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SoFi Stadium Game Day Guide

Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Tailgating starts 3-4 hours early. Here is everything you need to know before you arrive, from which gate to enter to how to exit without sitting in traffic for an hour.

SoFi Stadium Game Day Fast Facts

Gates open (NFL)90 min before kickoff
Tailgate lots open3-4 hrs before kickoff
Bag policyNFL clear bag (12x6x12 max)
Main entry gatesEast, West, North, South
RoofETFE canopy - covered, open sides
ParkingPre-purchase only, no walk-up
Rideshare zonesHollywood Park campus perimeter
Nearest MetroK Line, Westchester/Veterans
Timing

When to Arrive at SoFi Stadium

3-4 hours early
Tailgaters

Lots 1-7 open 3-4 hours before NFL kickoff. Arrive early to get the prime tailgate spot near your section. Grills, chairs, and tents are welcome. The Hollywood Park retail district also opens early if you prefer restaurants to the lot.

90 minutes early
Standard arrival

Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Security lines are typically manageable at this point. You will have time to find your section, grab food, and settle in without the peak rush.

60 minutes early
Efficient arrival

Security starts building 45-60 minutes before kickoff. If you have a clear bag ready to open and no prohibited items, you can still get through in time. Concerts and regular-season games: 60 minutes is fine. Playoff games and prime time matchups: give yourself more.

30 minutes early
Cutting it close

Security lines peak 30 minutes before kickoff. For sell-out NFL games, this will mean a real wait. You may miss the opening drive. Not recommended for playoff games or any event where the crowd is near capacity.

Entry

SoFi Stadium Gates Guide

SoFi Stadium has four main entry gates. Match your gate to your section for the shortest walk to your seat.

East Gate

C111-C124 (midfield east side)

Mid-field sections on the east sideline. Best entry for press-box side midfield seats.

West Gate

C125-C137 (midfield west side)

Mid-field sections on the west sideline. Standard NFL sideline seating entry.

South Gate

C100-C110, 300, 400, 500 south

South end zone and upper-level south sections. Also serves the South end zone suites.

North Gate

300-500 north, upper deck

Upper deck north and north end zone sections. Escalators to 300, 400, and 500 levels.

Tip: Your digital ticket will show a recommended entry gate. When in doubt, use the gate closest to your parking lot and follow concourse signage once inside to reach your section.
Before the Game

Tailgating at SoFi Stadium

Tailgating is permitted in Hollywood Park lots 1-7. Lots open 3-4 hours before NFL kickoff. Here is what you need to know:

Allowed

  • Propane grills and gas grills
  • Charcoal grills with mat underneath
  • Tents and canopies
  • Folding chairs and tables
  • Personal coolers
  • Food brought from outside

Not Allowed

  • Open flames directly on asphalt
  • Alcohol brought from outside
  • Generators (in most sections)
  • Glass bottles
  • Remote/shuttle lot tailgating
  • Saving spaces for other vehicles

The Hollywood Park retail district on the campus perimeter also has full-service restaurants and bars open before and after games. If you prefer a sit-down pre-game meal over the lot scene, this is your best option without leaving the campus.

Packing

What to Bring to SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium enforces the NFL clear bag policy at all events. One clear bag (max 12" x 6" x 12") and one small clutch (max 4.5" x 6.5") per person.

Clear bag (12×6×12 max)
Small clutch or wallet (4.5×6.5 max)
Digital or printed ticket
Sealed factory water bottle
Sunscreen (in clear container)
Phone charger / external battery
Backpack of any size
Opaque purse or tote
Camera with detachable lens
Outside food beyond venue policy
Full SoFi Stadium bag policy guide
Insider Tips

SoFi Stadium Tips From Experience

Security Tip: Bag Ready Before the Line

Open your clear bag before you reach the security checkpoint. Have your ticket ready on your phone with the screen brightness up. Items loose in your pockets should go into your bag while you are still in line, not at the scanner. This alone cuts your security time in half compared to people who wait until they are at the front.

Concessions: Go During the First Quarter

Concession lines at SoFi peak at halftime and during TV timeouts in the first quarter. If you want food, order as soon as you reach your seat at the opening kickoff and walk the stand during the first drive. Halftime means a 20-minute wait at every stand near a busy section.

Finding Your Section: Know Your Level

SoFi Stadium has five numbered levels (100 through 500) plus suites. The main entry concourse connects to the 200 Club level on one side and ramps down to 100-level field sections. Escalators near all four gates take you to 300, 400, and 500 levels. When in doubt, ask any stadium staff member - they are stationed throughout the concourses.

Rideshare: Wait 25-30 Minutes After the Game

Requesting an Uber or Lyft immediately after the final whistle means peak surge pricing and a driver fighting through 70,000 departing fans. The most cost-effective approach: pick a meeting spot away from the gates before the game, wait 25-30 minutes inside for the initial surge to pass, then walk to your spot and request the ride. Price and wait time both drop significantly after the first rush.

Parking Exit: Go South or East

Fans heading north on the 405 after SoFi games consistently hit the worst traffic backup. If you have any flexibility, head south toward the 105 or east on Century Blvd toward the 110. Even an extra 10 minutes sitting in your car before trying to exit can make a significant difference in total time to get home.

FAQ

SoFi Stadium Game Day Questions

What time do SoFi Stadium gates open?+
SoFi Stadium gates open 90 minutes before kickoff for NFL games and 90 minutes before showtime for concerts. Tailgating in official Hollywood Park lots starts 3-4 hours before NFL games. For major events like Monday Night Football or playoffs, plan to arrive when lots open to get the full pre-game experience.
Which gate should I use at SoFi Stadium?+
SoFi Stadium has four main entry gates: East, West, North, and South. Match your gate to your section: 100-level field sections near the south end use the South gate; midfield sections use East or West gates depending on side; 300, 400, and 500 level sections in the north use the North gate. Your ticket will indicate the recommended entry gate.
How early should I arrive to SoFi Stadium?+
For NFL games, arrive at least 60-90 minutes before kickoff if you are not tailgating, or 3-4 hours early if you want to tailgate. For concerts, arriving 60 minutes before showtime is typically sufficient. Security lines peak 30-45 minutes before kickoff - arriving earlier means a shorter wait to get inside.
What can I bring to SoFi Stadium?+
SoFi enforces the NFL clear bag policy for all events. You may bring one clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" and one small clutch or wallet no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages in sealed factory-sealed containers (such as a sealed water bottle) are typically permitted. No backpacks, camera bags, or opaque bags of any size.
Can you tailgate at SoFi Stadium?+
Yes. Hollywood Park lots 1-7 allow tailgating. Lots open 3-4 hours before NFL kickoff. Propane grills and charcoal grills with a mat under them are permitted. Open flames directly on asphalt are not allowed. Tents and chairs are permitted. Alcohol brought from outside is generally not allowed in the tailgate lots. There are also bars and restaurants in the Hollywood Park retail district if you prefer a seated pre-game experience.
How do you get to your seats at SoFi Stadium?+
Enter through the gate corresponding to your section. Once inside, section numbers are posted clearly throughout the concourses. Field-level 100 sections are one level down from the main concourse. Club 200 level, 300 mezzanine, 400, and 500 upper levels are accessed via escalators and stairs from the main entry concourse. Allow extra time to navigate on your first visit.
How do you exit SoFi Stadium after a game?+
Plan for 30-60 minutes to exit the parking lots after an NFL game. The most effective strategy: stay in your seat for 10-15 minutes after the final whistle to let the initial crush clear, then walk to your car. Lots adjacent to the stadium (Lots 1-3) take the longest to exit. If you parked in remote lots, shuttle buses run for 90 minutes post-game. Rideshare pickup is best requested 20-30 minutes after the game ends, once surge pricing has dropped.
Is SoFi Stadium covered from rain?+
Yes. SoFi Stadium has a translucent ETFE canopy roof that covers the entire seating bowl, protecting fans from rain and direct sun. However, the stadium is open on the sides, so wind can still be a factor and temperatures will track the outside air. It is not a fully enclosed, climate-controlled dome. You will stay dry in rain but should still dress for the weather.

More SoFi Stadium Guides

Parking GuideBag PolicySeating ChartFood & ConcessionsHotels NearbyStadium Facts

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