| State Farm Stadium Quick Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team | Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Fiesta Bowl |
| Opened | 2006 (Formerly University of Phoenix Stadium) |
| Capacity | 63,400 (expandable to ~73,000 for special events) |
| Best Value Seats | Main Level Corners (Sections 104, 113, 126, 135) |
| Premium Seating | Club Level (200 Level), Loft Suites, Field Boxes |
| Top Stadium Foods | Craft cheesesteaks, Fry Bread Tacos, Noble Bird Chicken, Kettle Corn |
| Nearby Bars | Westgate Entertainment District: Yard House, McFadden’s, Fat Tuesday |
| Closest Hotels | Renaissance Glendale, Aloft Glendale, Tru by Hilton Glendale |
| Transit Access | Park-and-ride, Valley Metro Bus, limited shuttle service |
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Best Seats at State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium has multiple seating levels from field-level premium down to upper-deck terrace sections, plus a retractable roof that keeps things comfortable year-round. Premium options like club seats and luxury suites run hundreds to thousands of dollars, but you can get excellent views and atmosphere without going broke. Here’s where to sit if you’re not dropping corporate money on tickets.
Main Level Sideline (Best Non-Premium Seats): The best non-premium seats in the building are Main Level sideline sections 107-112 (Cardinals side) and 128-133 (visitor side). Within these sections, 128, 129, 130, 107, 108, and 109 are the prime spots—right around midfield with clear sightlines for both offense and defense.
Rows 10-20 are the sweet spot. You’re elevated enough to see plays develop across the field but close enough to feel the intensity and hear the hits. Front-row seats (rows 1-5) are cool for the experience—you’re basically on top of the players—but you’ll miss action on the opposite side of the field because you’re so low. We sat in these for the Fiesta Bowl a few years ago, We were actually probably closer to row 30, still solid seating experience overall. Highly recommend.
These seats give you that premium feel without the premium price tag.
Ring of Honor Seats (Best Value): Ring of Honor seats on the 400 Level are the value play at State Farm Stadium. These are the first 5 rows (A-E) of each upper-level section, and they’re priced around $67-175 depending on location.
What makes Ring of Honor special is that you’re sitting in a separate mini-section with only 5 rows total—way more accessible than climbing 20+ rows into the traditional terrace sections. You get an elevated view of the entire field without feeling like you’re in the nosebleeds.
Stick to center sections closer to the 50-yard line for the best perspective. You’ll see every play clearly, and you’re paying a fraction of what lower bowl costs.
Main Level End Zone (Best Lower Level Budget): If you want to be close to the field without club pricing, Main Level end zone sections 101-103 and 123-125 deliver. You’re directly behind the goalposts with clear views of touchdowns, goal-line stands, and red zone action.
North end zone sections (117 to 121) are the move because they face the massive video board in the south end zone—so you can catch replays, stats, and highlights without craning your neck. The tradeoff is when play moves to the opposite end, you’re watching from a limited angle, but being close to the field and catching touchdown celebrations up close makes up for it.
Upper Level Main (Budget Option): For the cheapest tickets with decent views, target Upper-Level Main center sections (411 to 414 and 442 to 445). These center sections give you a balanced view of the entire field from the highest level.
If you need even cheaper, sections 424, 453, and 433 are typically the lowest-priced seats in the stadium. Traditional Terrace Level sections have about 23-30 rows per section—you’re farther from the field, but elevation helps you see plays develop.
Tips for Picking Seats
- Avoid corner sections—they’re the farthest from midfield and sightlines get ugly when play moves to the opposite side
- Choose north sections over south for better views of the main video board
- Family sections (114, 424, 432) are alcohol-free if you prefer that environment
- For 100-level sideline, aim for rows 10-20—first rows are cool for the experience but not ideal for actually watching football
- Stick to center sections on any level for balanced field views
- Elevation matters—even budget seats benefit from being higher up so you can see plays unfold
Ring of Honor seats are the best value proposition in the building—upper-level views with way better accessibility than traditional nosebleeds, all at a fraction of club seat prices. Those 100 level are great if you can swing it.
Premium Seating Options
State Farm Stadium’s premium options range from semi-private spaces to full-on luxury experiences, whether you’re entertaining clients or just want to watch the Cardinals in style.
50 East & 50 West Lofts: The most luxurious seats in the building. Located at the 50-yard line on the Club Level, starting at $1,000 per seat. You get the highest level of amenities, service, and comfort State Farm Stadium offers.
Casitas: The “NFL equivalent of beachfront property”—custom-built, field-level cabanas behind the south end zone. Each Casita holds 20 people and includes a front yard and rooftop deck for watching the game. All-inclusive food and beverages, valet parking, and private entrance included.
Loge Boxes: Semi-private 8-seat boxes located at midfield on top of the main level concourse. Perfect for business entertaining with a dedicated concierge and private dining options. Pricing averages around $3,000.
Field Boxes: Only 30 Field Boxes available in the entire stadium. Located at field level with great on-field views and a personal TV in the seating area. Includes access to the multi-level Casita Garden Club Lounge.
Premium Clubs
Casita Garden Club: 13,400 square feet at the south end of the field, just feet from the home locker room. You get a behind-the-scenes perspective as Cardinals players walk to the field.
Morgan Athletic Club: 1920s-style lounge near the north end zone with all-inclusive food and beverages, live music before and after games, private dining rooms, VIP parking, and private stadium entrance.
Gila River Club Level: Available to all suite and club ticket holders with upscale food and beverage options in multiple lounge areas. Located on both sides of the stadium at the 50-yard line.
Other club lounges include the 50-Yard Lounge, Flight Lounge, and Bubble Lounge.
Club Level Seats & Other Premium Options
Club Level Seats
Starting at around $300, these offer elevated views with extra-wide seating, additional legroom, access to full-service bars, upscale dining, and private restrooms. Club Level is the “lite” version of luxury—better than standard seats but without the all-inclusive service of VIP clubs or suites.
Club Cabanas: Semi-private lounge space with direct access to club-level stadium seats. Includes lounge seating, a table for catering, mini-fridge, and TV.
Party Porches: Sitting on top of the main concourse with premium service in a semi-private space. Watch the game in stadium-style seats or grab a snack at barstool seating on your porch
State Farm Stadium Seating Chart
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona has a fixed seating capacity of 63,400. However, the stadium can accommodate more than 73,000 people for large events through customizable seating arrangements. The stadium has 88 luxury suites, called luxury lofts, with space for 16 more suites as it matures. Here is the Seating Chart For State Farm Stadium in Phoenix.
Tickets to Arizona Cardinals Games
Here’s how to secure Arizona Cardinals tickets:
- Get Your Arizona Cardinals Tickets Here – Vivid Seats offers a range of Cardinals, Fiesta Bowl, the College Football Playoff, Final Fours and more!
- Official Cardinals Website – Buy directly from the team for face-value pricing and official ticketing options.
For last-minute deals, check trusted resale platforms but be cautious of unofficial sellers.
Upcoming Events At State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium stays pretty busy for a lot of the year with concerts, the occasional Super Bowl, Final Four and concerts. State Farm Stadium is also home to the annual Fiesta Bowl which is part of the College Football Playoff. Here is a list of upcoming events.
State Farm Stadium Bag Policy
The ‘No Bag’ Reality: State Farm Stadium is strict. If your bag is larger than a clutch (4.5″ x 6.5″), it MUST be clear. There are no lockers at the gate. If you mess this up, you are walking a mile back to your car.
Other Policies
We recommend you check the Cardinals handy A to Z Guide for latest policy info but here are a couple other things you need to know with this State Farm Stadium in particular:
Water & Beverage Policy: Only one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500mL (16.9 fl. oz.) bottle of plain water is allowed per person. Soda, flavored water, sports drinks, and all other beverages are prohibited. Parents with small children may bring plastic bottles of formula or milk.
Cashless Operations: State Farm Stadium operates completely cashless for all food, beverage, and merchandise purchases. You must use credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or other contactless payment methods. Cash-to-card ATMs are available throughout the stadium if needed.
Re-Entry Policy: The “One-Way” Ticket: State Farm Stadium has a strict NO Re-Entry Policy. Once your ticket is scanned, you are locked in. There are no exceptions for going back to your car for a jacket or to meet a friend.
State Farm Stadium Parking
Parking at State Farm Stadium is one of those things that can quietly make or break your day. The lots are huge and well-marked, but with limited exit routes and everyone leaving at once, getting out after a big game or concert can turn into a slow crawl. Think of parking here as part of your game plan—not something to figure out at the last minute.
Parking Options & Pricing
The basics are straightforward: there’s a mix of general, preferred, VIP, and oversized parking spread around the stadium. General lots are your standard game-day option, with higher pricing for concerts and special events, and premium rates for VIP and oversized vehicles. Exact prices change by event and year, so treat any specific dollar amounts you’ve seen as ballpark ranges rather than guarantees and always double-check when you buy your parking.
Key structure to remember:
- General parking is in the larger outer lots, typically accessed from Loop 101 via Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way, plus surface streets like 91st and 99th Avenues.
- Preferred and club/VIP parking sit closer to the stadium and often use more controlled access points (for example, around Maryland and 95th).
- Oversized vehicles are usually pushed into a specific lot (historically Lot F) with its own designated entrance.
If you’re buying parking through the team or an official partner, secure it early—closer-in lots sell out faster, especially for divisional games and major tours.
Alternative Parking & Where to Aim
If you’d rather not fight the official stadium lots, there are some workable alternatives in the area:
- Westgate Entertainment District
Just north of the stadium, with its own paid parking that typically goes into effect a few hours before events. The upside: you park once, eat and drink at Westgate, then walk to the game. The downside: you’re still part of the same overall traffic pattern leaving afterward. - Nearby garages and hotel/self-park options
Spots like the self-park garages around the Renaissance and nearby businesses sometimes offer event parking. You’ll usually pay more than the cheapest stadium lot but gain slightly easier exits and a shorter walk to restaurants and bars. - Rideshare zone: Black Lot
The Black Lot south of the stadium is the designated rideshare pickup/drop-off area. It’s organized and signed, but after big events it can feel like a rideshare convention—great if you don’t want to park, but still subject to congestion and surge pricing.
Timing & Traffic Reality
This is where you really feel the suburban NFL setup:
- Lots typically open about four hours before kickoff for Cardinals games, and earlier tailgate crowds absolutely take advantage of that.
- If you’re driving, plan to be parked at least two hours before game time to avoid rolling in late and missing player intros or early drives.
- Leaving is the real pain point. If you park close and try to leave right at the final whistle, 60–90 minutes to get out of the lots and onto the main roads is very realistic on busy days.
- Lots generally close about an hour after events, so you can’t just camp out all night, but you do have a bit of buffer if you want to wait it out.
The traffic itself isn’t complicated; it’s just volume. Everyone is trying to hit the same handful of exit points and freeway ramps at the same time.
Parking Tips That Actually Help
Here’s how to make the parking situation less miserable and more manageable:
- Stay 20–30 minutes after the final whistle: Let the mad dash happen without you. Hit the team shop, grab a snack, take photos, or just hang out on the concourse. By the time you get to your car, at least the first wave of traffic has cleared a bit.
- Park for the exit, not the entrance: Instead of going for the closest possible lot, choose a lot that lines up with the direction you’re driving home and has a more direct shot to your preferred freeway ramp or surface street. Being an extra 5–10 minutes on foot can save you 30–45 minutes in the car.
- Don’t blindly trust GPS near the stadium: Mapping apps love to route you through clogged entrances or closed roads on event days. Once you’re within a mile or two of the stadium, follow the posted event signage and traffic officers rather than trying to outsmart the closure plan.
- Bring time-killers and power: Assume you’ll sit in your car for a while after the game. Download podcasts or shows ahead of time and bring a car charger or portable battery so your phone isn’t dying while you’re trying to pull up directions, tickets, or parking info.
- Consider rideshare for small groups: If you’re just two or three people and staying relatively close, rideshare to and from the Black Lot can be less stressful than parking—especially if you’re comfortable walking a couple blocks away from the stadium before requesting your ride to avoid the densest pickup crush.
- Budget extra time both ways: Build padding into your schedule: one extra hour before, and the mental expectation of an extra 30–60 minutes after. If you end up getting out faster, it feels like a win instead of a surprise time sink.
Rideshare Drop-Off & Pickup
If you’re going the rideshare route:
- Use the official rideshare lot: The Black Lot south of the stadium is the designated zone, and drivers are supposed to use that for both drop-off and pickup. It’s signed, organized, and avoids random stopping on main roads.
- Avoid roadside drop-offs: Law enforcement and traffic control will move drivers along if they try to stop on stadium-adjacent roads. It slows everyone down and can lead to tickets—better to just commit to the proper lot.
The honest reality: State Farm Stadium parking and postgame exiting require patience. If you treat it like another phase of the event—tailgate, game, slow roll out—rather than an afterthought, you’ll be a lot less frustrated and can actually enjoy the day start to finish.
State Farm Stadium Insider Tips
Here are some great insider tips about State Farm Stadium that hopefully will enhance your experience:
Call the Roof Hotline – For Cardinals games, you can call the Cardinals roof hotline (623-433-7663) to see if the roof will be open or closed. This sounds like a silly detail until you realize your outfit is completely different for 110-degree desert sun versus a cooled 78-degree indoor game.
Watch the Field “Sunbathe” – The natural grass field actually rolls outside the stadium on 546 steel wheels along 13 railroad tracks to get maximum sunlight. The field crew brings the grass into the stadium on a field tray that takes 70 minutes to move 740 feet in or out. If you arrive early, you might catch this engineering marvel in action.
Roof Reality Check – According to the professional tour guide, the roof opens “about twice a year”, so don’t count on experiencing the open-air atmosphere. When closed, they keep the temp around 78 degrees inside.
Navigation & Timing Hacks
Beat the Crowds with Early Entry – The Big Red Brew Haus inside the stadium opens early to host fans and is open to anyone holding a game ticket. This gives you air-conditioned comfort and shorter lines before the main crowds arrive.
Use the Upper Concourse for Views – You can see the game while standing on the upper concourse, and there are plenty of prime standing room only spots behind both end zones where a surprisingly large number of people take in the game.
Elevator Locations – Elevators are located near the three public and two Gila River Casinos Club Entrances. Use these to avoid the 5-minute escalator climb to upper deck seating.
Smart Stadium Features
Portable Charging Stations – Portable charging banks are available for rent on multiple levels, including Main Level (Sections 104, 123 & 136), Club Level (Sections 213 & 233), Loft Level (Sections 318 & 349), and Terrace Level (Sections 418, 434 & 446).
Free Stadium Wi-Fi – Connect to Stadium Wi-Fi (no password required) and enjoy exclusive features like live video game feeds and NFL Redzone through the Cardinals Mobile App.
Family Amenities – Visit Guest Services Booths to obtain Child Safety Wristbands where parents can write down their child’s ticket location or contact phone number. Family restrooms with baby-changing tables are located on the Main Concourse near Sections 102, 114, 124, and 136.
Food & Drink Insider Knowledge
Cashless Operation – I wrote it above, but remember State Farm Stadium has embraced a cashless approach. Cash-to-card ATMs are available throughout the stadium to convert cash into a universally accepted debit card.
Hidden Food Gems – Try the 4th and Long: a 22-inch, one-pound Vienna beef hot dog for $24, or Touchdown Tossers salads in jars for $10-$15.
Water Policy – Each guest is allowed one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500mL bottle of water, but soda, flavored water, and sports drinks are not permitted.
Practical Tips
ATM Locations – ATMs are located at sections 104 & 123, Sections 216 & 233, and Sections 416 & 448.
Best Photo Spots: Stadium staff members will take photos of your group if you ask, and the upper concourse offers great architectural shots.
Stadium Tours: Behind the Scenes Tours are 75-90 minutes long and include the Main Concourse, Club Level, and Field Level when events allow. Tour guests receive an exclusive 10% discount at the Team Shop.
Pre-Game Activities: The plaza and lawn just outside the stadium usually have interactive games—40-yard dash setup, passing/kicking stations, and a covered area with TVs (often showing RedZone). It’s a good place to burn off kid energy or just hang before going through security.
Seating Reality – The seats are quite narrow and there is literally no space to walk in front of each other. Large people will not fit well in the seats, so plan accordingly.
The stadium truly is an engineering marvel, but knowing these insider details will help you navigate it like a pro and make the most of your visit.
Hotels Near State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium sits in Glendale, which is about 16 miles west of downtown Phoenix and 12 miles from Scottsdales old town area.. While the stadium anchors the Westgate Entertainment District with restaurants, shops, and Desert Diamond Arena, the immediate area is primarily designed around event logistics rather than tourist amenities.
This creates an interesting choice for visitors: stay close for game-day convenience and easy access, or base yourself in Phoenix or Scottsdale where you’ll find world-class resorts, vibrant nightlife, renowned dining, and attractions like hiking trails, golf courses, and cultural sites. Your decision should depend on whether your trip centers around the event itself or if you want to explore what the greater Phoenix area has to offer.
Closest Hotels to the Stadium
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Glendale-Westgate – Consistently rated among the top options near the stadium, this hotel puts you right across from State Farm Stadium. Features free breakfast, outdoor pool, and easy walking access to Westgate Entertainment District.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Phoenix Glendale-Westgate – All-suite property with full kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool, and barbecue grills. Great for extended stays or families wanting more space and flexibility.
Holiday Inn Glendale – Stadium & Entertainment District – Located within walking distance of the stadium with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining. Guests appreciate the proximity to both the casino and venue.
SpringHill Suites Phoenix Glendale Sports & Entertainment District – Spacious suites with separate living areas, complimentary breakfast, and modern amenities. Part of the Marriott family with reliable service standards.
Aloft Phoenix Glendale – A bold, modern hotel in the entertainment district with loft-style rooms featuring 9-foot ceilings, 42″ LCD TVs, and walk-in showers. The property offers a vibrant lobby bar, fitness center, and splash pool.
Premier Phoenix & Scottsdale Hotels
The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale – Sprawled across 250 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain, this iconic resort features a gold-lined dome, nine pools, three-story spa, and restaurants including J&G Steakhouse. The ultimate in Arizona luxury.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Set in a dramatic desert setting in North Scottsdale with stunning vistas of Metro Phoenix. Offers the expected Four Seasons luxury with suites and casitas nestled among cacti and Pinnacle Peak.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows – A creative retreat featuring bungalow-style accommodations, artistic experiences, and lush grounds. Recently named one of Arizona’s top resorts by Travel + Leisure, offering locally inspired cuisine and curated cultural events.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale – A stunning blend of contemporary architecture and mid-century modern charm tucked into the base of Camelback Mountain. Known for iconic poolside views, sleek accommodations, and emphasis on art, design, and wellness.
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort – Fresh off a $115 million transformation, Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt property features 496 updated accommodations, 10 pools, a three-story waterslide, sand beach, and dining venues by celebrity chef Richard Blais. The luxury Casitas and ultra-luxe Gainey House provide the highest level of accommodations.
The Biltmore area and resort are great, as well as the areas around Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter and Old Town Scottsdale, as you’ll be around a bunch of shopping, bars, and restaurants in all those areas.
Things to Do in Phoenix
Certainly, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in the Phoenix metro area:
- Visit the Desert Botanical Garden: Explore the stunning desert landscapes and a vast collection of desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden.
- Explore Heard Museum: Discover Native American art and culture at the Heard Museum, showcasing a vast collection of indigenous art.
- Tour Taliesin West: Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school of architecture, Taliesin West, for an architectural journey.
- Visit the Phoenix Art Museum: Explore a diverse collection of art, including American, Asian, European, and contemporary pieces.
- Musical Instrument Museum: Enjoy the world’s largest collection of musical instruments from around the globe and even play some of them.
- Sedona: Just a 2 hour or so drive away, Sedona offers stunning red rock formations and outdoor adventures like hiking and jeep tours.
- Golf: Phoenix is known for its excellent golf courses. Enjoy a round at some of the top-rated courses in the area.
- Shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square: Shop at one of the largest shopping malls in the Southwest, Scottsdale Fashion Square, for luxury brands and unique boutiques.
- Explore Old Town Scottsdale: Stroll through the historic Old Town Scottsdale, filled with art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
- Visit the Phoenix Zoo: Spend a day at the Phoenix Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
- Relax at Roosevelt Row: Enjoy art installations, galleries, and vibrant street art in the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Hiking Spots in Phoenix
Phoenix is home to incredible hiking trails. If you’re visiting for a game, consider checking out these trails:
- Camelback Mountain – Most iconic hike, offering panoramic city views.
- Pinnacle Peak – Easier trail with stunning desert scenery. I love Pinnacle Peak. Get there early on a weekend morning in the winter. Great Hike.
- Lookout Mountain – Moderate, less crowded hike with great sunset views.
Pack water, wear sunscreen, and start early to avoid the heat.
We hope this guide to State Farm Stadium was helpful. Let us know your tips in the comments. Phoenix is a great city for big events and there aren’t alot of better places to be in the winter months. For more stadium guides and travel tips, check out some of our other guides here:
SoFi Stadium – LA Rams & Chargers
Mortgage Matchup Center (Suns And Mercury)
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.