How to Plan a WSU Football Weekend in Pullman
Ready to see Pullman in full game-day mode? Football weekends at Washington State University start long before the first touchdown. Friday celebrations in downtown Pullman, campus traditions, local food and the energy inside Gesa Field at Martin Stadium all give visitors plenty of reasons to make a full weekend of it.
In Pullman, the buildup is part of the experience. Fans arrive early, crimson and grey take over the town, and the anticipation carries right through to kickoff. Here’s how to make the most of a WSU football weekend, soak up the game-day energy and find a convenient place to stay near the action.
Start Your WSU Football Weekend with Pullman Traditions
Arriving in Pullman on Friday gives you more time to catch the first wave of game-day excitement. Start at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe on the Washington State University campus, where you can try ice cream made at the WSU Creamery and pick up its famous Cougar Gold cheese.
From campus, head into downtown Pullman to explore Main Street and get a feel for the town. Stroll past local shops and boutiques, stop for a coffee or bite to eat and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. If First Down Friday lines up with your visit, stick around for live entertainment and family-friendly activities that bring even more Cougar spirit downtown.
Follow the WSU Football Game-Day Buzz to Martin Stadium
Start game day at Cougville on Rogers Field, where live music, food and fan activities build the anticipation before kickoff. Grab something to eat while the music plays, then explore the activities before making your way toward the stadium.
As kickoff gets closer, head toward Gesa Field at Martin Stadium and stop at the nearby Cougar Pride statue. The 11-foot bronze landmark is a popular photo stop, giving you a chance to mark the occasion before joining the stream of fans heading inside. Be sure to get to your seat before the team takes the field, though, so you can catch the first surge of noise from the stands.
After the game, head to Birch & Barley to replay the best moments over Cougar Lobster Mac & Cheese, Shrimp & Crawfish Etouffee or a local craft beer from one of its 14 rotating taps.Travelling with your dog? Ask for a table on the pet-friendly patio so they can join you for the post-game recap.
Recharge at a Hotel Near Washington State University
After a day of stadium noise, campus crowds and enthusiastic yelling, Coast Hilltop Inn gives you somewhere comfortable to come down from that game-day buzz.
Getting there is easy, too. The hotel is just a short drive from Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport and offers free transportation to and from the airport. On game day, start with a free continental breakfast, leave your car in the on-site parking and catch the hotel’s transportation to the free football shuttle pickup location.
When you return that evening, unwind in the heated indoor pool to celebrate the win or shake off the loss. Still have some energy left? Guests also receive free access to the nearby 24-hour Anytime Fitness.
Choose Your Room for a Pullman Football Weekend
When it’s finally time to call it a night, Coast Hilltop Inn has room options for solo travellers, couples and groups making a weekend of the game.
The Coast Premium Washington State University Suite offers plenty of space to spread out, with a king bed, city views and WSU-themed décor. A wet bar and separate dining area also give you somewhere to gather before heading out or pick apart the game once you’re back.
Travelling with family or sharing the weekend with friends? The Coast Two Queens with City View offers two queen beds, so no one has to draw straws for the couch. You’ll also have a 55" TV and city views, with pet-friendly options available if your four-legged travel companion is joining the trip.
Save on Your 2026 WSU Football Stay
A WSU football weekend shouldn’t feel like a Saturday speedrun. Coast Hilltop Inn’s Stay. Play. GameDay. offer is built for 2026 home games, with a Friday-and-Saturday stay that gives you time to arrive before the rush, wake up in Pullman and enjoy game day without rushing out afterward.
That means no pre-dawn drive, no checking out before kickoff and no long trip home while everyone is still debating the fourth quarter. Stay the night, sleep in and let the weekend end on Sunday, not in the stadium parking lot.
FAQs About WSU Football Weekends in Pullman
Where should I stay for a WSU football game in Pullman?
For a WSU football game in Pullman, Coast Hilltop Inn is a convenient place to stay near Washington State University, with free on-site parking, free breakfast, an indoor pool, pet-friendly rooms and transportation options for game-day weekends.
Does Coast Hilltop Inn provide transportation to WSU football games?
Yes, Coast Hilltop Inn provides transportation to the free football shuttle pickup location. Guests should sign up at the Front Desk when they check in to receive their spot.
What is the Stay. Play. GameDay. offer at Coast Hilltop Inn?
The Stay. Play. GameDay. offer at Coast Hilltop Inn is available for select 2026 Washington State University home football weekends in Pullman. Guests must book at least two consecutive nights, including both Friday and Saturday, and can sign up at the Front Desk for free transportation to the Free Cougar Football Shuttle pickup location.
what recent guests said about Coast Hilltop Inn:
“Stayed for a football game. Quiet and clean hotel. The crowd was families and older alumni, so pretty low-key and easy to fall asleep after the game and sleep in the next morning. Staff was nice. In Domino's delivery area :)” - Melissa
“Super clean, quiet, and safe-feeling. Excellent breakfast available 6 am-10 am. (Many shut down at 9.) Room darkening drapes (at least on the south side) and the windows open to let in the fresh Palouse air. The price is very reasonable (on non-Cougar home football game weekends anyway!). The staff is very personable and attentive. Easy parking and well-maintained grounds. I have always been very happy with my stays there.” - Shan