With the Arizona Cardinals season underway and the Fiesta Bowl on the horizon, it is the busiest time of the year for State Farm Stadium.
Add in hosting Super Bowl 57 in February 2023, and the stadium will see hundreds of thousands of fans pass through its doors over the next several months.
Located in Glendale, the Phoenix-area stadium offers NFL and college football fans unobstructed field views from 63,400 seats.
It was the first stadium to have both a retractable roof and field, allowing athletes to play on a pristine surface of natural grass that moves outdoors on non-game days to enhance the turf’s health.
And now, it is the first NFL stadium to offer sports betting, with the opening of the BetMGM Sportsbook.
If you’re planning to attend an Arizona Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium, here are some tips on what to expect and how to make your trip go smoothly.
Getting to Arizona Cardinals Games at State Farm Stadium
Just nine miles from downtown Phoenix in the Westgate Entertainment District of Glendale, fans have various options for traveling to State Farm Stadium. For drivers, the venue is accessible off the Arizona Loop 101 freeway.
There are approximately 24,000 parking spaces in 12 car parks. Fans pay for spaces via the team’s mobile app. Cheaper and cash-pay parking is available in the adjacent Westgate Entertainment District.
For those who prefer to use a rideshare service, there is a designated area for pick-ups and drop-offs in the stadium’s Black Lot car park. Private companies and charter bus services offer convenient game day transportation to the stadium.
Unfortunately for those who prefer public transportation, the Phoenix metro area light rail service and public bus system do not extend to the stadium.
Arizona Cardinals Game Day Experience at State Farm Stadium
The stadium receives consistent ratings as one of the best NFL venues in the nation. Fans can take tours of the stadium and watch the field move out to the sun the day after a game.
On the way to Cardinals’ games, you can listen to the pre-game show on the team’s Radio Network (Arizona Sports) on 98.7 FM or via the station’s mobile app.
Tailgating takes place on the stadium’s Great Lawn area for ticketholders. While fans cannot bring food or drink inside the stadium, personal food and beverage items are permitted on the Great Lawn. The tailgating celebration includes a live DJ, shaded lawn seating, food trucks, an LED screen to watch other in-progress games, and kids’ activities.
Within the stadium, fans enjoy complimentary wi-fi. Food options include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare.
How to Buy Tickets and Family Friendly Options
Ticketing for Arizona Cardinals games is entirely digital. Fans purchase tickets via SeatGeek, the team’s official ticketing partner. You can preview your seat’s view via the team’s 3-D seating tool.
Parents can request a lap pass for children 24 months or younger. There are also family seating areas where alcohol is prohibited. Additionally, the main level of the stadium has family restrooms with baby changing tables.
Parents can also request child locator wristbands, birthday buttons, team-branded earphones, and fidget toys at the stadium’s guess services booth.
Fiesta Bowl tickets are sold via SeatGeek as well. In 2022, the game is set for New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, and is a designated semifinal matchup of the college football playoffs.
Bag Policy
State Farm Stadium adheres to the NFL’s clear bag policy with limits on the type of size of bags allowed inside the venue. Clear bags cannot exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″. Fans can carry wallets and clutch bags that are smaller than 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″ into the stadium.
Sports Betting at Arizona Cardinals Games at State Farm Stadium
BetMGM offers the convenience of an on-site sportsbook for fans. With a debut on Sept. 11, 2022, it is the first-ever sportsbook at an NFL stadium. The two-story structure is adjacent to the Great Lawn and includes a bar and grill, a 265-square-foot video wall, 38 TV screens, and 27 self-service sports betting kiosks.
The sportsbook has concert facilities and plans to offer fans live music and comedy shows.
With a history that includes two riveting Super Bowls and some of the most exciting postseason college football games in recent history, fans should expect entertaining, memory-making experiences when they visit State Farm Stadium.
Bet on the Cardinals with BetMGM – Claim up to $1,000 bonus bet – Use code SHARP*
*Promo offer is only good when using the mobile app and is not available at the retail location.
Photos courtesy of Brant James
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