Stanford Football Returns to Kezar Stadium for Open Practice

The Cardinal will hold a free, public spring practice at the historic San Francisco venue on April 11.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:23am by Ben Kaplan

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Stanford football announced that it will hold an open practice at San Francisco's Kezar Stadium on April 11, marking the program's return to the famed venue for the first time since 2012. The Cardinal has a rich history at Kezar, dating back to its first game there in 1928 and including being part of the first major college football doubleheader in 1940.

Why it matters

Kezar Stadium has long held a special place in Bay Area football history, and Stanford's return to the venue highlights the ongoing connection between the university and the city of San Francisco. This event will allow fans to connect with the Cardinal's storied past while also providing an opportunity for the current team to engage with the local community.

The details

Stanford football general manager Andrew Luck expressed excitement over the team's return to Kezar, noting the stadium's importance in the early foundations of the Cardinal program. Head coach Tavita Pritchard also emphasized the strong ties between Stanford and San Francisco, with many alumni based in the city. The upcoming practice will be free and open to the public, with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. and practice beginning at 2 p.m.

  • Stanford football first played at Kezar Stadium in 1928.
  • The Cardinal was part of the first major college football doubleheader at Kezar in 1940.
  • Stanford last held a spring practice at Kezar in 2012.
  • The upcoming open practice is scheduled for April 11, 2026.

The players

Andrew Luck

Stanford football general manager who expressed excitement over the team's return to Kezar Stadium.

Tavita Pritchard

Stanford head football coach who emphasized the strong ties between the university and the city of San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“There is a rich history of Bay Area football at Kezar, and some of the early foundations of Stanford football would be incomplete without it.”

— Andrew Luck, Stanford Football General Manager

“First and foremost, there's always been a connection between Stanford and The City. A lot of Stanford alums set up shop there, so we have a really strong connection there and it's fun to highlight that and all the great history that's been made in that stadium.”

— Tavita Pritchard, Stanford Football Head Coach

What’s next

The upcoming open practice at Kezar Stadium on April 11 will be free and open to the public, with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. and practice beginning at 2 p.m.

The takeaway

Stanford football's return to Kezar Stadium underscores the enduring connection between the university and the city of San Francisco, as well as the historic significance of the venue in the early development of the Cardinal program. This event will provide an opportunity for fans to engage with the team and celebrate the rich legacy of football in the Bay Area.