Aztecs Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Brady Hoke

Team Mascot: Montezuma (The Aztec Warrior)

Year Opened: 2022

Capacity: 35000

City / State: San Diego / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle for the Oil Can

Rival Team: Fresno State Bulldogs

Fresno State and San Diego State have been going at it on the gridiron since 1923 when San Diego State took down the Bulldogs 12-2. The series has been off and on between these two schools as they have been in and out of the same conference several times. The Oil Can trophy was added to the series in 2011 and allows one team to have bragging rights over the other. The Battle for the Oil Can is San Diego State’s biggest games of the year, so make sure to be in attendance when the Aztecs battle the Bulldogs for the Oil Can.

Aztecs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at San Diego State is a great way to bring back alumni, as fans from far and wide come to Snapdragon Stadium to cheer on their Aztecs. You’ll have a great time reconnecting with old friends who you haven’t seen in awhile at an Aztecs football game.

San Diego State traditionally plays games at night, which means there is plenty of time to tailgate beforehand all through the day. The fans usually get here bright and early to make a day out of it, so set out early if you want to get the most out of your visit to San Diego.

San Diego State provides a great tailgate destination for visiting fans as well. Aztec fans like most San Diegans are laid back and very friendly meaning that you’ll have no problem getting along with Aztec fans and may even make a few friends. Also, San Diego’s excellent weather means fans from all over like to come to San Diego during the latter part of the season.

The great fans and great weather make tailgating at San Diego State an excellent experience, regardless of what team you support.

Traditions

Aztec Village

Aztec Village is a treasure trove of thrilling experiences that will leave you captivated from the moment you arrive. One of the highlights of the village is the epic throne, an iconic symbol of power and fandom. Take your seat upon this majestic throne and feel like royalty as you revel in the anticipation of the game ahead. It’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the multitude of incredible offerings at Aztec Village.

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Warrior Walk

One way to get into the San Diego State gameday spirit is to take in the Warrior Walk. During the Warrior Walk, you’ll have the chance to come face to face with Aztec players and coaches as they are lead into the stadium by the band and cheer teams.

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Where to tailgate

Aztecs Stadium Guide

In Game

You’ll find the San Diego State crowd has many diehards who come out to support their Aztecs. All throughout the stadium, you’ll find pockets of boisterous and knowledgeable fans who have been supporting the Aztecs for years. You’ll also find a plethora of #28 jerseys in honor of former San Diego State great Marshall Faulk. The fans at San Diego State enhance the gameday atmosphere and let you know exactly where you are all throughout the game.

The weather in San Diego also helps contribute to a great game day experience as unlike other places in the Mountain West you’ll usually find sunny bright blue skies even in the colder months of the year. The beautiful weather helps to provide a great atmosphere where everyone can have fun without worrying about freezing their behinds off.

One of the unique aspects of attending an Aztecs game at Snapdragon Stadium is the fact that you get to experience a venue where not only have some of the greatest San Diego State players played, but also some of the greats players in the history of the NFL as well. Snapdragon Stadium is one of only three stadiums to have hosted the Super Bowl, World Series, and MLB All Star Game. Regardless of the event, you’re sure to have a great time at Snapdragon Stadium under the bright blue San Diego skies.

Things to check out

Jack Murphy Bust

Jack Murphy, a prominent figure in San Diego’s sports world, played a key role in convincing the Los Angeles Chargers to move south. His statue, accompanied by his loyal dog Abe, now stands outside Snapdragon Stadium, gazing towards Los Angeles. Fans once saw his statue at the entrance of the former Qualcomm Stadium, affectionately known as “the Murph.” Jack Murphy’s contributions to San Diego’s sports legacy are comparable to the iconic Tony Gwynn among sports reporters. His enduring influence reminds us of the power of dedication and passion in shaping a community’s athletic triumphs

Fan Mural Behind Scoreboard

The mural behind the scoreboard at SDCCU Stadium is historic and beautiful. It depicts the fans and is a great way to show off the pride and passion that San Diego fans have. So if you get a chance, stop by and take a picture.

Spear Throw

Before every game, a famous Aztec alumni throws a spear igniting the crowd into a frenzy. This exciting tradition is a surefire way to get you out of your seat and onto your feat.

Warrior Shield

The Warrior Shield can be found on the San Diego State sideline at all Aztecs football games. After each victory, the team captains hold the shield up during the singing of the school’s fight song.

Night Games

Unlike most schools who play the majority of their games during the day, it is traditional for San Diego State to play their games at night. Since 1930 the Aztecs have played over 75% of their games, both home and away, at night.

Montezuma

The Aztec Warrior mascot has been making appearances at San Diego State sporting events since 1941. Montezuma exudes enthusiasm and school spirit as he riles up the crowd to give the Aztecs as much of an advantage as possible.

Black Uniforms

The signature look of San Diego State is their all black home uniforms, which can be traced back to 1963. The all black uniforms were chosen because of the ominous presence they create especially when playing at night.

Fight Songs

  1. S-D-S-U! Chant

    S-D-S-U!

    S-D-S-U!

    S-D-S-U!

  2. Fight Song

    Fight on and on ye Aztec men
    Sons of Montezuma We will win again Keep your spirits high Never bow a knee
    We will fight till victory
    Fight on and on ye Aztec men
    Proudly raise your banners high
    For it’s the Red and Black
    Hail to our team
    San Diego Aztecs fight!

  3. Uprising

    When the band plays this song the student section chants along with the chorus “They will not force us/They will stop degrading us/They will not control us/We will be victorious!”

    Paranoia is in bloom
    The PR transmissions will resume
    They’ll try to push drugs that keep us all dumbed down
    And hope that we will never see the truth around
    (So come on)

    Another promise, another seed
    Another packaged lie to keep us trapped in greed
    And all the green belts wrapped around our minds
    And endless red tape to keep the truth confined
    (So come on)

    [Hook]
    They will not force us
    They will stop degrading us
    They will not control us
    We will be victorious
    (So come on)

    Interchanging mind control
    Come let the revolution take its toll
    If you could flick the switch and open your third eye
    You’d see that we should never be afraid to die
    (So come on)

    Rise up and take the power back
    It’s time the fat cats had a heart attack
    You know that their time’s coming to an end
    We have to unify and watch our flag ascend
    (So come on)

    [Hook]
    They will not force us
    They will stop degrading us
    They will not control us
    We will be victorious
    (So come on)

    Hey, hey, hey, hey
    Hey, hey, hey, hey
    Hey, hey, hey, hey

    [Hook]
    They will not force us
    They will stop degrading us
    They will not control us
    We will be victorious
    (So come on)

  4. I Believe That We Will Win

    Leader: I
    Crowd: I
    Leader: I believe
    Crowd: I believe
    Leader: I believe that
    Crowd: I believe that
    Leader: I believe that we
    Crowd: I believe that we
    Leader: I believe that we will win!
    Crowd: I believe that we will win!

    (until crowd starts to quiet)

Aztecs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Johnny B’s

    Johnny Bs

    Enjoy burgers, brews and specialty cocktails at this local La Mesa restaurant & bar featuring 23 HDTVs, covered patio dining and friendly service.

    8393 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

    619-464-2465

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

    Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

    Your best restaurant choice for food, cocktails and the best happy hour in Oceanside California and San Diego County.

    208 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA

    760-231-6278

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Oggi’s Sports I Brewhouse I Pizza

    Oggis Sports Brewhouse Pizza

    Oggi’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza is the place to feed your passion for sports, award-winning craft beers, and delicious food.

    2245 Fenton Pkwy #101, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

    619-640-1072

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $$

  4. Jaynes Gastropub

    Jaynes Gastropub bar

    In true Gastropub form, Jaynes serves an eclectic menu including many English Classics such as Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, and Lamb Shepherd’s Pie.

    4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116, USA

    619-563-1011

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. McGregor’s Grill & Ale House

    McGregors Grill and Ale House

    Here at McGregor's Ale House we believe in great food, a broad selection of craft beer and offering a comfortable place for friends and neighbors to come together.

    10475 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

    619-282-9797

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. San Diego Brewing Co

    San Diego Brewing Co

    San Diego Brewing Company is a full-service restaurant and brewery with 50 taps, including fresh brews made on premise as well as local and imported craft beers.

    10450 Friars Rd l, San Diego, CA 92120, USA

    619-284-BREW

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

    Wood Ranch BBQ

    Wood Ranch provides a distinctive, premium-casual dining experience by offering a reasonably priced, all-American menu featuring made-from-scratch signature items.

    7510 Hazard Center Dr #215, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

    619-764-4411

    Bar website

    american - bbq - steakhouse - $$

  8. Tacos El Gordo

    Tacos El Gordo

    Offers authentic Tijuana taco experience features handmade corn tortillas, top grade meats and the freshest ingredients.

    3265 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154, USA

    619-575-7280

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  9. Cafe 21

    Cafe twenty one

    At Café 21, it’s always happy hour! We’re serving up brunch, dinner and a complete line of craft cocktails every day of the week.

    2736 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, USA

    619-795-0721

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill- Mission Valley

    Sammys Woodfired Pizza Grill Mission Valley

    Eat Well. Feel Good. Serving woodfired pizza, tasty tapas, and infamous messy sundaes.

    1620 Camino De La Reina e, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

    619-298-8222

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Filippis Pizza Grotto

    Filippis Pizza Grotto

    Filippi’s family style restaurant and bar offers authentic old world Italian Style dishes at affordable prices.

    10330 Friars Rd #101, San Diego, CA 92120, USA

    858-279-7240

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  12. Islands Restaurant

    Islands Restaurant

    They serve great, fresh food with friendly service in a fun atmosphere.

    2441 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

    760-602-9898

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  13. Rudford’s Restaurant

    Rudfords Restaurant

    Rudford’s offers an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that satisfies every craving!

    2900 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, USA

    619-282-8423

    Bar website

    american - $