Frost Amphitheater

From bag restrictions and prohibited items to entry procedures and re‑entry rules, reviewing guidelines in advance helps you arrive prepared and enjoy your event without surprises.

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Re-entry policies may differ from event to event. Smoking and vaping is not permitted.
• Payment Options: Frost Amphitheater is a mostly cashless venue. It is easiest to use credit or debit cards or mobile pay options to make food, beverage, and merchandise purchases.
• Prohibited Items: Outside alcoholic beverages and any liquid not in factory-sealed bottles are not allowed. Stadium chairs or cushions with metal hardware are prohibited. Visitors may not enter with GoPros, selfie sticks, audio or video recording devices, aerosol spray cans, noisemakers, or oversized signs. Refer to the policy page for the most current guidance.
• Age Restrictions: All children must have a valid ticket. A responsible adult must accompany children under 18 years. Some events are not suitable for children under five. Check the individual event pages for specific age minimums.

Always check the official Frost Amphitheater’s policies before your event for the most up-to-date information, including bag policies.

The vibrant neighborhood around Stanford University combines academic energy with cultural richness: leafy quad spaces, historic architecture, and a dynamic arts scene make it a uniquely engaging destination. Campus walkways connect intimate venues and large performance halls, while nearby downtown Palo Alto offers cafés, boutiques, and creative flair within steps of Frost.

• Stanford Stadium: Located on the Stanford University campus in California, this 50,424-seat natural‑grass stadium is home to Stanford Cardinal football and periodically hosts major live events, including concerts and international matches, with record attendances during Super Bowl XIX (1985) and FIFA World Cup matches in 1994.¹⁰
• Fox Theater: A lavishly restored 1928 Moorish‑style concert hall with seating for up to 2,800, this iconic Uptown Oakland venue hosts a wide range of live events — from rock, indie, and pop concerts to comedy, dance, and community shows.¹¹
• Chase Center: Located in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, this state-of-the-art arena seats 18,064 for NBA games and up to 19,500 for concerts, and hosts the Golden State Warriors, WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, major concerts, esports, comedy, and large-scale family shows.¹²

Each venue offers a distinct experience. Explore upcoming shows and secure your tickets for all three via AXS.

On-site parking at Stanford University is free but limited, and it is offered on a strict first-come, first-served basis near the venue. Typically, the parking fills quickly during major events. We encourage guests to arrive early to secure space, or purchase an Event Parking Pass (e.g., in the Stanford Galvez Lot) for guaranteed access.

Public Transportation: Stanford is served by Caltrain, BART connections, and Stanford’s Marguerite shuttle system.^5,6 The closest bus stops include “On Galvez Street @ Visitor Center” and “Jane Stanford Way @ Memorial Auditorium,” both about a 6-7 minute walk to the venue.⁷ Caltrain stops at Palo Alto, about a 20-minute walk to the amphitheater.⁸

Driving: Frost Amphitheater is located at 351 Lasuen Street, Stanford, CA 94305. Nearby paid parking options include:

• Wilbur Field Garage: 560 Wilbur Way
• Tresidder Union Parking: 436 Mayfield Avenue

Plan to arrive at least 30-40 minutes before showtime to accommodate campus traffic and walking time.

Frost Amphitheater keeps the vibe energetic with a rotating lineup of gourmet concession stands and upscale pop-up bars scattered throughout the venue.⁹ Options range from chef-driven sandwiches, mezze or charcuterie plates, and dumpling bowls, to hearty Frost Dogs and pizza slices at Last Stop Bar and Lasuen Plaza Bar.⁹

A curated selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and non‑alcoholic alternatives is available on-site, served at specialty bars. While guests may bring small food items in clear plastic, re-sealable gallon bags, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited and only sealed water bottles (up to 20 oz) are allowed through security.

Frost Amphitheater first opened its doors in 1937 as a gift from Howard and Mary Frost in memory of their son John Laurence Frost, a Stanford graduate who passed away shortly after graduating in 1935.³ Designed by landscape architect Leslie Kiler in collaboration with Thomas Church, the terraced, tree-lined bowl echoes the natural contours of the California foothills and offers exceptional natural acoustics.³

From 1938 to 1984, Frost hosted Stanford’s commencement ceremonies before evolving into a celebrated cultural venue.¹ It welcomed legendary performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Jefferson Airplane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Santana, and the Grateful Dead, who played over a dozen shows there during the 1980s.¹

In 2017-2019, a major renovation modernized the amphitheater with a new stage, enhanced accessibility paths, expanded restrooms, backstage amenities, and a sophisticated audio-visual system, while preserving its picturesque, iconic character.¹³