Editor’s note: This article is part of the Stadium Guides series, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team’s stadium experience.
Buy tickets on StubHub to Arizona Cardinals games at State Farm Stadium here.
State Farm Stadium has been home to the Arizona Cardinals since 2006. It has a big-time feel, mostly because of other events it has hosted. Three Super Bowls have unfolded here. Katy Perry actually flew while performing at halftime. State Farm also has hosted college football’s national championship and college basketball’s Final Four. Teams here leave as champions.
The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game-day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.
As the Cardinals’ home field, State Farm is versatile. It has a retractable field and roof. For most of the season the roof remains closed because of the desert heat, but watching an NFL game with the roof open in December, when it’s freezing elsewhere, is a different experience. It might be the best way to watch football.
One downer: If the Cardinals are struggling, opposing fans, especially from places such as Dallas, can take over State Farm, negating home-field advantage. But if the Cardinals are rolling, this place gets loud.
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Insider tips2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Washington Commanders, Sept. 29
The Cardinals open at Buffalo, and then face the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions at home. They could be 1-2 or 0-3. The Commanders come to the desert at the right time. This matchup will command a lot of local attention. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was head coach of the Cardinals for four seasons. Quarterback Jayden Daniels started his college career at nearby Arizona State. By Week 4, Kyler Murray and first-round draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. should be on the same page. It’s the perfect week for the Cardinals to take a major step and show their improvement.
Fan tradition to know: Great Lawn
Before kickoff, the “Great Lawn” is pretty much the place to be. Ticket holders have made this a nice tailgating tradition, even in the late-summer heat. A band provides music. And if you’re feeling lucky, a BetMGM Sportsbook is located on the lawn’s north end.
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Doug Haller’s favorite thing
It’s actually outside the stadium, a statue of Pat Tillman. A hard-hitting safety, Tillman played for Arizona from 1998 to 2001. He left the NFL to enlist in the U.S. Army after the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks and died in a 2004 friendly fire incident in Afghanistan. The statue reflects the passion with which Tillman played. Helmet off, mouth open, long hair flying. The memorial, located off the northwest section of the stadium plaza, is worth checking out.
Red roses adorn the Pat Tillman statue at State Farm Stadium this morning.
Today marks 20 years since Tillman was killed serving his country in Afghanistan.
Never. Forget. pic.twitter.com/GDJKirv801
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) April 22, 2024
The Athletic’s stadium ranking: 17th
Jon Machota ranked all 30 NFL stadiums in August 2023 and State Farm landed on two ballots as one of the worst five stadiums in the league. The ranking of 17th was a drop of eight spots from his last ranking in 2020. Perhaps that has more to do with the relative lack of success of the home team over the years, but the stadium is a regular host to major events — including three Super Bowls — and was a groundbreaker when it became the first NFL stadium to grow its grass outside and roll it in for game days, something the Las Vegas Raiders have since copied at Allegiant Stadium.
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Sign UpFans’ game day advice
The Athletic surveyed NFL fans for their feedback on the following questions:
What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?
The lower bowl is too low for football. The upper level is too high for football. The club level is juuuuust right. While tickets there are obviously more pricey, deals can be had, particularly when the Cardinals are losing — which happens often — and the opponent is not an NFL powerhouse. — Ryan C.
I have had good experiences with the standing-room-only seats. I’d rather pay less for those and have to stand than sit in the nosebleeds where I need binoculars to see the field. — Kelsey E.
For Cardinals who want to tailgate, the Great Lawn is the place to be. (Joe Rondone / The Republic / USA Today)What’s the can’t-miss food?
Pizza box nachos. — David K.
The club level requires a ticket to enter, offers upgraded food options (the pizza box nachos are a winner), shorter drink lines, and most importantly … plenty of TVs to watch the 1 p.m. Eastern kickoffs finish so you don’t miss seeing your fantasy stars score or your betting tickets cash. — Ryan C.
Does your stadium have a cotton candy burrito?
Didn’t think so pic.twitter.com/ovnvrRK0gV
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 6, 2024
Where is the best place to tailgate?
Need more shade in the parking lots. The best place to tailgate is the lawn, but if your parking passes are on the other side of the stadium, it’s difficult. — Richard H.
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Common bond: The night Larry Fitzgerald’s son met Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
What to know if you go
Stadium address: 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, Ariz. 85305.
Year opened: 2006.
Roof? Retractable roof.
Playing surface: Grass on a retractable surface grown outside.
Stadium capacity: 63,400.
2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Reference): 62,864.
Tickets: $189 is the average StubHub ticket cost at State Farm Stadium for a 2024 NFL game, according to StubHub. For a $200 non-refundable deposit, guests can join the Cardinals’ season-ticket priority list.
Bag policy: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC that are no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. Non-clear bags that are no larger than 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches and are about the size of a hand are permitted. These bags can be carried with or without a strap or hand. Other bags that are allowed include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, binocular cases and camera cases. Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are also permitted. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after inspection.
Outside food policy: No outside food or beverages are allowed in the stadium, except for one factory-sealed, non-frozen water bottle up to 20 ounces. Food and beverages for infants 2 and younger are allowed. For special medical or dietary needs, contact askquestions@cardinals.nfl.net or call 602-379-0101 before game day.
ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires at least 1 percent of stadium seats to be wheelchair accessible. For more information on all accessibility services at State Farm Stadium, click here.
Tailgating policy: Tailgating is for game day ticket holders only and limited to one parking space. Tailgating after kickoff or postgame is not permitted. Natural gas and propane grills are allowed; charcoal/pellet grills and oil fryers are not. Fans may bring a shade tent of up to 10 feet by 10 feet.
Transportation options: Driving is the primary option. A drop-off/pickup area for ridesharing is available in the Black Lot south of the stadium.
Parking: Parking opens four hours before the game and closes one hour after. The stadium is a cashless venue and the parking lots accept credit cards only. The Black Lot is designated for visitors without pre-purchased parking passes.
Learn more: https://www.statefarmstadium.com/
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(Top illustration: Ray Orr / The Athletic; photos: Christian Petersen and Lance King / Getty Images)
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Publish date : 2024-08-31 23:00:00
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