What can I bring, how do I get to Snapdragon Stadium?

SAN DIEGO – San Diego Wave FC will take the field at Snapdragon Stadium this weekend for their National Women’s Soccer League semifinal playoff game.

The club will face Seattle’s OL Reign on Sunday in a bid to win the team’s first NSWL championship trophy after receiving a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m

While the game is sure to be packed, tickets start at $10 Ticketmaster.

It will be an exciting game for San Diego and the club’s second playoff appearance in many years. This year, however, the Wave enters the postseason as the No. 1 seed and receives the NWSL Shield for having the best regular-season record.

For those making their way to Snapdragon Stadium to cheer on the wave, here’s a rundown of the things you should know before you go.

Move into Snapdragon Stadium

According to Wave officials, the stadium gates will open at 4:30 p.m. for the semifinal game at 6:30 p.m.

However, fans are encouraged to get there before kick-off of the club’s Fanfest and other special celebrations.

The fan fest, featuring face painting, drinks and local food, begins at 3 p.m. on the Northeast Lawn. Then, at 6 p.m., fans in their seats will be treated to a special on-field show.

The first 15,000 fans to enter the gate will also receive a special NWSL Playoffs towel.

What can I bring to Snapdragon Stadium?

Most bags are prohibited at Snapdragon Stadium, with the exception of clear bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. This rule prevents people from bringing large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, or luggage, among other items.

Small clutches or chases no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are permitted. There are also exceptions for certain medication bags or those needed to care for small children.

Baggage check lockers will be available for purchase on the east side of the stadium for guests bringing items not permitted in the stadium.

Outside food is not permitted in the stadium. Sealed, non-frozen water bottles and empty refillable water bottles with a capacity of less than 32 ounces are permitted inside. Any other bottles, cans or beverage containers are not permitted.

A full list of prohibited items can be found at Snapdragon Stadium website under the “Prohibited Items” drop-down list.

Where to park

Parking is available in several lots around Snapdragon Stadium. However, fans are strongly encouraged to purchase a pre-paid parking pass prior to the game.

Snapdragon parking permits can be purchased here Ticketmaster from $35. Each of the prepaid passes reserves a space for riders in a specific parking lot. A map of the stadium property may be provided found here.

Limited drive-up seating may also be available, but prices will likely be higher on game day. Snapdragon officials encourage those driving to the event to purchase the pass before the event or use an alternative mode of transportation.

For more information about parking, including accessible spaces and parking for bicycles and oversized vehicles, visit Snapdragon Stadium website.

Public transport

Taking MTS is a great option for those looking for an alternative mode of transport to get to Sunday’s semi-final match, as there is a direct tram connection to Snapdragon Stadium.

Fans traveling to the game can access the stadium via the Green Line. Ahead of the game, MTS will offer three service enhancements to accommodate more riders, in addition to the Green Line’s normal Sunday service:

• Two additional eastbound trains depart from Gaslamp Quarter at 4:59 p.m. and 5:14 p.m
• Extended trips to provide 15-minute service between El Cajon and Stadium Station at 4:44 p.m., 5:14 p.m. and 5:44 p.m

According to MTS officials, additional service will be provided between the old town and the stadium station if necessary.

After the game, five additional trains will be available at the stadium station to provide an improved departure service.

The UC San Diego Blue and Orange Lines will have regular service before and after the game on Sundays.

Fans riding the trolley are asked to use the free parking at the MTS transit station before boarding. A full list of park and ride locations can be found here found here.

For those riding the trolleybus, MTS encourages fans to download the PRONTO app or use a PRONTO card and preload $5 to cover the adult round-trip fare. Seniors and youth with the Youth Opportunity Pass can ride either for free or at a reduced rate.

More information about MTS Transit can be found here found here.

Can I use cash at the stadium?

No, Snapdragon Stadium is a cashless venue.

However, for those bringing cash into the stadium, “reverse ATMs” are available on-site that load the cash onto a prepaid debit card for easy ordering from concessions and retail outlets. The ATMs are located within the southeast and southwest entrances.