Stanford Cardinal Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Jerod Haase

Team Mascot: Stanford Tree

Year Opened: 1969

Capacity: 7233

City / State: Stanford / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Stanford Cardinal vs California Golden Bears

Rival Team: California Golden Bears

Stanford and Cal absolutely hate each other and there is no love lost when the two meet on the hardwood. The hatred between these two Bay Area schools runs deep and you won’t want to miss it when they square off. Cal leads the all-time series 146-117, but the games between these two are always close contests. Come out and support Stanford when Cal comes to town.

Stanford Cardinal Stadium Guide

In Game

The Stanford Band and Stanford Tree are one of the best bands and mascots in the nation, who alone make a trip to Maples Pavilion worth the price of admission. There are few if any bands who put on a better show than the Stanford Band. This wild group of musicians is a hoot and a must-see for any college sports fan. The Tree is no slouch either and is a big part of any Stanford sporting event, so enjoy the performances of these two groups when attending a Cardinal basketball game.

At a Stanford basketball game, you’ll also be able to experience the unique opportunity to see a basketball game outdoors. Well only somewhat, the concourse and court are located in two separate buildings creating a one of a kind indoor-outdoor feel you’ll only find at Maples Pavilion. The weather in Palo Alto is usually beautiful, so it’s quite refreshing to experience a nice breeze while walking the concourse.

Stanford has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, and Palo Alto is also quite pretty, so take some time to explore the nearby area. There are also lots of restaurants, bars, and shops to check out as well. The Patio and The Old Pro are the favorite sports bars among Stanford fans, but if you’re looking for something different try Pampas Brazilian steakhouse.

The fun atmosphere created by Stanford superb band and mascot along with the excellent location of Maples Pavilion making attending a Cardinal basketball game an incredible experience for any college basketball fan.

Things to check out

Concessions

At most college basketball venues you’ll find only standard stadium fare such as hot dogs and fries, but at Maples Pavilion there are a wide variety of concessions options. The “From the Farm, For the Farm” stand has a bunch of premium options including a spicy black bean burger and Gordon Biersch garlic fries. If those options don’t excite you there are is also a California Pizza Kitchen stand, so no matter what you have a taste for you’ll likely find it at Maples Pavilion.

Banners

Hanging in the corners of Maples Pavilion are banners showing off all the accomplishments of the Stanford sports that play there. The men’s basketball banner celebrates the Cardinals two national championships and two final four appearances, so make sure to check it out.

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The Stanford Tree

The Stanford Tree is one of the more colorful mascots in all of college sports as it is the official mascot of the Stanford Band rather than the university. The Tree is also the only mascot in all of sports that is rebuilt every year rather than having a fixed costume. Keep your eyes peeled for the Tree as it will surely provide plenty of entertainment throughout the game.

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Stanford Band

No matter what the venue, the Stanford band is one of the wildest and craziest bands in all of sports. In the past, the band has been reprimanded several times for pulling pranks and has even been banned from other arenas. When attending a Stanford basketball game keep your eyes on the band as you never know what crazy stunts they’ll pull next.

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Nerd Nation

This is the what the legion of Stanford student fans call themselves when supporting their team. The students in the student section show their love and support for the Cardinal by wearing fake nerd glass and nerd nation T-shirts, so if you’re looking to take in a Cardinal game with some of the wildest fans then look no further than the student section.

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Fight Songs

  1. “Come on Join the Band”

    “Come on Join the Band” has been the official Stanford fight song since 1907, so join in on its singing the next time you attend a Cardinal football game. The song pumps up the fans and is a great way to get in on the Stanford spirit.

    Come join the band
    And give a cheer for Stanford red
    Throughout the land
    Our banner waving overhead
    Stanford for you
    Each loyal comrade brave and true
    With might and main sings this refrain
    “Forever and forever Stanford red.”
    After the game
    When Stanford red has won the day
    Praising her name
    Down to the field we’ll force our way
    And on the green
    Each man who joins the serpentine
    With might and main sings this refrain
    “Forever and forever Stanford red.”

  2. “All Right Now”

    “All Right Now” has become somewhat of a de facto fight song for the Cardinal as it is often played throughout the game. It even has gotten so popular that it has displaced the official fight song at football games.

    Whoa-oh-oh-oh-whoa
    There she stood in the street
    Smilin’ from her head to her feet;
    I said, “Hey, what is this?
    Now maybe, baby,
    Maybe she’s in need of a kiss.”
    I said, “Hey, what’s your name?
    Maybe we can see things the same.
    “Now don’t you wait, or hesitate.
    Let’s move before they raise the parking rate.”
    All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.
    All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.
    (Let me tell you now)
    I took her home to my place,
    Watchin’ every move on her face;
    She said, “Look, what’s your game?
    Are you tryin’ to put me to shame?”
    I said “Slow, don’t go so fast, don’t you think that love can last?”
    She said, “Love, Lord above,
    Now you’re tryin’ to trick me in love.”
    All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.
    All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.

Stanford Cardinal Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Patio

    Patio

    Bar with big patio serving gourmet burgers & custom wings & hosting weekly events like karaoke.

    412 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-322-2575

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. NOLA Restaurant & Bar

    Nolas

    Prepare to experience some Cajun ‘con’ Fusion - a fun and eclectic mix of cajun, creole, “southern contemporary” cuisine.

    535 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-328-2722

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Ray’s Grill

    Rays Grill

    Open-late eatery by campus offering fare from burgers to teriyaki in a loungey space with a deck.

    750 Escondido Rd, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

    650-724-7851

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  4. Antonio’s Nut House

    Peanuts

    Lively venue offering a diverse menu of pub grub, import drafts & cocktails, plus TVs & live music.

    321 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA

    650-321-2550

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Dutch Goose

    SpeedZone Tavern Beer Sheridans Irish Pub Beer Kobis Bar & Grill Beer

    Sports bar known for burgers, brews & deviled eggs, with a heated patio, arcade games & 8 TVs.

    3567 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA

    650-854-3245

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. The Old Pro

    Old Prop

    High-energy sports bar known for its Stanford allegiance, happy-hour deals & mechanical bull.

    541 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-326-1446

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Pizza My Heart

    Pizza my Heart

    A family-owned pizza place whose aroma your taste buds will definitely fall in love with!

    220 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-327-9400

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  8. Curry Up Now

    Curry Up

    Curry Up Now offering Indian street food, in a fast casual setting with restaurants, food trucks, catering services and Mortar & Pestle bar.

    321 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-300-4690

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  9. Tacolicious

    Tacolicious

    Branch of an area Mexican chain presents imaginative tacos & margaritas in a hip, relaxed setting.

    632 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    415-649-6077

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Oren’s Hummus Shop

    Orens Hummus

    Many of their ingredients are imported from Israel to create the same traditional tastes that will transport you to a genuine hummus restaurant in Tel Aviv.

    261 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-752-6492

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  11. The REFUGE Menlo Park

    Refuge SC burger

    Cheery gastropub is favored for pastrami sandwiches & other meaty eats chased with Belgian brews.

    66 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

    650-319-8197

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Tootsies At the Stanford Barn

    Tootsie barn

    Charming brick building with outdoor seats serving Italian pastries, breakfast, panini & espresso.

    700 Welch Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA

    650-566-8445

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Palo Alto Creamery

    Palo Alto Creamery

    Retro-style diner known for its milkshakes, also serving a full menu of classic American fare.

    566 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-323-3131

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  14. Kirk’s SteakBurgers

    Kirks SteakBurgers

    An area fast-food veteran turning out fresh-ground, grilled-to-order burgers with steak fries.

    855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    408-371-3565

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  15. Evvia Estiatorio

    Evvia

    Evvia Estiatorio brings the warmth and charm of Greece to Silicon Valley. From the moment you enter our restaurant, the Hellenic tradition of hospitality will surround you.

    420 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

    650-326-0983

    Bar website

    european - $$$