If you are organizing a group trip to FSU baseball, the question that decides whether your crew arrives together or scatters across West Pensacola Street is a simple one: where exactly does the bus drop off, and where does it park? Most group transportation pages answer that in a single vague sentence or skip it entirely. This one doesn't.

Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium is one of college baseball's most electric venues — 6,700 seats packed tight, the Section B Animals firing through a 63-song repertoire down the first base line since 1977, and a program that has hosted 37 NCAA Regionals since 1983. Getting your group to Chieftain Way without fighting the West Pensacola Street backup on a Friday night takes some planning. A Tallahassee charter bus handles the approach, the parking permit, and the post-game pickup — so your group walks in together and walks out the same way.

This guide covers the drop-off logistics FSU publishes but most fans never read, which vehicle fits your crew, what drives the price, and which 2026 home dates book up fastest. By the end, you will know exactly what to arrange and why.

Official name

Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium

Address

270 Chieftain Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304

Capacity

6,700 seats — renovated 2004

Charter bus parking

Chieftain Way, north of Spirit Way — $150/bus per game

Bus parking opens

4 hours before first pitch — permit required in advance

2026 home schedule

32 home games — opens February 13 vs. James Madison

What and Where Is Dick Howser Stadium?

Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium sits on the western edge of Florida State's campus in Tallahassee, directly adjacent to Doak Campbell Stadium on Chieftain Way. The facility opened March 28, 1983, as Seminole Stadium, before being renamed in 1988 to honor Dick Howser — FSU's first baseball All-American and a former MLB manager. In 2005 the field itself was dedicated to legendary coach Mike Martin, who ran the program from 1980 to 2019 and built one of the most decorated staffs in college baseball history.

A two-year, $12 million renovation completed in 2004 expanded seating to its current 6,700 and added the Mike Loynd Tradition Room honoring the program's history.

The stadium has hosted 37 NCAA Regional Tournaments since opening and is consistently ranked among the top atmospheres in Division I college baseball. The single-game attendance record stands at 6,789, set April 19, 2008, against Miami. The series record of 19,157 was set in 2024 — also against Miami.

Those numbers tell you exactly which weekends fill Howser fastest and which game dates to book your bus farthest in advance.

Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium, 270 Chieftain Way — charter buses park on Chieftain Way north of Spirit Way; all buses exit east on West Pensacola Street.

Charter Bus Drop-Off and Parking at Dick Howser Stadium

Here is the detail most rental pages leave fuzzy, so let's go straight to what FSU actually publishes.

Charter buses serving Dick Howser Stadium enter from Call Street traveling east, then turn right (south) onto Chieftain Way. A parking attendant at that entrance checks registration and issues permits. Buses are directed to park on Chieftain Way, next to the track, north of the intersection of Spirit Way.

That puts your group a short, direct walk from the stadium gates. After the game, the published exit route is clear: all buses must exit east of the stadium on West Pensacola Street. Buses may begin arriving four hours before first pitch and must depart within one hour of the game's conclusion.

The FSU Seminole Boosters office — reachable at (850) 644-1830 — handles permit coordination.

The logistics in one line: enter via Call Street to Chieftain Way south, park north of Spirit Way with a pre-purchased permit, and exit east on West Pensacola Street. That sequence — published by FSU — is the difference between arriving organized and figuring it out at a closed lot entrance on a sold-out Friday night.

The Charter Bus Parking Permit — What Most Groups Miss

Here is the detail that catches first-timers off guard: the charter bus parking spot costs $150 per bus, per game, and it must be arranged in advance. There is no walk-up bus parking at the gate on game day. The permit is coordinated through the FSU Seminole Boosters at (850) 644-1830.

When you book a Tallahassee bus rental with us, getting that permit for your specific game date is part of the process — not something you have to chase down on your own.

One more logistics note worth knowing: if there is a concurrent event at Doak Campbell Stadium next door — which does happen during spring football and special events — the approach roads and officer-directed traffic patterns around Pensacola Street can shift from a standard baseball game setup. Because those details change by date, we confirm your group's exact parking location and approach route for your specific game when you book. We always recommend checking the official FSU facilities page and the FSU Baseball FAQ before game day for any last-minute updates.

How Parking Works for the Rest of Your Group

If some members of your group are arriving separately by car, here is how it works. Lot 11, in left field behind the scoreboard, is reserved for season-ticket holders at $100 for the regular season — not available day-of. The public options are the Circus lot, the Moore Athletic Center lot, and the Spirit Way Garage, all of which are free but fill fast for marquee weekend series.

The ADA-accessible lot is behind the scoreboard at the south end of the soccer/softball lot, accessed from Chieftain Way only, with shuttles running to the gates for fans who need assistance.

Both box offices — south end near right field and north end by left field — open 90 minutes before first pitch. Re-entry is not permitted at Dick Howser Stadium once you have passed through the gates, so make sure your entire group is assembled and settled before anyone goes through.

Dick Howser Stadium Transportation: Every Option Compared

FSU baseball does not have the off-campus transit infrastructure of a major league stadium. There is no light rail to Howser. Rideshare zones on Pensacola Street after a sold-out Florida or Miami series can mean a 20-plus-minute wait at surge pricing.

Here is an honest look at how the options stack up for a group.

Option Arrive together? Parking Post-game ease Best group size
Charter bus or party bus Yes — one vehicle $150 flat, permit handled, staged on Chieftain Way Best — bus is right there at the final out 15–56
Multiple cars, public lots No — caravans split on Pensacola St. Free but fills fast; arrive very early Poor — post-game Pensacola St. gridlock 1–5 per car
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) No — multiple cars, multiple ETAs None Poor — surge pricing, long post-game waits 1–4 per car
StarMetro (public bus) No — route-dependent None Limited evening frequency Individual riders

For one or two people heading to a Tuesday game against a mid-major, driving and grabbing a Circus lot spot makes total sense. The moment your group grows past a handful of cars — and a fan group heading to the Florida or Miami series almost certainly does — the hassle of separate vehicles outweighs every other consideration. One bus covers your whole group for one flat cost, and the $150 bus parking rate splits across 30 or 40 people to almost nothing per head.

No straws drawn for who drives home sober.

The Howser Experience: Section B Animals and What to Expect Inside

Dick Howser Stadium has been ranked among the top atmospheres in Division I college baseball, and the main reason is Section B. The Section B Animals have occupied the first base side since 1977, working through a 63-song songbook that keeps the entire grandstand engaged from first pitch to last out. It is the kind of organized fan tradition that gives college baseball its personality — nothing quite like it exists at a big-league game. First-timers frequently call the atmosphere one of the best surprises in Tallahassee sports.

Plan to be in your seats a few innings early just to take it in.

Inside the stadium: alcohol is available at concession stands through the end of the 7th inning. Children 4 and under are admitted free. Grandstand full-season packages for 2026 run $300 per ticket plus a Seminole Booster per-seat requirement of $50–$500.

The field dimensions — 340 feet to left, 400 to center, 320 to right — include a quirky 30-foot screen in right field known as the "Chain Link Monster," which compensates for the short right-field porch and gives Howser a personality that multi-decade visitors still talk about.

Clear Bag Policy

FSU enforces a clear bag policy at all athletic events including baseball. Each fan may bring one large clear bag (either a 12″ × 6″ × 12″ clear PVC bag or a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag) plus a small clutch no larger than 4.5″ × 6.5″. Backpacks, tinted bags, and oversized bags are not permitted inside the gates.

The bus's undercarriage bays are the right place for anything that doesn't pass the gate — your group stores gear there during the game and picks it up afterward rather than leaving it in a hot car. Review the full rules on the FSU Baseball FAQ page before game day.

The 2026 FSU Baseball Schedule: When to Book and When to Book Early

The 2026 FSU baseball season features 32 home games at Dick Howser Stadium, opening February 13 against James Madison. FSU entered the season ranked No. 16 nationally, and the home schedule is stacked with marquee opponents. Here are the games that fill Howser fastest — and where booking urgency is real.

Opponent Dates at Howser Why it fills fastest
NC State March 20–22 Top-11 ACC clash — Howser hosted a ranked battle early in 2026
Duke March 27–29 Spring break window, ACC weekend series
Florida Gators April 7 In-state rivalry — single-game sellout candidate, Pensacola St. congestion peaks
Notre Dame April 17–19 Three-game ACC series, strong traveling fan contingent
Pitt May 1–3 Final full home series before ACC tournament push
Miami Hurricanes May 14–16 Series record of 19,157 set in 2024 — biggest attendance weekend on the home slate

Twenty-six of FSU's 55 scheduled games are against teams that made the 2025 NCAA Tournament. That matters for group planning: the charter bus fleet in Tallahassee gets thin fast when Howser is packed. For the Florida and Miami series, book your bus at least 4 to 6 weeks out.

For the rest of the home schedule, 2 to 3 weeks of lead time is workable — but the earlier you call, the better your vehicle options.

The Miami series urgency: the May 14–16 Miami weekend is the single biggest attendance spike at Howser Stadium — a series that shattered its own all-time record in 2024 with 19,157 fans across three games. If your group is planning that weekend, vehicles in Tallahassee will be committed well before the series. Lock it in the moment your plans are confirmed.

Which Vehicle Fits Your Group?

Matching the bus to your headcount is where planning pays off. Here is how our fleet breaks down for a Dick Howser Stadium run.

Vehicle Typical capacity Gear Best for Key amenities
14-passenger Sprinter limo / Sprinter van Up to ~14 Light — small coolers, bags Small corporate groups, VIP tailgate outings Premium leather, USB charging, tinted windows
15–35 passenger minibus ~15–35 Overhead plus some underfloor Mid-size fan groups, Greek chapter outings, department trips Powerful A/C, plush reclining seats
Party bus (15–50 passengers) ~15–50 Onboard, lighter Fan groups who want the pregame energy on the ride over Built-in bar, LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs
40–56 passenger charter bus Up to 56 Excellent — deep undercarriage bays Large alumni groups, corporate outings, multi-family reunions Reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restroom, undercarriage bays

For fan groups who want to carry the Howser energy from the first cold drink to the final out and back again, a 15- to 50-passenger party bus is the right pick — the built-in bar, LED lighting, and sound system turn the ride into a pre- and post-game event of its own. For larger alumni gatherings or corporate outings where comfort on a longer ride matters, a full-size charter bus gives you reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, and an onboard restroom. ADA-accessible vehicles are available — just let us know before your departure date so we can match the right vehicle.

What Does a Bus to Dick Howser Stadium Cost?

There is no single sticker price, and any honest answer depends on a few clear factors: your vehicle size, the total hours the bus is reserved (including pregame wait and post-game pickup), your pickup location across Tallahassee, and the game date. A rivalry weekend against Florida or Miami prices and books differently than a Tuesday evening non-conference game.

For real ranges to anchor your budget: 14-passenger Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; 15–35 passenger minibuses run roughly $150–$300/hour; and 40–56 passenger charter buses run $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,500/day. The stadium's $150 charter bus parking rate is a separate cost arranged through FSU Athletics — not included in your charter quote. Call 850-848-6890 any time for a free all-inclusive price quote in under 30 seconds, or use the online tool for instant availability.

You will know the exact price before you ever book.

A Real Game-Day Run

To put real numbers behind the math: for a Saturday ACC home series last spring, a group of 34 alumni booked a 40-passenger party bus for the pickup. Departure was at 4:30 PM from a midtown Tallahassee parking lot, arriving on Chieftain Way by 5:15 PM — 90 minutes before first pitch. The bus waited north of Spirit Way during the game.

Post-game pickup was arranged in advance for 9:45 PM at the Chieftain Way staging area. The 6-hour all-inclusive rental came to approximately $1,800 — about $53 per person, with the parking permit handled and nobody drawing straws for who stayed sober through the Section B Animals' entire songbook.

Getting to Dick Howser Stadium: Routes and Timing

Dick Howser Stadium sits just off West Pensacola Street on the western side of FSU's campus. Here are approximate distances and drive times from common Tallahassee pickup points in normal traffic.

From… Approx. distance Typical drive time (off-peak)
Downtown Tallahassee / Capitol District ~2 miles 8–12 minutes
Midtown / Thomasville Road corridor ~3 miles 10–15 minutes
College Town / Gaines Street area ~1 mile 5–8 minutes
Killearn / Northeast Tallahassee ~10–12 miles 20–28 minutes
Southwood / Capital Circle SE ~9–11 miles 18–25 minutes
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) ~7 miles 15–22 minutes

Those times shrink significantly on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons when West Pensacola Street sees heavy inbound traffic from both the campus area and Tennessee Street. The TPD and FSU Police work together to manage game-day congestion on the main approaches, and traffic signals near the stadium can be officer-controlled in the hours around first pitch. The bus handles that congestion while your group settles in, and it waits on Chieftain Way so it is right there when the final out is called — no navigating a dark campus on foot, no surge-priced app showing a 25-minute wait.

Out-of-Town Groups: Airport and Hotel Pickups

For marquee matchups — the Florida series, the Miami series, NCAA Regional weekend — a meaningful portion of any fan group is traveling from out of town. Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) (3300 Capital Cir SW, Tallahassee, FL 32310) is about seven miles southwest of Dick Howser Stadium, roughly a 15-to-22-minute ride in normal conditions. One bus picks up your whole group at the baggage claim curb and goes straight to the stadium or hotel, instead of splitting everyone across separate rideshares on arrival afternoon.

For fans driving in from Gainesville, Jacksonville, or the Panhandle, a coordinated park-and-ride pickup at a central Tallahassee location — a hotel parking lot, a shopping center, or a downtown garage — means your group parks once and skips the campus parking scramble entirely. Tell us your pickup points when you call and we will build the routing around wherever your group is coming from.

Tallahassee International Airport to Dick Howser Stadium — roughly 7 miles, about 15–22 minutes in normal traffic. On Florida and Miami series evenings, West Pensacola Street congestion near campus adds time.

Trip Types We Book to Howser

Different groups, same destination. A few of the most common runs we do for Dick Howser Stadium:

  • Alumni and booster groups. Large contingents of Seminoles faithful who want the pregame energy on the bus and none of the parking stress. A party bus rental in Tallahassee with a built-in bar and sound system turns the ride to Chieftain Way into the start of the event.
  • Corporate and client outings. Companies entertaining clients or rewarding staff at a Seminoles game, where everyone arriving together in one vehicle makes the right impression and keeps the afternoon on schedule.
  • Greek organizations and campus groups. Fraternities, sororities, and student organizations heading to a game as a chapter. One bus keeps the group together and solves the stay-sober question without anyone missing out on the Section B Animals experience.
  • Out-of-town fan groups. Visitors flying into TLH or driving in from Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Panama City who need one coordinated transfer from the hotel to the stadium and back.
  • Family and reunion groups. Multi-generational groups where keeping everyone on the same schedule matters more than flexibility, and where the undercarriage bays handle strollers, gear, and anything that doesn't clear the bag check.

Tips for Visiting Dick Howser Stadium

A few things every group should know before game day, straight from the stadium's published policies:

  • Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch. Both box offices open at the same time — south end near right field and north end by the left-field gates. For large groups picking up will-call tickets, split the load between both locations rather than queuing everyone at one window.
  • No re-entry. Once your group is inside, nobody leaves and comes back. Make sure everyone is assembled and has what they need before passing through the gates. This is the rule that catches large groups off guard most often.
  • Clear bag policy is enforced. One 12″ × 6″ × 12″ clear bag or one-gallon Ziploc, plus a small clutch no larger than 4.5″ × 6.5″. Backpacks and tinted bags are not permitted. Gear that doesn't pass the gate goes in the bus's undercarriage bays until after the game.
  • Alcohol sales end after the 7th inning. Beer is available at concession stands throughout the game up to that point.
  • ADA-accessible seating is in lower-level grandstand sections 4, 6, 7, and 9, and upper-level sections 8 and 9. The ADA parking lot is behind the scoreboard at the south end of the soccer/softball lot, accessed from Chieftain Way, with shuttles to the gates. Our ADA-accessible vehicles are available with advance notice.
  • Arrive early for big games. Public lots — Circus lot, Moore Athletic Center lot, Spirit Way Garage — fill fast for Florida and Miami weekend series. Your bus on Chieftain Way gets there four hours early and waits without competing for a spot.
  • Charter bus parking permit is required and must be arranged in advance. No walk-up bus parking at the gate. Contact FSU Athletics at (850) 644-1830.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly does a charter bus drop off at Dick Howser Stadium?

Charter buses enter from Call Street traveling east, then turn right south onto Chieftain Way. A parking attendant checks permits at that entrance and directs buses to park on Chieftain Way, north of the intersection of Spirit Way, next to the track. That is a short, direct walk from the stadium gates — no remote lot, no shuttle connection.

After the game, all buses exit east on West Pensacola Street.

How much does bus parking cost at Dick Howser Stadium?

The published charter bus parking rate is $150 per bus, per game, arranged in advance through the FSU Seminole Boosters office at (850) 644-1830. There is no walk-up bus parking at the gate. General public parking in the Circus lot, Moore Athletic Center lot, and Spirit Way Garage is free for fans driving separately, but those lots fill fast for marquee weekend series.

How far in advance should we book for FSU baseball?

For Florida and Miami series weekends, book as soon as your game date is confirmed — those weekends draw the largest crowds in Tallahassee and available vehicles go fast. The Miami series set an all-time attendance record of 19,157 across three games in 2024. For midweek games or smaller opponents, 2 to 4 weeks of lead time is workable.

The earlier you call, the better your vehicle options and the easier we can lock in the permit and staging plan.

Can the bus wait for us during the game?

Yes. The bus is booked as a block of hours, so it waits on Chieftain Way during the game and is right there for your post-game pickup at an agreed-upon time. Set that pickup window when you book so there is no confusion at the end of a long extra-inning game.

Note that buses must depart within 1 hour of the game's conclusion, so plan to load promptly rather than lingering indefinitely.

What is the clear bag policy at Dick Howser Stadium?

FSU enforces a clear bag policy at all athletics events. Each fan may bring one large clear bag (12″ × 6″ × 12″ or a one-gallon Ziploc-style) plus a small clutch no larger than 4.5″ × 6.5″. Backpacks and tinted bags are prohibited.

Anything that doesn't clear the gate stays in the bus's undercarriage bays until after the game — a much better option than leaving items in a parked car or paying for bag check.

Do you serve groups flying into Tallahassee International Airport?

Yes. Tallahassee International Airport sits about 7 miles southwest of Dick Howser Stadium — roughly a 15-to-22-minute ride in normal traffic. One bus can pick up your whole group at baggage claim and go straight to the stadium or to your hotel before the game.

Share your flight details when you book and the timing is built around your actual arrival, not a scheduled one.

Are ADA-accessible buses available?

Yes — ADA-accessible vehicles are always available. Let us know your needs before your game date and we will arrange the right vehicle. Inside the stadium, accessible seating is in lower-level grandstand sections 4, 6, 7, and 9, and upper-level sections 8 and 9.

Shuttles run from the ADA lot on Chieftain Way to the gates for fans who need assistance.

How much does it cost to rent a bus to Dick Howser Stadium?

Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours, pickup location, and game date. As a guide: 14-passenger Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; minibuses run roughly $150–$300/hour; and 40–56 passenger charter buses run $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,500/day. The stadium's $150 bus parking rate is a separate cost.

Call 850-848-6890 for an all-inclusive quote in under 30 seconds — you will know the exact price before you ever book.

Is re-entry permitted at Dick Howser Stadium?

No. Re-entry is not permitted once you have passed through the gates. Make sure your entire group has what they need before going in — this is the policy that catches large groups off guard most frequently, especially for fans who expect to step out for a phone call or a fresh drink and return.

Book Your Dick Howser Stadium Bus Today

The parking scramble on West Pensacola Street is one of the most predictable parts of a Dick Howser Stadium game day — and the most avoidable one. Party Bus Tallahassee has a full fleet of charter buses, minibuses, party buses, Sprinter vans, and Sprinter limos across Tallahassee, sized for groups from a small faculty outing to a 56-person alumni contingent. Your group boards together, arrives on Chieftain Way with the permit already handled, walks to the gates as a unit, and walks out the same way when the Seminoles finish the job. Give us a call any time at 850-848-6890 for an all-inclusive price quote — or use our online tool for instant availability.

Lock in your date before the best vehicles are gone.

Sources & Last Verified

Parking, bus staging, permit costs, and visitor policies at Dick Howser Stadium are subject to change by season and event. Details verified against FSU's published guidance in June 2026; confirm current figures against the official pages below before your game day.