Born in 1938 in Youngstown, Ohio, the Penguins have grown from a tough regional program into an FCS force. Youngstown State’s trophy case features four NCAA Division I-AA national championships in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1997, plus multiple Missouri Valley and Gateway titles. Jim Tressel set the championship standard, while quarterback-turned-NFL analyst Ron Jaworski helped shape the program’s early identity. A return to the national title game in 2016 rekindled that championship edge.

Game days at Stambaugh Stadium, better known as the Ice Castle, feel uniquely Mahoning Valley. Fans pack tailgates, the student section keeps energy high, and late-autumn chill only amplifies the noise. The Marching Pride and raucous celebrations after scores turn close contests into events you feel as much as see. If you love resilient defense, physical running and a community that shows up in all weather, Penguins football delivers.

Youngstown State Penguins Football Stadium and Game Day Information

Home venue: Stambaugh Stadium, Youngstown, Ohio.
Capacity: About 20,630 for college football.
Parking: On-campus lots by the stadium with pre-paid permits from YSU Athletics. Limited day-of cash lots are available, and WRTA buses or rideshare are easy alternatives.
Cheapest month to attend: October.
Nearby eats and attractions: Cassese's MVR, The Federal, Penguin City Brewing taproom, The Butler Institute of American Art, Covelli Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions about Youngstown State Penguins Football Tickets & 2026 Schedule Details

How much are Youngstown State Penguins Football tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, YSU tickets start at $17, with an average price of $24. Prices vary by opponent, date, seat location, and game type (regular season, rivalry, bowl games, playoffs). All YSU tickets are backed by the Vivid Seats 100% Buyer Guarantee.

What are the cheapest sections to sit in at a Youngstown State Penguins Football game?

The cheapest sections to sit in at a YSU game will depend on the specific matchup. However, the cheapest section is typically 4. This section offers a more distant view of the field but still provides an enjoyable game experience at a lower cost.

What are the cheapest YSU games to attend this season?

Looking for the best-value YSU matchups at Stambaugh Stadium? These games may offer some of the lowest prices this season:

YSU vs. South Dakota

What is the best time of year to attend a Youngstown State Penguins Football game?

The best time of year to attend a Youngstown State Penguins Football game is often October, when ticket prices tend to be more affordable.

Where do the YSU play?

The YSU play home games at Stambaugh Stadium.

Can I buy parking passes for Youngstown State Penguins Football games?

Vivid Seats has Youngstown State Penguins Football parking tickets for Youngstown State Penguins Football home games at Stambaugh Stadium.

What are the most in-demand Youngstown State Penguins Football games in recent history?

There's been no shortage of memorable YSU games. Here are some of the most in-demand games and opponents in recent seasons, according to average sold price.

Valparaiso Beacons at Youngstown State Penguins Football on August 31, 2023
YSU vs. Duquesne on November 25, 2023
Mercyhurst Lakers at Youngstown State Penguins Football on August 28, 2025

When do Youngstown State Penguins Football tickets go on sale each year?

Regular-season tickets typically become available after the NCAA Football schedule is released, typically in the summer. Check back often as inventory updates throughout the season.

Can I buy suite tickets for Youngstown State Penguins Football home games at Stambaugh Stadium?

Yes, Youngstown State Penguins Football suite tickets are often available for Youngstown State Penguins Football home games at Stambaugh Stadium, although availability varies by matchup and demand. Select your game, then use the map and filters to view suites, club, or box listings.

What do suites and club seats include at Stambaugh Stadium for Youngstown State Penguins Football games?

Amenities vary by listing, but suites and clubs at Stambaugh Stadium commonly include private entry, luxurious seating, TVs, Wi-Fi, and a private restroom. Review each listing’s notes for seat quantity, parking passes, and food and beverage details before checkout.

When do Youngstown State Penguins Football playoff tickets go on sale?

Youngstown State Penguins Football postseason tickets become available on Vivid Seats once official bowl or playoff matchups are announced. Inventory updates as teams qualify, so check back often for the latest options.

Is Vivid Seats legit for Youngstown State Penguins Football tickets?

Yes! Vivid Seats is a trusted ticket marketplace used by over 100 million fans. When you buy Youngstown State Penguins Football tickets on Vivid Seats, every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. That means your purchase is safe, your tickets will arrive before the event, and they'll be valid or your money back.

Are tickets guaranteed on Vivid Seats?

Absolutely. Every Youngstown State Penguins Football ticket sold on Vivid Seats comes with our 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures:

Your transaction will be secure.
Your tickets will be delivered before your event.
Your tickets will be valid and authentic or your money back.

Our mission is to make buying YSU tickets stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Are fees included in the price I see on Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a YSU ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. No surprises at checkout.

Will my group be seated together?

Yes, we guarantee that tickets purchased together will be together, unless otherwise noted in the listing.

What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?

If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes. If this occurs, the seller will notify us, and we will deliver new tickets to you and remind you to discard your old tickets.

Does Vivid Seats have a rewards program?

Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. The more events you attend, the more perks you can unlock:

A free 11th ticket after 10 purchases
Birthday rewards
Seat upgrades and VIP parties
Exclusive experiences like on-ice or on-field passes to your favorite team

What are the best seats at Stambaugh Stadium for YSU games?

The best seats at Stambaugh Stadium for YSU games are typically near midfield in the lower bowl. Fans looking for value often prefer upper-level seats between the 30-yard lines for a full-field view and lively crowd atmosphere.

How can I watch the Youngstown State Penguins Football?

NCAA football games air across ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and each conference’s dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network). Streaming options may also be available via ESPN+ or Peacock.

What time do doors open for Youngstown State Penguins Football home games?

Gates for Youngstown State Penguins Football games typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before kickoff.

Youngstown State Penguins Football Schedule and Ticket Prices

Youngstown State Penguins Football Dates will be displayed below for any announced 2026 Youngstown State Penguins Football dates. For all available tickets and to find events near you, scroll to the listings at the top of this page.

DATE	CITY	VENUE	LOWEST PRICE
08/27/2026	Youngstown, OH	Stambaugh Stadium	$39
09/05/2026	Lexington, KY	Kroger Field	$30
09/12/2026	Youngstown, OH	Stambaugh Stadium	$39
09/19/2026	Brookings, SD	Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium	$26
09/26/2026	Youngstown, OH	Stambaugh Stadium	$39
10/03/2026	Carbondale, IL	Saluki Stadium	$25
10/10/2026	Terre Haute, IN	Memorial Stadium Indiana State	$33
10/17/2026	Youngstown, OH	Stambaugh Stadium	$40
10/31/2026	Youngstown, OH	Stambaugh Stadium	$40
11/07/2026	Murray, KY	Roy Stewart Stadium	$35
11/14/2026	Youngstown, OH	Stambaugh Stadium	$28