadium's official game-day guidance designates fan drop-off near the South Packard Drive Structure (Stadium Structure 7), on the southwest side of the stadium, per ASU's published game-day guide. From there, courtesy cart service runs for guests with limited mobility — but for any walking fan, the south gate is steps away. Groups with a bus or large vehicle — directed to the stadium's Copper/RV Lot along the north side — enter from Rio Salado Parkway, turning north into the lot.
The Copper Lot and RV Lot sit together on the parking map immediately south of Rio Salado, with the RV Lot extending east along the same corridor.
Because Veterans Way itself closes in both directions between Sixth Street and College Avenue beginning roughly two hours before kickoff — and because Packard Drive closes to northbound traffic during weekday games — the approach to both drop-off zones changes by event. For your specific date, confirm the active approach route and bus staging area with ASU Parking and Transit at 480-727-0000 or by text at 480-965-3482 on game day, and check the official Mountain America Stadium parking page before you leave Chandler.
Fan drop-off is near the Stadium Structure (South Packard Drive Structure 7) on the southwest side — steps from the south gates. Buses and oversized vehicles park in the Copper/RV Lot on the north side, entered from Rio Salado Parkway. Both zones are published in ASU's official parking guidance; confirm your specific approach route for the date with ASU Parking and Transit.
Bus and RV Parking at Mountain America Stadium
The Copper/RV Lot — shown in the upper-left of the 2025 football parking map alongside the Gray Lot along Rio Salado Parkway — is ASU's designated large-vehicle area. The 2025 season parking pass for the RV Lot runs $500 per season, while the adjacent Copper Lot season pass runs $100 — both purchased in advance through Sun Devil Tickets. For general admission lots, the standard day-of rate is $20 per vehicle.
Note that 2026 is a construction year at Mountain America Stadium — a new indoor practice facility is under way, impacting roughly 800 spaces in and around the north lots. The overall parking inventory stays intact through expanded surface lots, but lot assignments and access routes are shifting; the official parking page is the definitive source before your game day.
One bus replacing 10 or 12 cars is one parking arrangement instead of a dozen — one permit, one approach, one staging spot. A 56-seat charter bus at $20 a car would still need one ticket in one of those lots, and the bus parks in the Copper/RV Lot rather than chasing general admission spaces. The cost advantage per head is meaningful before you even factor in the gas money each car saves from the Chandler run.
Sun Devil Stadium Transportation: All Your Game-Day Options Compared
Mountain America Stadium has more transit options than most college venues its size — which is genuinely useful to know, but also means there is some nuance in picking the right one for your group. A private bus is not the correct answer for every situation; here is an honest look at all five realistic choices.
| Option | Cost shape | Arrive together? | Drop-off point | Post-game ease | Best group size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private charter bus or party bus | One flat rate, split by the group | Yes — one pickup, one arrival | Best — Stadium Structure drop-off, Copper/RV Lot staging | Bus stages nearby; pre-set pickup time, no surge fare | 15–56 |
| Valley Metro Light Rail | Per ticket (~$2/trip); transfer from PHX via Sky Train | Only if you board the same train | Good — Veterans Way/College Ave station adjacent to stadium | Crowded post-game; trains run but platforms pack fast | Any, but no group control |
| Tempe Orbit + Park-and-Ride (Tempe Library) | Parking free at Tempe Library Complex; Orbit free until 10 p.m. | Only if whole group parks together | Good — stops near campus | Good — avoids stadium-area roads | Small groups, 1–2 cars at library |
| Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) | Per car each way + post-game surge pricing | No — multiple cars, multiple ETAs | Poor — must walk to pickup zone outside closure area | Surge pricing post-game; roads closed limit pickup zones | 1–4 per car |
| Everyone drives and parks | $20/car day-of + gas from Chandler per car | No — caravans split | Varies — depends on lot assignment | Stuck in Rio Salado/Rural Road closure for up to 2 hours | 1–2 cars |
For one or two people, the Valley Metro Light Rail is genuinely excellent — the Veterans Way/College Avenue station is adjacent to the stadium's west side, trains run frequently, and you skip the parking problem entirely. The Tempe Orbit is a strong option for Tempe residents or anyone willing to park at the Tempe Library Complex and ride free. But the moment your party grows past a few cars' worth of people, the coordination cost tips toward one bus.
Separate rideshares after the game mean separate surge fares, separate ETAs, and separate waits on side streets outside the closure zone — because post-game road restrictions keep Rio Salado Parkway between Ash and Mill closed for up to two hours after the final whistle.
Valley Metro Light Rail and Tempe Streetcar Details
The Valley Metro Light Rail stops at the Veterans Way/College Avenue station, directly west of the stadium — it is the most transit-accessible major college football stadium in the Southwest, and the walk from the train platform to the gates is short. Service runs from downtown Phoenix (connecting to the PHX Sky Train at Terminal 4) and east toward Mesa. Game-day ridership spikes, so plan ahead on where your group will board and meet on the return.
Ten Valley Metro bus routes receive modified routing during game days, beginning roughly 5.5 hours before kickoff and running through one hour after the game — check Valley Metro's official site for the active detours before your trip. The Tempe Streetcar serves the Marina Heights stop on the north side of the stadium, giving groups coming from downtown Tempe's Mill Avenue corridor a second rail option.
Road Closures and Traffic Around Mountain America Stadium on Game Day
The City of Tempe's game-day traffic plan activates 5.5 hours before kickoff and holds through one hour after the game ends — a window that surprises first-timers from Chandler who leave the house at normal Tempe driving times. Here is what closes, in plain terms:
- Veterans Way — closed both directions between Sixth Street and College Avenue
- College Avenue — closed both directions between Sixth and Seventh Streets
- Eastbound Rio Salado Parkway — closed between Ash Avenue and Mill Avenue
- Northbound Rural Road — closed between Rio Salado Parkway and University Drive
- Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Streets — closed both directions between Forest and College Avenues
- McAllister Drive — closed both directions between University Drive and Terrace Road
- SR-202 off-ramps onto Scottsdale Road — closed in both directions on major game days
- No westbound traffic on Rio Salado from McClintock; no westbound traffic on University Drive from McClintock to Mill
Post-game, Rio Salado between Mill and Ash stays closed for approximately two hours while the stadium empties — meaning anyone who drove in and is trying to exit north or west sits in that corridor for the duration. Ten Valley Metro bus routes run modified detours. For groups arriving from Chandler or Gilbert, the standard routing via Loop 101 North holds up fine until the on-campus closures begin; from the 101, use Rio Salado Parkway to access north lots or continue to University Drive for south structures.
For weekday games specifically, Packard Drive closes to northbound traffic, which affects access to the Gold Lot and south structures — plan via Apache Boulevard to Mill Avenue and then north on 5th or 7th Street instead.
What Size Party Bus or Charter Bus Does Your Group Need for Mountain America Stadium?
Group sizes for Sun Devil games and Cactus Bowl trips run the full spectrum — a 15–35 passenger minibus handles a department outing or a smaller fan group, a 25-passenger party bus is the right fit for a birthday or bachelorette group making the game their night out, and a 40–56 passenger charter bus handles large fan clubs or out-of-town groups arriving from the airport. Here is how the vehicle lineup from Partybuschandler.net's network breaks down for a Mountain America Stadium run.
| Vehicle | Typical seats | Gear / tailgate haul | Best for | Key amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-passenger Sprinter limo / Sprinter van | Up to 14 | Modest — coolers, a few bags | Small groups, VIP or suite holders, Chandler neighborhood groups | Premium leather, USB charging, tinted windows |
| Party bus (15–50 passengers) | ~15–50 | Onboard, lighter gear | Fan groups that want the energy to start on the ride up | LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs, perimeter seating |
| 15–35 passenger minibus | ~15–35 | Overhead plus some underfloor | Mid-size groups, corporate ASU-event shuttles, neighborhood outings | Powerful A/C, plush reclining seats — built for Arizona heat |
| 40–56 passenger charter bus | Up to 56 | Excellent — deep undercarriage bays | Large fan clubs, out-of-town groups, Cactus Bowl travel parties | Reclining seats, climate control, overhead storage, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, undercarriage bays |
The A/C is not a throwaway feature at an Arizona game — a minibus with powerful climate control matters for groups that are doing multiple stops or waiting for a late-night event. For large groups hauling tailgate gear, a full-size charter bus's undercarriage bays hold folding tables, grills, and coolers without touching the cabin. ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network; note it in your quote request and give at least 48 hours of lead time.
See the full vehicle lineup or call 602-627-0325 to talk through which vehicle actually makes sense for your headcount.
Sun Devil Stadium Party Bus & Charter Bus Rental Prices
Partybuschandler.net shows you quotes in under 30 seconds through the online tool — no account needed, no obligation. The price for a Mountain America Stadium run is shaped by four things: vehicle size, total hours dedicated to your group (including staging time during the game), your pickup location, and the date.
To give you an idea of the planning range: a minibus runs roughly $200–$275/hour on weekdays and $200–$275/hour on weekends, with a per-day range of $1,100–$2,150. A 25-passenger party bus runs roughly $250–$350/hour on weekdays and $275–$375/hour on weekends. A full-size charter bus runs roughly $200–$350/hour on both weekday and weekend dates, with a per-day range of $1,350–$2,850.
The price for your trip moves with your specific date, route, hours, and the vehicle you choose — those ranges are planning figures to give you a starting point, not a quote. Fill out the online form or call 602-627-0325 and you can have pricing for your specific trip in about a minute.
A Game-Day Example from Chandler
To give you an idea: a 36-person fan group from Chandler books a 40-passenger party bus for a Saturday night Sun Devils game. Pickup at 3:00 p.m. from a Chandler neighborhood, at the stadium's Copper/RV Lot staging area by 4:30 p.m. — well ahead of any closure activation. The group tailgates through 6:30 p.m., gates open at 7:00 p.m., kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
The bus stages through the game and picks the group up at an agreed spot after the final whistle, once the stadium empties. A 7-hour rental at that size might come to roughly $2,300 — around $64 per person. That number covers the Loop 101 crawl, parking, the post-game wait, and the whole return trip, leaving everyone free to actually enjoy the game.
Check the Chandler party bus prices page for more on how rates are shaped, or call 602-627-0325 any time for a free quote at no obligation.
Tailgating at Mountain America Stadium: What Bus Groups Need to Know
Sun Devil tailgating is one of the better game-day experiences in the Pac/Big 12 world — reserved passholder lots open seven hours before kickoff, and general lots open 5.5 hours out, which gives you a real pregame window. ASU also runs free tailgate zones for most home games (the Dos Equis Pitchfork Pavilion and Coors Light areas were open for the 2025 season). But the rules matter, and they are enforced:
- Propane grills only. Charcoal is prohibited at Mountain America Stadium. If your group wants to grill, propane only — and the bus's undercarriage bays carry everything cleanly.
- Your space, your vehicle. Tailgate directly behind or adjacent to your vehicle in the designated area. Saving or blocking neighboring spaces is not permitted.
- One hour after the game, clear out. All tailgate setups must be broken down within one hour of the game ending. This is also the window where the Rio Salado closure is at its worst — having a bus staging nearby means you break down at your own pace and board when ready, rather than rushing to a car in a closing lot.
The official ASU game-day guide is the authoritative source for current tailgating rules — always worth a quick look before a big game, since special events like the Cactus Bowl may apply different policies.
Tips for Your Mountain America Stadium Visit
A few things that separate the groups who arrive smooth from the ones who are still arguing about parking in the text thread:
- Buy parking before game day. General admission day-of is $20, but lots fill on sold-out games. Season passes for the premium lots require a Sun Devil Club giving level ($2,500 for the Gold and Maroon lots, $600 for Green and Orange, $100 for Black, Copper, Pink, and structures). There is no equivalent of a casual day-of lot for the Copper/RV area on peak event days — confirm your bus's parking arrangements in advance.
- Clear bag only. One clear plastic bag per person, no larger than 12" × 6" × 12", or a one-gallon Ziploc. Small clutch up to 4.5" × 6.5" permitted alongside it. Backpacks, opaque totes, and camera bags are turned away at the gate with no bag check available — everyone returns to the bus or throws them away.
- No re-entry. Once you scan your ticket and enter Mountain America Stadium, you cannot re-enter after exiting. Make sure the group is set before going in.
- Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff for general admission. Premium club members and suite holders enter earlier — check your ticket type.
- 2026 construction is active. About 800 parking spaces near the stadium are directly affected by the new indoor practice facility construction. Lot assignments shifted for the 2026 season; all season ticket holders participated in a re-selection process. Review the current lot map at thesundevils.com before your date — do not assume your group's usual lot is in the same place.
- Weekday games change the plan. Packard Drive closes to northbound traffic during weekday games because of ASU classes. The ASU "Know Before You Go" guides spell out alternate approaches for each game — subscribe to Sun Devil Athletics updates for your specific game-day advisory.
- Arizona heat is real. A pre-kickoff 6 p.m. game in September still sees ambient temperatures in the 90s. A minibus or charter bus with climate control means your group arrives comfortable instead of overheated. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, so plan water for the tailgate window.
Coming from Phoenix Sky Harbor? One Bus from the Terminal Simplifies Everything
For Cactus Bowl groups or out-of-town fans flying into the Phoenix metro, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the closest major airport — about 7 miles from Mountain America Stadium, roughly a 10–20 minute run depending on I-10 and surface-street conditions. The Valley Metro light rail connects Terminal 4 to the Veterans Way/College Avenue station adjacent to the stadium via transfer at the 44th Street/Washington station — workable for individuals, but slow with luggage for a large group.
One charter bus collecting your full group at baggage claim and running them directly to the stadium (or to your hotel first, then the stadium) is the cleanest option when your group is scattered across multiple arrival times. The Chandler airport transportation page covers the full Phoenix airport pickup process, and the PHX shuttle guide has the terminal-specific details for coordinating a group pickup at Sky Harbor. Call 602-627-0325 to set up an airport-to-stadium run for your game day.
2026 Events at Mountain America Stadium: Book by These Dates
Mountain America Stadium is a year-round venue with a 2026 calendar that runs from September football all the way to a nationally televised bowl game on Christmas evening. Here is what is on the books, and when bus availability typically gets tight:
- 2026 ASU Sun Devil Football Home Schedule. Six home games at Mountain America Stadium: Morgan State (September 5, 7 p.m.), Baylor (October 3), Hawai'i (October 10), Kansas State (October 24), Colorado (November 7), and Oklahoma State (November 21). The Colorado and Oklahoma State games at the back half of the season are rivalry-caliber matchups that sell out early and drive demand for group transportation in the same window. Book early for those two.
- Cactus Bowl — December 26, 2026, 5:30 p.m. MST on ABC. The Cactus Bowl returns to Mountain America Stadium for the first time since 2015 — a Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup on primetime ABC on Christmas evening. Bowl games draw out-of-town fans from both schools, and the East Valley is the natural base for groups following either conference. Vehicle supply on bowl weekend shrinks faster than regular-season games — if your group is targeting December 26, book as soon as your headcount is locked.
For regular-season Saturday home games, two to four weeks of lead time typically gives you solid vehicle availability. For the Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Cactus Bowl dates, book earlier — the groups that call in September and October for December have the best vehicle options. Call 602-627-0325 to check availability for your date right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does a charter bus drop off at Mountain America Stadium?
ASU's official game-day guide designates fan drop-off near the South Packard Drive Structure (Stadium Structure 7), on the southwest side of the stadium adjacent to the south gates, with courtesy cart service available from there for guests with limited mobility. Buses and oversized vehicles park in the Copper/RV Lot on the north side of the stadium, accessed from Rio Salado Parkway turning north. Because the specific drop-off approach can vary by event — and because Veterans Way closes two hours before kickoff — confirm your exact vehicle routing with ASU Parking and Transit at 480-727-0000 before game day.
Where do buses park at Mountain America Stadium?
Buses and RVs use the Copper/RV Lot, located on the north side of the stadium along Rio Salado Parkway. The 2025 season parking pass for the RV Lot runs $500; the adjacent Copper Lot is $100. General admission lots are $20 per vehicle on game day.
The Copper/RV Lot is entered from Rio Salado Parkway. Because the 2026 construction season has shifted lot assignments for some areas, check the official Mountain America Stadium parking page for the current map before you finalize your approach.
How much does it cost to rent a bus to Mountain America Stadium from Chandler?
Pricing depends on vehicle size, hours, and the specific date. As planning ranges: a minibus runs $200–$275/hour on weekdays, a mid-size party bus around $250–$375/hour on weekends, and a full-size charter bus typically $200–$350/hour on either. The number for your trip is shaped by your exact headcount, pickup location, and how many hours the bus is dedicated to your group.
Fill out the online form or call 602-627-0325 — you get actual pricing in about a minute.
What roads close around Mountain America Stadium on game day?
Closures begin 5.5 hours before kickoff and hold through one hour after the game. The main ones: Veterans Way (both directions) between Sixth Street and College Avenue; College Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets; eastbound Rio Salado Parkway between Ash and Mill Avenues; northbound Rural Road between Rio Salado Parkway and University Drive; and the SR-202 westbound and eastbound off-ramps onto Scottsdale Road on major event days. Post-game, Rio Salado between Mill and Ash stays closed for roughly two hours.
For weekday games, Packard Drive closes to northbound traffic. Because Valley Metro reroutes ten bus lines during game days, check valleymetro.org if any of your group is using public transit.
What is the bag policy at Mountain America Stadium?
Mountain America Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy. Each guest may carry one clear plastic bag no larger than 12" × 6" × 12" — or a one-gallon clear Ziploc bag — plus one small clutch no larger than 4.5" × 6.5". Backpacks, large purses, camera bags, and any solid-colored or non-transparent bags are prohibited.
There is no bag check at the stadium — prohibited items must go back to the vehicle or be discarded at the gate.
Can a charter bus stay during the game and pick us up after?
Yes. The bus is reserved for your entire block of hours, so it stages in the Copper/RV Lot during the game and is ready at an agreed pickup spot when your group exits. Set that pickup window and location before your group goes into the stadium — because post-game Rio Salado closures can last up to two hours, you want everyone meeting in one spot rather than trying to coordinate via text in the post-game pedestrian rush.
What size group is a Chandler party bus or charter bus right for?
A private bus is the clear choice once your group reaches 15 or more people heading to Mountain America Stadium. Below that, the Valley Metro Light Rail from Chandler's connected East Valley stations (via Mesa transfers) or a couple of rideshares may be simpler. At 15 and above, the coordination cost of separate cars — multiple parking passes, split ETAs, and the post-game scramble — tips decisively toward one vehicle.
At 40–56 people, a full charter bus is almost always cheaper per head than any combination of alternatives once you add up parking, gas, and surge-priced rideshares home.
How far in advance should I book for a Sun Devil game or the Cactus Bowl?
For most regular-season home games, two to four weeks of lead time gives you solid options. For high-demand dates — the Colorado and Oklahoma State games in late October and November, and especially the Cactus Bowl on December 26 — book as early as your date is confirmed. Bowl game weekends draw out-of-town fans from both participating conferences, and East Valley vehicle availability shrinks faster on those weekends than on any regular-season Saturday.
Call 602-627-0325 to lock in your date.
Book Your Mountain America Stadium Party Bus or Charter Bus Today
The right bus for your Sun Devil game or Cactus Bowl trip is one quick quote away. Whether your group is 15 Chandler neighbors heading up on the Loop 101 for a Saturday night game or a 50-person fan club flying into Sky Harbor for the bowl game, Partybuschandler.net makes it easy to find, compare, and book charter buses, party buses, minibuses, and Sprinter vans through a large network of bus companies serving Chandler and the entire East Valley. Your group rides together, the bus stages in the Copper/RV Lot during the game, and you leave on your schedule — no surge fare, no parking lot wait, no designated driver debate.
Call 602-627-0325 any time for a free quote, or use the online tool for pricing in under 30 seconds. No account required. Also heading to a Sun Devils hockey game or concert at the arena on the north side of campus?
The Mullett Arena transportation guide covers that trip.
Mountain America Stadium — 500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287
ASU Parking & Transit (game day): text 480-965-3482
