Cal Poly Mustangs Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Paul Wulff

Team Mascot: Musty the Mustang

Year Opened: 1935

Capacity: 11075

City / State: San Luis Obispo / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle for the Golden Horseshoe

Rival Team: UC Davis Aggies

The Battle for the Golden Horseshoe takes place each year between Cal Poly and UC Davis. The two schools first met on the gridiron in 1939. However, the rivalry didn’t officially begin until 2004. The all-time series between these two is tied at 20-20-2 all-time, so come out and cheer on the Mustangs as they look to break the tie.

Cal Poly Mustangs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate before a Mustangs game. Students, alumni, and fans show up outside Alex G. Spanos stadium before the game to grill and drink before the game creating a fun pregame atmosphere. Everywhere you look, you’ll see fans throwing back beers, dancing, and enjoying themselves. The majority of tailgating takes place along South Perimeter and College Avenue, so reserve your spot and join in the fun.

Additionally, make sure to check out the Mustang Memorial Plaza before the game. The plaza pays remembrance to the Mustangs players and personnel who lost their lives in a plane crash during the 1960 season. The memorial is a must-see for any longtime Mustangs fans, although even new fans should take the time to see it.

Tailgating is a fun way to spend some time before a Mustangs game, so get here early and enjoy the festivities.

Traditions

Mustang Memorial Plaza

Make sure to check out the Mustang Memorial Plaza outside the stadium. The plaza pays remembrance to those who died in a plane crash during the 1960 season and contains a mustang statue in the center and 18 pillars, one for each member of the Cal Poly football team lost in the crash.

Where to tailgate

Cal Poly Mustangs Stadium Guide

In Game

Cal Poly is home to one of the most beautiful backdrops in the FCS as you’ll have a gorgeous view of the San Luis Mountains and Bishop’s Peak. In addition to the fantastic view, Alex G. Spanos stadium is also home to a lively atmosphere as Cal Poly fans cheer loudly for the Mustangs throughout the game. Even when the team is struggling, you’ll still hear cheers and chants coming from the stands.

The fans aren’t the only one who make the atmosphere inside Alex G. Spanos stadium a fun one. The Mustang Ban puts on an incredible show as well. The band’s halftime show is excellent, and during the game, their music provides a great backdrop to the action on the field.

Finally, Cal Poly is home to not one but two great mascots. The live mascot Chase is a must-see for anyone taking in a game at Cal Poly, and if you like goofy mascots, then you’ll love Cal Poly’s costumed mascot Musty.

A Cal Poly football game is a fantastic time for any FCS football fan, so get your tickets to a Mustangs game today.

Things to check out

Rose Garden and Fountain

Take some time to check out the rose garden and fountain behind the scoreboard. Both are quite beautiful and fun to see when attending a Mustangs game.

Chase

Don’t miss Cal Poly’s live mascot Chase the mustang. Chase made his debut at Cal Poly’s home opener in 2014 and since then has become a must-see part of every Mustangs football game.

play Watch video

Mustang Band

Enjoy the performance of the Cal Poly Mustang Band during the game. The band provides quite a bit of atmosphere throughout the game as they play “Ride High, You Mustangs” after every touchdown and “Yea Poly” after every extra point and field goal.

play Watch video

Cheer Team

The cheer team does an excellent job of pumping up the crowd throughout the game. Join in the cheer team’s chants to help give the Mustangs as much of a home field advantage as possible.

Musty the Mustang

Keep an eye out for Cal Poly’s costumed mascot Musty the Mustang. Musty is a favorite among fans young and old, and you never know what kind of antics he’ll get into next making him a fun part of every game.

Fight Songs

  1. Ride High, You Mustangs

    Ride High You Mustangs,
    Kick the frost out burn the breeze,
    Ride High You Mustangs,
    The bow wows we’ll knock to their knees

    Hi Ki Yi

    Ride High You Mustangs
    Chin the moon and do it right
    Ride High and cut a rusty

    Fight! Fight! Fight!

  2. Cal Poly Alma Mater

    All Hail Green and Gold
    May your praises e’er be told
    Of friendship and of courage
    And stalwart sons of old
    All Hail Green and Gold
    In your name we shall prevail
    So to California Polytechnic
    Hail! Hail! Hail!

  3. Yea Poly

    On Pacific shores, ‘neath Bishop Peak
    Along the serene San Luis Creek
    Lies our alma mater, grand as can be!
    Many a foe will stalk her ground
    But we, mighty Mustangs, won’t be found
    But valiantly marching to victory!
    Strike up the band for all to hear!
    For our alma mater sing and cheer!
    Ride high and she’ll never fail!
    Banners of green and gold will raise
    And so will the echoes of her praise
    For Cal Poly will prevail!
    YEA POLY!

  4. First Down...Mustangs!

    First Down…Mustangs!

    First Down…Mustangs!

    First Down…Mustangs!

Cal Poly Mustangs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Charlie’s Place

    burger

    We serve our famous homemade American & Mexican Food. We also have a full service bar, drink & appetizer specials!

    981 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  2. McCarthy’s Irish Pub

    Skewers Bar Grill Ts Lounge

    Cool place to hang out, have some good drinks while being served by a friendly staff.

    600 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  3. Novo Restaurant & Lounge

    Novo Restaurant Lounge

    Where global cuisine combines with hand selected and crafted beverages with a beautiful atmosphere.

    726 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Buffalo Pub and Grill

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    Filled with local art, this collegial haunt offers pub grub & drink specials, plus TVs & live music.

    717 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Black Sheep Bar & Grill

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Day or night, a visit to Black Sheep Bar & Grill is always a wonderful experience where the ambiance and decor of a true European pub is recreated right here in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.

    1117 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Creeky Tiki

    Creeky Tiki

    Uses freshest local ingredients, serves local brews and features local bands.

    782 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Bull’s Tavern

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Traditional Not Trendy

    1040 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  8. Koberl At Blue

    Koberl At Blue

    Enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail with dinner in our gracious dining room or while relaxing with family and friends in our urban bar.

    998 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  9. Central Coast Brewing

    Central Coast Brewing

    Central Coast Brewing is a local crafter of small-batch beers with local flavor.

    1422 Monterey St b100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill

    Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill

    Come to Petra if you want to enjoy great Mediterranean Cuisine: Fresh Pita Bread baked as you walk into the door, Signature Pizza's that everybody love, and Beers on tap.

    1210 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  11. Louisa’s Place

    breakfast

    Over the years Louisa’s has become a San Luis Obispo fixture here on Higuera St. A favorite among Cal Poly and Cuesta College students, their families, locals, regulars, tourists, travelers and visitors.

    964 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Splash Cafe

    Splash Cafe

    The bakery features artisan breads, pastries & desserts baked fresh daily. Each item from the bakery is carefully created and guaranteed to delight your senses.

    1491 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  13. Breakfast Buzz

    Breakfast Buzz

    Amazingly delicious breakfast meals, good coffee, and friendly staff.

    295 Cabrillo Hwy, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Milestone Tavern

    Milestone Tavern burger

    Milestone Tavern offers indoor and outdoor patio seating as well as a banquet space for up to 75 people. We offer small bites, pizzas, burgers, salads, seasonal sides, and dessert. Family and kid friendly!

    972 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  15. G-Brothers Smokehouse

    G Brothers Smokehouse ribs

    Famous for ribs that are very tender, juicy and flavorful!

    885 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $