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The Stadium That Changed the Future

Years of vision, planning, and investment transformed Mission Valley and created a new home for San Diego State Athletics.

On November 29, 2017, San Diego State announced plans for a new football stadium in Mission Valley. What followed was years of planning, fundraising, approvals, construction, and community support to bring the project to life.

Designed as a world-class venue for football, soccer, concerts, and community events, the stadium represented far more than a replacement for the former site. It became a cornerstone of SDSU Mission Valley and a defining investment in the university's future.

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"We are building a stadium for Aztec football, international and professional soccer, concerts, and any other event you can think of."

— John David Wicker, SDSU Director of Athletics

Aztec Stadium

Aztec Stadium

November 29, 2017

San Diego State announces plans for a new football stadium.



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SDSU West Groundbreaking

SDSU West Groundbreaking

Momentum continued through major philanthropic gifts, approval from the California State University Board of Trustees, and the execution of the Mission Valley Stadium Purchase & Sale Agreement. Together, those milestones moved the project from concept to construction.

On August 17, 2020, San Diego State officially broke ground on the future home of Aztec Football.

  • $15 Million Gift from Mrs. Dianne L. Bashor (2019)
  • $2.5 Million Gift from The Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation (2020)
  • CSU Board Approval Received March 24, 2020
  • Groundbreaking Ceremony Held August 17, 2020
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Topping Out Ceremony

Topping Out Ceremony

Construction continued throughout 2020 and 2021. On July 13, 2021, the stadium reached another significant milestone with its topping out ceremony, marking the placement of the final structural steel beam at the highest point of the venue.

Months later, on December 6, 2021, the stadium officially received its name: Snapdragon Stadium.

 

 

Aztec Stadium Naming Ceremony

Aztec Stadium Naming Ceremony

December 6, 2021

Snapdragon Stadium officially unveiled as the venue's permanent name.

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Football Tours Snapdragon Stadium

Football Tours Snapdragon Stadium

As construction neared completion, members of the 2022 Aztec Football team received their first look inside the stadium. Wearing hard hats and safety gear, players walked the future field and experienced the venue they would soon call home.



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SDSU FOOTBALL: 2016 STADIUM HYPE VIDEO

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The Fans

The Fans

The stadium's next chapter would be written by the players, students, alumni, and fans who filled it.

From opening day to rivalry games and milestone victories, Snapdragon Stadium quickly became the backdrop for some of the defining moments of a new era in Aztec Football.

Idaho State Victory

Idaho State Victory

September 10, 2022

First Aztec Football victory at Snapdragon Stadium.

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Fresno State Oil Can Victory

Fresno State Oil Can Victory

November 25, 2023

Aztecs reclaim The Old Oil Can in Brady Hoke's final game as head coach.

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Texas A&M Commerce Victory

Texas A&M Commerce Victory

August 31, 2024

First victory under head coach Sean Lewis.

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Cal Victory

Cal Victory

September 20, 2025

34-0 victory over California, SDSU's largest win over a Power Five opponent in Division I history.

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From announcement and groundbreaking to opening day and historic victories, Snapdragon Stadium stands as one of the most transformational projects in San Diego State history.

Built to serve student-athletes, fans, and the broader community, it remains the home of new traditions, unforgettable moments, and the next chapter of SDSU Athletics.

As SDSU enters a new era in the Pac-12, Snapdragon Stadium continues to serve as the home of Aztec Nation and the stage for the next generation of defining moments.