State Farm Stadium: A Desert Marvel
A state-of-the-art stadium in Glendale, AZ, hosting the Arizona Cardinals, Fiesta Bowl, Super Bowls, concerts, and major events.
State Farm Stadium, located in Glendale, Arizona, is a marvel of modern engineering and architectural design. Completed in 2006, the stadium has become an iconic landmark in the Phoenix metropolitan area, hosting a wide array of major sporting and entertainment events. Originally named Cardinals Stadium, it was later known as the University of Phoenix Stadium until 2017 before becoming State Farm Stadium. The stadium boasts a seating capacity of 63,400, expandable to 73,000 for mega-events, ensuring outstanding, unobstructed views for fans. What sets State Farm Stadium apart is its innovative retractable roof and roll-out natural grass field, the first of their kind in North America. The retractable roof, made of translucent Bird-Air fabric, operates on an incline using a 480-horsepower system. This allows the stadium to quickly convert from an open-air venue to a climate-controlled environment. The roll-out field, consisting of a natural grass field on a movable tray, allows the playing surface to be exposed to sunlight when not in use and enables the stadium floor to be used for other events without damaging the grass. State Farm Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowls XLII, XLIX, and LVII. It is the home of the annual Fiesta Bowl and has hosted the BCS National Championship. In addition to football, the stadium has hosted major soccer matches, including games in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa América Centenario. It also hosted WrestleMania XXVI and the NCAA Men's Final Four in 2017 and will host the Final Four again in 2024. The stadium is conveniently located in the Glendale Sports & Entertainment District, approximately 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and is easily accessible of the Arizona Loop 101 Freeway.
Local tips
- Purchase parking in advance through SeatGeek.com to ensure a hassle-free experience.
- Arrive early, especially on game days, to navigate traffic and find parking.
- Take advantage of the designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area in the Black Lot south of the stadium.
- Be aware that State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue; bring credit cards for all transactions.
- Check the stadium's clear bag policy before arriving to expedite entry.
A brief summary to State Farm Stadium
- 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, Glendale Sports and Entertainment District, Arizona, 85305, US
- +1623-433-7101
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
While the Valley Metro Light Rail doesn't directly reach State Farm Stadium, you can take it to the Desert Sky Transit Center at 79th Avenue and McDowell Road. From there, game-day shuttle services provide direct transport to the stadium. Alternatively, Valley Metro buses, such as Route 17 (McDowell Rd) and Route 70 (Glendale Ave), offer access to the stadium. A single bus fare is typically $2.
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Rideshare
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach State Farm Stadium. Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are located in the Black Lot south of the stadium. Expect a short ride from the Westgate Entertainment District to cost approximately $10-$20, depending on demand and traffic.
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Driving
State Farm Stadium is located off the Arizona Loop 101 Freeway, between Cardinals Way and Glendale Avenue. General parking is accessible via Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way from Loop 101, as well as from 91st and 99th Avenues. Preferred Parking (Red Lot) is accessed via Maryland Avenue and 95th Avenue. Event day general parking can cost around $20, while preferred parking may be $30. Stadium parking is cashless.
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Walking
From the Westgate Entertainment District, State Farm Stadium is within walking distance. Head east towards the stadium, following the signs and pedestrian traffic. The walk is generally less than 15 minutes. Note that on event days, the area can be crowded.
