How do I get to State Farm Stadium as an away fan?

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), then head northwest to Glendale — the stadium is about 20–25 minutes from downtown Phoenix. There's no rail line to Glendale, so you'll drive or rideshare. Plan your ride, especially getting out after the game.

What is parking like at State Farm Stadium and when should away fans arrive?

All parking is fully digital and pre-paid via the Cardinals Mobile App — it's a cashless venue, and you get entry directions based on your parking zone. Expect a walk to the outer security perimeter unless you have a close lot. The Great Lawn (8 acres of grass) is the premier tailgate spot; arrive about 4 hours early for it. Arrive early and enjoy the AC — with the roof closed on a hot day, the stadium is a cool refuge around 72°F, and Westgate next door is a ready-made pregame.

What food should you get at State Farm Stadium, and what should you bring?

Look for Southwestern flavors and Sonoran-style items alongside the usual stadium fare. Check the bag policy, as the NFL clear-bag rule applies. The roof handles the heat inside, but bring sunscreen and water for time outdoors in the desert sun.

Is State Farm Stadium friendly to away fans, and any insider tips?

Enjoy the roof and AC — arrive early and stay cool. Make Westgate your pregame; it's right there. Plan to drive (no rail to Glendale), hydrate for the heat, and consider pairing the trip with Phoenix or Scottsdale. A comfortable, easy away stadium.

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NFL · Arizona Cardinals

Visiting State Farm Stadium as an Away Fan: The Complete Guide

Q: Is State Farm Stadium air conditioned?

Yes. State Farm Stadium has a retractable roof and is fully air conditioned, kept around 72°F inside when the roof is closed no matter how hot it is outside. In Arizona's desert heat that's a big comfort advantage, and the blast of AC when you walk in is famous. On game day the Cardinals run a 'Roof Hotline' to announce whether the roof will be open or closed.

Q: Where should visiting fans stay for a Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium?

Stay in downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale for the city and nightlife, then drive over on game day. For walkable convenience, base yourself right in Glendale near Westgate, the entertainment district next to the stadium with hotels, bars, and restaurants.

Q: Where do visiting fans sit at State Farm Stadium?

It's a modern stadium (~63,400) with excellent sightlines and no obstructed views, and the roof and AC keep every seat comfortable in the desert heat. The 200-level Club seats offer the most comfort and climate control — worth it in extreme heat — while the upper deck is good value and lower levels are pricier. The 'Big Red' air-raid siren is cranked before kickoff and after scores. Cardinals crowds are relaxed and easy for visiting fans.

Q: What is the pregame scene like at State Farm Stadium?

Westgate, right next to the stadium, is the pregame — a walkable district of bars and restaurants (and the tailgate lots for the full football experience). For more, downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale are a drive away, but Westgate keeps everything close on game day.

State Farm Stadium · 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, Arizona

★ A roofed, air-conditioned escape from the desert

State Farm Stadium sits in Glendale, west of Phoenix, and it's an engineering marvel: a retractable roof, full air conditioning, and a unique natural-grass field that rolls outside into the sun between games. Home to the Arizona Cardinals, it beats the desert heat and pairs with the Westgate entertainment district right outside. Here's how to do a Cardinals road trip right.

Is State Farm Stadium air conditioned? Yes. The stadium has a retractable roof and is fully air conditioned — kept around 72°F inside when the roof is closed, no matter how hot it is outside. In Arizona's desert heat that's a huge comfort advantage, and the blast of AC when you walk in is famous. On game day the Cardinals run a "Roof Hotline" announcing whether the roof will be open or closed.

Getting There

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), then head northwest to Glendale — a few miles west of Phoenix, not central Phoenix, so plan for the drive (about 20–25 minutes from downtown).

Most fans drive. Valley Metro transit is an option but limited to the area, so a car or rideshare is the practical call — plan your ride, especially getting out after the game. The stadium sits right next to the Westgate Entertainment District (restaurants, bars, shops), which is the pregame hub.

Where to Stay

Stay in downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale for the city and nightlife, then drive over on game day.

For walkable convenience, base yourself right in Glendale near Westgate, the entertainment district next to the stadium with hotels, bars, and restaurants.

Parking & When to Arrive

All parking is fully digital and pre-paid via the Cardinals Mobile App — it's a cashless venue, and you'll get entry directions based on your parking zone. Unless you have a VIP or close lot, expect a bit of a walk to the outer security perimeter. The premier tailgate spot is the "Great Lawn" — 8 acres of grass where fans park around the edges and set up tents for a clean, communal tailgate; arrive ~4 hours early for the full experience. Lots open before gates.

Arrive early and enjoy the AC — with the roof closed on a hot day, the stadium is a cool refuge (around 72°F), and Westgate next door is a ready-made pregame.

Where Visiting Fans Sit

It's a modern stadium (~63,400 capacity) with excellent sightlines and no obstructed views, and the roof and AC keep every seat comfortable in the desert heat. The 200-level Club seats offer the most comfort and climate control — worth it in extreme heat — while the upper deck is good value and lower levels are pricier. Check the north sideline for a view of the sliding-field mechanism.

One iconic quirk: the "Big Red" air-raid siren, cranked by a celebrity before kickoff and after every Cardinals score — loud and part of the show. Cardinals crowds are relaxed and easy for visiting fans.

Food & What to Bring

Expect Mexican-influenced cuisine reflecting the region, and the Westgate District right outside adds abundant options. The "Cardinals Flight Deck" is a pregame party worth checking out.

On bags, State Farm uses a strict clear-bag policy: each person may bring up to two items — one clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bag no larger than 12"×6"×12" (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus one small clutch no larger than 4.5"×6.5". There's no outside food or beverages (limited exceptions), and the venue is cashless throughout. The roof handles the heat inside, but bring sunscreen and water for time outdoors in the desert sun. Confirm the current policy before you go.

The Pregame Scene

Westgate, right next to the stadium, is the pregame — a walkable district of bars and restaurants (and the tailgate lots for the full football experience).

For more, downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale are a drive away, but Westgate keeps everything close on game day.

Insider Tips

Yes, it's air conditioned (~72°F, retractable roof) — a big deal in the desert heat — so check the Roof Hotline on game day to see if it'll be open or closed. Buy parking in advance on the Cardinals app (cashless), remember it's clear-bag only, and tailgate on the Great Lawn (arrive ~4 hrs early). Grab a 200-level Club seat for the most comfort.

Plan to drive (limited transit to Glendale), make Westgate your pre/postgame, and consider pairing the trip with Phoenix or Scottsdale. A comfortable, easy away stadium.

Plan & Book

Build your State Farm Stadium trip

Choose each piece — flights into PHX, a hotel in Glendale by Westgate or in downtown Phoenix/Scottsdale, Cardinals tickets, and a rental car (there's no rail to Glendale). It adds to your trip below. Nothing books until you're ready.