State Farm Stadium is the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona

State Farm Stadium opened in 2006 and sits in Glendale, a suburb about 10 miles west of downtown Phoenix. The Arizona Cardinals, the NFL team that plays there, moved into the building when it was completed. The stadium holds about 63,400 people for football games, though that number can shift slightly depending on how the seating is arranged for other events.

The building is owned by the Arizona Sports and Entertainment District, a public authority created by the state legislature. State Farm, the insurance company, bought the naming rights in 2021 and pays to have its name on the stadium. Before that, it was called University of Phoenix Stadium for 15 years.

Getting to State Farm Stadium by car from Phoenix takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and which part of the city you start from. The stadium sits near the Loop 101 freeway, which makes it accessible from most directions. Parking is available on-site and at nearby lots, though prices vary by event and can run $15 to $30 per vehicle on game days.

Key Takeaways

  • State Farm Stadium is located in Glendale, Arizona, about 10 miles west of Phoenix, and holds roughly 63,400 people for Cardinals games.
  • The stadium opened in 2006 and is owned by the Arizona Sports and Entertainment District, a state public authority.
  • Parking on-site and at nearby lots costs between $15 and $30 on game days, and the stadium is accessible via Loop 101.
  • The building hosts not only Cardinals games but also concerts, college football games, and other large events throughout the year.
  • Public transit options to the stadium are limited, so most visitors drive or use rideshare services.

What events happen at State Farm Stadium beyond Cardinals games

State Farm Stadium is not used only for Arizona Cardinals football. The building hosts college football games, including games played by Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. It has also hosted the Super Bowl — Super Bowl XLIX was played there in 2015.

Concerts and music festivals use the stadium regularly. Major touring artists perform there, and the venue has hosted events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the past. The stadium also holds other sporting events, including soccer matches and wrestling events, depending on the year and what promoters book.

The Cardinals play eight regular-season home games per year, plus any playoff games if the team makes the postseason. The NFL schedule is released each spring and covers games from September through December, with occasional games in January if playoffs are involved.

Getting to State Farm Stadium without a car

Public transit to State Farm Stadium is limited compared to stadiums in larger cities with more developed transit systems. The Valley Metro bus system does run routes to the stadium area, but service is not as frequent as it is to downtown Phoenix. You can check the Valley Metro website or call their information line to find the specific routes and schedules that work for your location and game time.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Phoenix area and can take you directly to the stadium. Prices vary depending on demand — game days and popular events mean higher fares, especially in the hours right before and after the event. Booking a ride in advance or planning to leave after the crowds thin out can sometimes mean lower prices.

Some hotels in the Phoenix area offer shuttle services to the stadium on game days, so if you are staying overnight, ask your hotel whether they provide transportation. A few tour companies also run bus trips from downtown Phoenix to the stadium, though you will need to book those in advance.

Parking and tailgating at State Farm Stadium

On-site parking at State Farm Stadium fills up quickly on game days, especially for popular matchups. Lots open several hours before kickoff, and arriving early gives you more parking options and time to tailgate if you want to. Parking passes are sold separately from game tickets and typically cost $15 to $30 depending on the lot and the event.

Tailgating — gathering in the parking lot before the game to eat, drink, and socialize — is permitted in most stadium lots. Arizona law and stadium rules allow alcohol in the parking areas, though glass containers are not permitted. You can bring your own food and drinks, and many fans set up grills and chairs hours before kickoff.

If on-site parking is full, nearby private lots and street parking in surrounding areas offer alternatives, though you may have to walk farther to reach the stadium entrance. Some lots charge less than official stadium parking but fill up just as quickly on popular game days.

What to bring and what is prohibited inside State Farm Stadium

State Farm Stadium allows you to bring a clear bag into the building — the NFL has a standard clear bag policy that most stadiums follow. The bag can be no larger than 14 inches wide, 14 inches tall, and 4 inches deep. You can also bring a small clutch or wallet without a bag, and a single-use clear plastic bag for medical purposes if needed.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the stadium, so plan to buy concessions once you are inside. Prices for food and beverages at the stadium are higher than outside restaurants — a typical meal can cost $15 to $25. The stadium has multiple concession stands throughout the building, and lines can be long during halftime.

Weapons, including firearms, knives, and other sharp objects, are prohibited. Recording devices and professional cameras are not permitted without prior written permission from the Arizona Cardinals organization. Drones and remote-controlled devices are also banned from the stadium and surrounding areas.

Stadium amenities and seating options

State Farm Stadium has standard upper and lower bowl seating, club seats, and luxury suites. Club seats come with access to a private club area with food and beverage options included. Suites are rented by groups and can hold anywhere from 10 to 20 people depending on the suite type.

The stadium has Wi-Fi throughout the building, which allows you to check scores from other games and use the official NFL app during the game. Restrooms are distributed throughout the stadium, though lines can be long during halftime and after the game ends. The building is air-conditioned, which is important during Arizona's hot months.

Accessibility features for people with disabilities include wheelchair seating, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. If you need specific accommodations, contact the Arizona Cardinals ticket office in advance so they can assign you appropriate seating and may support services are available when you arrive.

Ticket prices and how to purchase Cardinals game tickets

Ticket prices for Arizona Cardinals games vary widely depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and the time of year. Games against popular teams or division rivals cost more than games against less-popular opponents. Weekend games typically cost more than weekday games. Preseason games are cheaper than regular-season games, and playoff games are the most expensive.

You can purchase tickets directly from the Arizona Cardinals website, through the official NFL Ticketmaster page, or through secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices on secondary markets fluctuate based on demand and can be higher or lower than face value depending on how many tickets are still available and how much demand exists for that particular game.

Season ticket holders have first access to tickets, and single-game tickets go on sale at different times depending on the game. Some games sell out weeks in advance, while others have tickets available closer to game day. Checking the Cardinals website regularly or signing up for their email list can alert you when tickets go on sale for specific games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into State Farm Stadium?

No, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the stadium. You must purchase concessions from the stadium vendors once you are inside. However, you can bring food and drinks into the parking lot for tailgating before the game.

What is the best time to arrive at State Farm Stadium on game day?

Arriving two to three hours before kickoff gives you time to park, tailgate if you want, and get to your seat without rushing. Gates typically open two hours before the game starts. Arriving earlier means better parking options and shorter concession lines.

Is there public transportation from Phoenix to State Farm Stadium?

Valley Metro buses serve the stadium area, but service is limited compared to downtown Phoenix. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are more convenient options for most visitors. Check Valley Metro's website for specific routes and schedules from your location.

What happens if a Cardinals game is cancelled or postponed?

If a game is postponed or cancelled, the Arizona Cardinals will notify ticket holders through email and their website. Ticket holders can typically exchange their tickets for a rescheduled game or request a refund, depending on the reason for the cancellation and the team's policy at that time.

Are there hotels near State Farm Stadium?

Yes, several hotels are located in Glendale and the surrounding area within a short drive of the stadium. Some offer shuttle services to the stadium on game days. Booking a hotel near the stadium can be convenient if you are traveling from out of town, though rooms may be more expensive on game weekends.