Alamodome Food, Seating, And Parking Guide
As insinuated by its name, the Alamodome is a domed venue that is the site of this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. Built in 1993, this multi-purpose facility boasts a size of 160,000 square feet and is located in downtown San Antonio, Texas. The Alamodome was home to the San Antonio Spurs for about a decade before they moved to the AT&T Center. It is the 10th-largest covered field sports stadium by capacity.
Check out the information below for an in-depth look at the stadium, including compiled information from visitors. You can use these first-hand experiences to prepare for your next event in the most thorough way possible.
Alamodome Fast Facts
| Owner: | City of San Antonio |
| Operated By: | San Antonio Convention and Sports Facilities Department |
| Opened: | May 15, 1993 |
| Architecture Firms: | HOK Sport, Marmon Mok, W.E. Simpson Company, Inc. |
| Construction Cost: | $186 million |
| Seating Capicity: | 64,000 |
| Vision Statement: | “To be the place people want to be.” |
| Mission Statement: | “We proudly deliver excellent event experiences in premier facilities.” |
| Address: | 100 Montana St., San Antonio, TX 78203 |
Alamodome Ratings:
| Yelp: | 3 |
| Trip Advisor: | 3.5 |
| Google: | 4.2 |
Alamodome Features:
- Five levels with the ability to expand to hold 72,000 eventgoers
- The upper level is able to open up to allow for conversion into a basketball or hockey arena.
- Six LED displays measuring 100 feet wide by 3 feet high
- The facility features 52 luxury suites located in the north end.
- There is a Hall of Fame Club and the Top of the Dome restaurant for your convenience
- 160,000 square feet of exhibit space and 30,000 square feet of meeting rooms
Directions To Alamodome
Coming from IH-35 North:
Exit at New Braunfels Street.
Head South on New Braunfels to Commerce Street.
West on Commerce Street to Cherry Street.
South on Cherry Street and into lots.
Coming from IH-35 South:
Exit on US-90 East to New Braunfels Street.
Head North on New Braunfels to Commerce Street.
West on Commerce Street to Cherry Street
South on Cherry Street and into lots.
Coming from IH-10 East:
Exit on Hackberry Street.
Head North on Hackberry to Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
West on Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Cherry Street
North on Cherry Street and into lots.
Coming from IH-10 West:
Use IH-35 north to New Braunfels Street exit.
South on New Braunfels to Commerce Street.
West on Commerce Street to Cherry Street.
South on Cherry Street and into lots.
Coming from IH-37 South:
Exit on Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Head East on Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Cherry Street.
North on Cherry Street and into lots.
Coming from US 281 North:
Exit on Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Head East on Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Cherry Street.
North on Cherry Street and into lots.
Public transit: The San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit connects you to the heart of San Antonio, with the VIVA Centro acting as a direct link to the Alamodome for easy access.
Alamodome Insider Tips
Alamodome Parking
It has been reported that parking near the Alamodome can be challenging and pricey. Traffic can put you behind schedule as reported delays can be as long as 30 min to 1 hour depending on the event timing. Also, Parking at the Alamodome is available only by pre-purchasing a pass. If you don’t have an Alamodome parking pass, do not try to exit near the facility. The most congested exits are 281/37 at Houston, Commerce and Cesar Chavez.
- Parking is available in Lots B & C for most events.
- Parking is $20 per space
- During peak traffic times, Cherry Street closes at Cesar Chavez Street. To access lot C and B, travel South on Cherry Street from Commerce Street or Houston Street.
- The Alamodome now has two guest drop-off and pick-up locations for events. These areas are located at Lot B on South Cherry Street.
- There is also a dedicated location for disabled patrons in Lot A. Vehicles will not be allowed to return to these drop-off or pick up locations.
Alamodome Parking Options
- Downtown San Antonio has over 30,000 parking spaces at a variety of parking garages and surface lots where fans can park and get to the game.
- Via Park and Ride Service provides round-trip transportation from Crossroads Park & Ride and Madla Transit Centers to the Alamodome’s north entrance, with service, beginning three hours before kickoff and return service continuing one hour after the game.
- Round-trip fare is $5 and can be conveniently purchased using the VIA goMobile app. Tokens for round-trip transportation also can be purchased at the Park & Ride locations with cash or credit card, at any VIA Information Center, or online at VIAonlinestore.net.
- If you use Uber, Lyft, etc., there is a special pickup and drop off spot across the highway in a parking lot near the Tower of the Americas.
Alamodome Tailgating
If you’re planning on tailgating at the dome, Lots B and C are the sole designated areas for festivities. They will open 4 hours prior to the start of the game and close 1 hour after the game ends. Here are some rules and guidelines for tailgating:
To tailgate, you must have one parking permit per space, which you should purchase in advance online or bring cash to pay (parking is cash only).
We suggest that you arrive early to snag a good spot since they are first-come, first-served. If you’re in a large group, you should try to arrive together in order to secure spots next to each other.
Alamodome Prohibited Items:
- Pets
- Fryers
- Open flames
- Weapons
- Fireworks
- Loud sound systems
- Picketing
- Campaigning
- Soliciting
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
There will be patrollers at the parking lots so be on your best worst behavior! Any violators will, unfortunately, be ticketed and removed from the premises.
Alamodome Security
The Alamodome has a clear bag policy, so if you plan on bringing a purse make sure it fits within the specified guidelines. Approved bags include clear ones that are smaller than 12” x 6” x 12”. If you don’t have a clear bag, you can bring solid bags smaller than 5.5” x 8.5”. Also, 1-Gallon plastic freezer bags, medical or diaper bags are allowed.
Tips on Concessions
Concessions are not one of the best features of the Alamodome according to reviewers. The options are limited and there are no gluten-free choices. Beer fountain drinks and water are the only drink options.
It is our recommendation that you take advantage of the many restaurant options near the venue or pre-game at San Antonio’s world-famous River Walk. Walking distance from River Walk is 0.9 miles and will take on average 17 minutes.
Alamodome Seating
Seating views are hit or miss. The stands are configured in a boxy shape instead of the usual curve, making for occasionally awkward or amazing views, depending on where you’re at. The stadium isn’t sprawling, so overall seating is decent. There are television monitors on the first level so that you can see the ceiling better. In addition, the seats do not have armrests but are comfortable.
The Alamodome Experience
Visitors of the Alamodome have said that the stadium is the perfect shape and size for a football or soccer field, but since it is rectangular it does not make the best baseball field. The right side of the field is very small while the center and left field are massive.
If you’re going to see a concert or some other musical experience, the sound at the Alamodome has been reported to be of very good quality. The amplified sound system could be heard above the crowd noises. If you’re sitting in the corners of the stadium, it may be a bit more difficult to hear as the sound is more muffled.
There are plenty of bathrooms, so you won’t have to wait long lines. However, be prepared to brave the crowded walkways of the concession stands.
10 Closest Hotels Near the Alamodome
Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center
123 Hoefgen, San Antonio, TX 78205
0.5 milesGrand Hyatt San Antonio
600 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
1.4 milesLa Hacienda Inn Alamodome/Riverwalk
1524 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
0.9 milesSan Antonio Marriott Riverwalk
889 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
1.4 milesLa Quinta Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
303 Blum St, San Antonio, TX 78205
0.8 milesRed Roof PLUS+ San Antonio Downtown – Riverwalk
1011 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
0.8 milesMarriott Plaza San Antonio
555 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
0.9milesComfort Suites Alamo/Riverwalk
505 Live Oak St, San Antonio, TX 78202
0.9 milesFairmount Hotel
401 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
1.1 milesSpringHill Suites by Marriott San Antonio Downtown/Riverwalk Area
524 S St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205
1.2 miles
