Rent a Bus to ASU Stadium: The Complete ASU Stadium Transportation Guide

There are two kinds of people who pull up to ASU Stadium on Turkey Day Classic morning. The first kind crawled out of the I-85/I-65 interchange, looped Carter Hill Road twice looking for an open spot, watched it fill up before 11 a.m., and ended up paying $20 to park a quarter-mile south of the stadium in the overflow zone. The second kind stepped off a bus at the back of the stadium, walked straight to the gate, and had been at the tailgate since 8 o'clock.

That gap — between the parking scramble and the easy arrival — is exactly what a Montgomery party bus rental to ASU Stadium is built to close.

This guide covers everything a group planner needs to know before game day: where buses drop off at ASU Stadium, how campus access works for charter vehicles, which lot fills first, what Carter Hill Road looks like two hours before kickoff, and which vehicle size fits your group. The logistics here come from Alabama State University's own published gameday policies and directions — not guesswork. Whether it's a Turkey Day Classic, Homecoming, or a regular Saturday SWAC matchup, the transportation picture at ASU Stadium rewards the group that planned ahead and punishes the group that didn't.

For the full picture of Montgomery sporting event transportation, see the Montgomery sporting event party bus rental page.

Why Rent a Charter Bus or Party Bus to ASU Stadium?

The stadium sits literally next to I-85, which makes it feel like an easy drive — right up until game day. The I-85 Exit 2 ramp at Mulberry Street backs up as fans funnel off the highway, and Carter Hill Road on the south side of the stadium becomes one-way westbound two hours before kickoff, which means anyone trying to arrive late is already fighting managed traffic flows. On-campus parking is capped at $10–$15 depending on zone, but those lots are finite — and university policy prohibits charter buses from parking on campus on game day without prior arrangement.

The lot your group would have parked in is already taken.

A Montgomery charter bus rental sidesteps all of it. Your bus approaches from I-85 Exit 2, follows the directed route to the back of the stadium for drop-off, and the group walks straight to the gates — while individual cars are still circling Carter Hill Road looking for the last open spot. No one draws straws about who has to stay sober, and the post-game pickup is already arranged so nobody is left standing on a dark side street waiting for a rideshare to locate them.

One request form or one call to 334-931-2490 handles all of it.

Charter Bus and Party Bus Drop-Off at ASU Stadium

ASU Stadium's official directions route large vehicles in from I-85 Exit 2 (Mulberry Street). Coming from Atlanta on I-85 South, take Exit 2, turn left at the bottom of the ramp, follow Mulberry Street for approximately 0.15 miles, then turn right onto W. 5th Street and follow it to the stop sign, where another right brings you to the back of the stadium. Coming from Birmingham on I-65 South, take the I-65/I-85 interchange toward I-85 North, exit at Exit 2, turn right at the top of the ramp, and follow the road to the same stop sign — right again, and you're at the back of the stadium.

That route is the stadium's own published guidance, and it is the approach that puts a group bus at the rear drop-off point.

The critical detail for any group renting a charter bus to ASU Stadium: charter buses are not permitted on campus on game day without prior arrangement. Only team buses have automatic campus access. Any charter bus or party bus group needs to contact ASU Department of Public Safety at 334-229-4400 in advance to coordinate access and confirm the drop-off approach for your specific game date.

Do this before your event, not the morning of — the earlier you call, the smoother the arrival. Review the official Alabama State gameday information page before your visit for current campus access procedures.

For after the game, set a specific pickup point and time before the group splits up inside the stadium. The bus stages nearby and returns to the back-of-stadium drop point at your arranged window — which is far more predictable than trying to match a rideshare to a moving crowd on a game night. Groups heading to Garrett Coliseum for another event can find the same type of logistics breakdown in the Garrett Coliseum bus rental guide.

Parking at ASU Stadium: What It Costs and Where It Goes

Alabama State University offers multiple paid parking tiers on game day, and they are not equivalent in terms of cost, distance, or availability. On-campus lots in Zones A, L, K, and Z run $10–$15 per vehicle depending on location, with lots opening at noon for afternoon kickoffs. The Campus Parking Deck offers covered parking at $5, making it one of the more affordable options — but it sits about 0.3 miles from the stadium, so budget a walk.

The Hornet Tailgate Zone is priced at $15 and is the preferred spot for groups planning a full pregame setup, running 0.2 miles from the stadium. RV parking is available at $50 with electric hookups or $40 without. Overflow parking along Carter Hill Road on the south side of the stadium typically runs $20 or less from nearby private lots and is a common option when campus fills.

What the parking numbers don't show is the coordination cost. A 40-person fan group needs ten or more cars — ten separate parking passes, ten separate approach routes, and a staggered arrival that means half the group misses the Hornet Legends Walk on Harris Way. One 40–56 passenger charter bus rental replaces all of that with a single arranged drop-off and a single predictable cost.

The math per head usually lands in the same range as paying for parking yourself, and the headache doesn't even compare.

Rent a Party Bus to ASU Stadium for the Turkey Day Classic

The Turkey Day Classic is the single biggest transportation event at ASU Stadium every year — a Thanksgiving Day game between the Alabama State Hornets and the Tuskegee Golden Tigers that traces back to 1924, making it one of the oldest Black college football rivalries in the country. The 2025 edition drew well over 24,000 fans, and previous classics pushed the attendance record to 28,332. The stadium's capacity is 26,500, and Turkey Day fills it.

Game day doesn't start at kickoff. It starts at 8 a.m. downtown on Dexter Avenue, where the Turkey Day Classic Parade steps off with more than 160 participating organizations. The parade runs through downtown Montgomery streets including Montgomery, Church, Commerce, Court, Perry, Lawrence, and several others — all of which are blocked to vehicle traffic during the procession.

By the time the parade ends and fans make their way from downtown to the stadium for the 2 p.m. kickoff, the parking situation near ASU Stadium is already competitive. Carter Hill Road fills up, the campus lots are at capacity, and anyone arriving after noon is hunting for overflow.

A party bus rental for the Turkey Day Classic solves both halves of the day. Your group can be at the parade in downtown Montgomery in the morning without worrying about moving the car when the event ends and the streets reopen. Then the bus repositions to the stadium for the game.

No mid-day parking shuffle, no splitting the group between two different areas of the city. For Turkey Day Classic specifically, bus availability moves fast — this is the most-requested game of the Hornets' season. Call 334-931-2490 as soon as your date is set, not two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Getting to ASU Stadium from Across the Region

ASU Stadium's position near the I-85/I-65 interchange makes it one of the more accessible FCS venues in the Southeast — until a major game inflates traffic at every on-ramp in a five-mile radius. Approximate drive times from common origins:

Game day adds significant time to all of these, especially for Turkey Day Classic and Homecoming. Groups coming from Auburn or Birmingham on those dates should add a comfortable buffer — I-85 backs up well before Exit 2, and the Carter Hill Road one-way traffic management begins two hours before kickoff, which reshapes the local approach. A charter bus handles all of that in the background; your job is to be ready at the pickup location on time.

Groups flying in through Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) have an easy bus connection — the airport sits roughly 10 miles from ASU Stadium. One bus picks the whole group up at baggage claim and runs straight to the stadium or the hotel. See the Montgomery Regional Airport shuttle guide for arrival logistics and pickup details.

Which Bus Fits Your ASU Stadium Group?

The right vehicle depends on your headcount and what you need out of the ride — and Partybusmontgomery.com connects you to a wide range of options through a large network of bus companies serving Montgomery, so you're never stuck with one size or one amenity set. Here's how the vehicle lineup maps to a typical Hornets game day.

For most Hornets fan groups, the decision comes down to size and atmosphere. A 25-passenger party bus is a natural fit for a group of 20–25 that wants the LED lighting and sound system to build the pregame energy from the parking lot exit all the way to Harris Way. A full 56-passenger charter bus makes more sense for a large alumni group or a student organization that needs undercarriage bays for gear and an onboard restroom for the longer trips from Birmingham or Auburn.

ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — just note the need in your quote request ahead of time.

ASU Stadium Charter Bus Rental Prices

There is no single number for a bus to ASU Stadium, because the quote reflects your specific group size, the vehicle type, how many hours you need the bus, and the date. Turkey Day Classic and Homecoming dates price differently than a midweek SWAC game in October — demand is higher, availability tightens, and the right vehicle for that day books earlier. To give you an idea of planning ranges:

A 15–35 passenger minibus typically runs $200–$275 per hour on weekdays and $200–$275 on weekends, with per-day packages starting in the $1,100–$2,150 range. A 25-passenger party bus runs roughly $250–$350 per hour on weekdays and $275–$375 on weekends. A full 56-passenger charter bus runs $200–$350 per hour on either day type, with per-day packages from $1,350–$2,850.

The actual quote moves with your date, your pickup location, total hours, and the specific vehicle available on that day — these are planning ranges, not a price guarantee.

The per-head math almost always works in the group's favor. A 40-passenger charter bus at $1,600 for the day splits to $40 per person — roughly what two rounds of parking and one rideshare home costs individually, without the coordination effort. Check the Montgomery party bus prices page for more detail, or call 334-931-2490 any time for a quote with no obligation.

ASU Stadium Gameday Tips: Know Before You Go

Gates open two hours before kickoff. For the most common 2 p.m. Saturday schedule, that means gates open at noon.

The Hornet Legends Walk — the team's pregame tradition honoring past players as they enter the locker room — takes place on Harris Way two hours before kickoff as well, so noon arrivals can catch it if they time it right.

Tailgating lots open at 8 a.m. The scene outside ASU Stadium is one of the most celebrated parts of the Hornets game day — tents and grills line the tailgate zones, the street beside the stadium closes down, and Vendor Valley, located directly in front of the stadium, fills with food and merchandise. Tailgate permit holders receive 10 tailgate passes per permit; contact eventsmanagement@alasu.edu or 334-229-4551 for information on tailgate permits and fees.

Tailgate fees must be paid in full before setup, and all sales are final.

Gates and entry points. General admission fans enter at Gates A, B, C, or the Express Gate. Season ticket holders and media use Gate D.

Students and recruits go to Gate E. Visiting fans use Gates H or I. Know which gate applies to your tickets before you arrive — finding the right entry in a crowd is one of those things that costs ten minutes when you don't plan for it.

Clear bag policy is enforced. Per Alabama State's policy, bags must be clear plastic or vinyl, no larger than 12“ x 6“ x 12“, or a one-gallon clear ziplock bag. A small clutch approximately the size of a hand is also permitted.

Prohibited items include coolers, outside food and drinks, umbrellas, strollers, video cameras, and chair backs larger than a single seat (16 inches wide). Anything that can't enter the stadium cannot be held by staff — it goes back to the vehicle or gets discarded. The bus's undercarriage bays are the right place to leave that cooler.

ADA parking and transit. Accessible parking is available in zones A-1, A-2, A-3, and O on a first-come, first-served basis with a valid placard or plate. Uniformed ASU Public Safety officers provide golf cart transportation for ADA patrons from designated lots, beginning two hours before kickoff through one hour after the game.

Note that personal golf carts are not permitted — ASU Personnel only.

Shuttle service runs on game days from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., carrying fans between parking areas and the stadium throughout the day.

Always review the official Alabama State gameday page before your visit — policies and parking assignments can shift between seasons, and the university posts current information there.

2026 Home Games at ASU Stadium

The 2026 Alabama State football season brings six home games to ASU Stadium in Montgomery, along with the neutral-site Magic City Classic in Birmingham. Here's the home slate, per the official 2026 schedule:

September 5 vs. Lane College — Labor Day Classic (5:00 PM): The season's first home game doubles as a classic matchup. Early-September heat in Montgomery is real — plan accordingly for the tailgate. This is one of the easier booking windows; Turkey Day is the date that fills transportation early.

September 26 vs. Mississippi Valley State — SWAC Conference Opener (5:00 PM): The conference slate starts at home. September weekends at ASU Stadium are a good warm-up for the bigger crowds that come with Homecoming and Turkey Day.

October 10 vs. Florida A&M — Homecoming (3:00 PM): Homecoming is the second-biggest game day of the year at ASU Stadium. In 2025, Homecoming drew 24,736 fans — nearly full capacity — and the tailgate scene stretches across the entire campus zone. Bus transportation books out faster for Homecoming than for any regular game; if your group is planning around this date, get a quote locked in well before October.

November 14 vs. Jackson State — Hall of Fame Weekend (2:00 PM): Jackson State is among the SWAC's marquee programs, and this rivalry game draws strong crowds. The attendance record for ASU Stadium — 28,332 — came during a 2022 matchup against Jackson State.

November 21 vs. Prairie View A&M (2:00 PM): The final regular home date before Turkey Day Classic, and a good option for groups who want the Hornets game-day atmosphere without the Thanksgiving-week crowds and booking rush.

November 26 vs. Tuskegee University — 102nd Turkey Day Classic (2:00 PM): Thanksgiving Day. The parade runs downtown at 8 a.m. on Dexter Avenue, the Hornet Walk is at 11:45 a.m. on Harris Way, and the game kicks off at 2 p.m. This is the date that fills every parking lot in the area before noon and backs up I-85 Exit 2 for the better part of the day.

A party bus rental for Turkey Day Classic is the one booking you shouldn't leave until the last minute — call 334-931-2490 as soon as your Thanksgiving plans are set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does a charter bus drop off at ASU Stadium?

Charter buses approach from I-85 Exit 2 (Mulberry Street) and are directed to the back of the stadium for drop-off. Coming from Atlanta, exit at Exit 2, turn left, follow Mulberry Street 0.15 miles, turn right onto W. 5th Street, and follow to the stop sign before turning right toward the back of the stadium. Coming from Birmingham, take I-65 South to the I-85 North interchange, exit at Exit 2, and turn right to follow the same route.

Contact ASU Department of Public Safety at 334-229-4400 before your visit to arrange access and confirm the specific drop-off protocol for your game date — charter buses are not permitted on campus on game day without prior coordination.

Can charter buses park on the ASU campus on game day?

Not without prior arrangement. University policy restricts campus access for charter buses on game days to team buses only. Any other charter or party bus group must contact ASU Public Safety in advance to coordinate access.

Doing this well ahead of your event — not the day of — ensures the bus has a confirmed approach and drop-off plan rather than arriving at a closed gate.

What does parking cost at ASU Stadium?

On-campus lots range from $10–$15 per vehicle depending on zone (Zones A, L, K, Z). The Campus Parking Deck offers covered parking at $5. The Hornet Tailgate Zone is $15.

RV parking is $50 with electric hookups or $40 without. Carter Hill Road overflow lots on the south side of the stadium run $20 or less. All lots open at noon for afternoon kickoffs.

Campus lots fill quickly on Turkey Day Classic and Homecoming — plan to arrive 2–3 hours early for the best spots.

What time do ASU Stadium gates open?

Gates open two hours before kickoff. For the most common 2 p.m. Saturday game, that's noon.

The Hornet Legends Walk also takes place on Harris Way two hours before kickoff, making an early arrival worth it on its own.

What is the clear bag policy at ASU Stadium?

Bags must be clear plastic or vinyl, no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”, or a one-gallon clear ziplock bag. A small clutch approximately hand-sized is also permitted. Coolers, outside food and drink, umbrellas, strollers, and video cameras are prohibited.

Items that do not meet the policy must return to the vehicle — stadium staff will not hold them. Compliant clear bags are available for purchase at the stadium ticket office.

How early should we book a bus for the Turkey Day Classic?

As early as possible. Turkey Day Classic is the most-requested game of the Hornets' season for a reason — 28,000-plus fans, a downtown parade, and a 2 p.m. kickoff that draws groups from across Alabama and beyond. Bus availability in Montgomery on Thanksgiving moves fast, and the right-size vehicle for your group goes first.

Homecoming in October is the second-fastest-filling date. For any other home game, two to four weeks of lead time is workable — but earlier always gets you better options and more predictable rates.

How far is ASU Stadium from downtown Montgomery?

About two miles — a 5–10 minute drive in normal conditions. On Turkey Day Classic morning, with the parade blocking downtown streets and fans funneling toward I-85 Exit 2, that distance takes considerably longer. A bus that picks your group up downtown and repositions to the stadium after the parade is the cleanest way to handle both halves of the day.

Are ADA-accessible buses available for ASU Stadium trips?

Yes. ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network of bus companies serving Montgomery. Note the requirement in your quote request, and the right vehicle can be arranged.

At the stadium, ADA parking is in Zones A-1, A-2, A-3, and O on a first-come, first-served basis with a valid placard, and ASU Public Safety officers provide golf cart transport between designated lots and the stadium gates beginning two hours before kickoff.

Can I book a bus for a group trip from Birmingham to ASU Stadium?

Yes — the Birmingham-to-ASU-Stadium run is one of the most common trips for Turkey Day Classic and Homecoming groups. The route is about 90 miles down I-65 South to the I-65/I-85 interchange. A charter bus picks your group up at one point in Birmingham, covers the highway run, and drops everyone at the back of the stadium — no caravan logistics, no ten separate vehicles trying to find the same parking lot.

Call 334-931-2490 or use the online form to compare rates for that run.

Book Your ASU Stadium Bus Today

Whether it's a Turkey Day Classic with 28,000 fans, a packed Homecoming in October, or a SWAC conference game that your group has been circling on the calendar since August, the transportation plan for ASU Stadium is the same: one bus, one drop-off at the back of the stadium, and nobody arguing about who has to leave early to move the car before Carter Hill Road goes one-way. Partybusmontgomery.com makes it easy to compare party buses, charter buses, and minibus options from a large network of bus companies serving Montgomery — and a free quote takes about a minute to get, online or by phone.

Call 334-931-2490 any time to get pricing for your specific date and headcount, or use the online tool to see available options. The Turkey Day Classic books fast. Start here.