Hoos Ready for Game Day? Safety Tips for Scott Stadium
Game days at the University of Virginia bring thousands of students, fans, families, and visitors together to cheer on the Cavaliers and experience one of UVA’s favorite traditions. With increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, tailgating and large crowds throughout Grounds, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable game day.
The University of Virginia Police Division and Department of Safety and Security encourage everyone attending a game at Scott Stadium to plan ahead, know stadium policies, stay aware of their surroundings and look out for one another. Whether you’re a student heading to the Hill, a longtime season-ticket holder or visiting Grounds for the first time, everyone plays a role in keeping our community safe.
Before heading to Scott Stadium, take a few minutes to review these important safety tips and game-day reminders.
Before You Head to Scott Stadium
Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for traffic, parking, walking to the stadium and security screening.
Download Your Ticket: All Scott Stadium tickets are mobile. Fans should download tickets to their mobile wallet before arriving at the stadium to help avoid delays at the gates. Student IDs are no longer accepted for admission to athletic events.
Arrive Early: Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the area surrounding Scott Stadium before and after the game. Follow directions from law enforcement officers, parking personnel and event staff.
Know the Clear Bag Policy: Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12". One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags are also permitted. Small clutch bags or wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted and do not have to be clear. Leave backpacks, large purses, fanny packs, coolers, and other prohibited bags at home.
Be Ready for Security Screening: Scott Stadium entry gates use walk-through metal detectors. Guests who cannot use a walk-through detector may be screened using a hand-held detector. Leaving unnecessary items at home can help everyone move through the gates more quickly.
New for 2026: Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Fans have a new way to stay hydrated while reducing waste at Scott Stadium this season.
Clear, see-through reusable plastic water bottles under 40 ounces are now permitted inside Scott Stadium. Bottles must be empty when entering Scott Stadium. Glass, aluminum and single-use bottles are not permitted.
Once inside, fans can fill their bottles at potable water stations located on the lower concourse.
The change supports UVA's ongoing sustainability efforts. Every home football game at Scott Stadium is also designated a Green Game, with composting and recycling opportunities available throughout the stadium.
Celebrate Responsibly
Game day is a time to celebrate, but fans are encouraged to know their limits and make plans before drinking alcohol.
Outside alcoholic beverages and containers are not permitted inside Scott Stadium. Alcohol is available for purchase inside the stadium for guests of legal drinking age.
If you choose to drink:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Eat before and while consuming alcohol.
- Never drive impaired.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange another safe way home.
- Never leave a friend who may need help alone.
- If someone appears to be experiencing a medical emergency, contact event staff, public safety personnel, or call 911.
Look Out for Your Fellow Hoos
Thousands of people moving through the same area means everyone has a role in keeping game day safe.
Drivers should slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians, particularly around intersections, parking areas and crosswalks near Scott Stadium. Pedestrians should use designated crossings, obey traffic signals and remain alert when walking near roadways.
Fans are also encouraged to stay with their group and establish a meeting location in case anyone becomes separated. Keep your phone charged and be aware of your surroundings.
If you see something concerning or need assistance, notify the nearest police officer, security officer or event staff member.
Know Before You Go
Several additional Scott Stadium policies are important for fans to remember:
No Re-Entry: Once you leave Scott Stadium, re-entry is prohibited. An exception may be made following an emergency evacuation if the stadium reopens and guests have proof of their ticket.
No Field Access: Fans may not enter the field before, during, or after the game. The restriction protects fans, student-athletes, coaches and officials.
Leave Prohibited Items at Home: Weapons, fireworks, drones, artificial noisemakers, coolers, umbrellas, outside food and beverages and other prohibited items are not permitted inside Scott Stadium.
Gas Grills Only: Tailgating is permitted, but charcoal grills are prohibited. Grilling of any kind is prohibited in parking garages. Keep roads and fire lanes clear for emergency vehicles.
Scott Stadium is Cashless: Concessions, team shops, and ticket operations accept cards rather than cash.
Know Where to Find Medical Assistance
Medical professionals staff first-aid stations throughout Scott Stadium. Fans who need medical assistance should visit the nearest first-aid station or notify an event staff member.
First-aid stations are located at:
Lower Concourse: Sections 101, 116 and 131
Upper Concourse: Section 520
If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or alert the nearest public safety or event staff member immediately.
Stay Weather Aware
Weather conditions can change quickly, especially during late-summer events. Fans should check the forecast before leaving home and continue monitoring conditions throughout the day.
Fans can text HOOSFB to 434-826-2868 to receive updates about weather and potential game delays.
If severe weather affects the game, follow instructions provided through stadium announcements, text notifications, UVA officials, and public safety personnel. If an evacuation is ordered, leave the stadium and seek shelter until officials announce that it is safe to return.
Designated University buildings surrounding Scott Stadium may be opened as temporary shelters during an evacuation. Look for signs identifying official shelter locations.
Fans are also encouraged to download the UVA Ready App for UVA Alerts, emergency procedures, safety resources and important contact information.
After the Final Whistle
Fans should expect heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic immediately following the game. Be patient when leaving the stadium and surrounding parking areas and follow instructions from law enforcement officers and traffic personnel.
Never drive impaired, put your phone away while behind the wheel, and watch carefully for pedestrians as you leave Grounds.
Whether you're cheering from the Hill, the stands or somewhere else in Charlottesville, help make the first game of the season a safe one.
Wear orange. Cheer loud. Look out for one another. Go Hoos!