One more place to enjoy near Glendale in Arizona
State Farm Stadium stands as one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world, anchoring Glendale’s reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination in the American Southwest. Located just northwest of downtown Phoenix, this massive facility seats over 63,000 fans and has earned a reputation for hosting some of the most memorable events in college football, professional sports, and major concerts since opening in 2006.
The stadium’s most distinctive feature is its retractable roof and sliding natural grass field, a remarkable engineering achievement that allows the venue to transition between an open-air stadium and a fully enclosed climate-controlled arena. The field itself sits on a massive tray that can be moved in and out of the building on wheels, allowing natural turf to grow under ideal conditions inside while the stadium hosts other events with a different surface. This innovation has made the stadium a model for modern sports architecture worldwide.
The Fanatics Game Day Store, located just inside the main entrance, offers the widest selection of Arizona Cardinals merchandise and stadium souvenirs in the Valley. Visitors can browse officially licensed gear, exclusive stadium-themed collectibles, and unique items commemorating major events hosted at the venue. The stadium’s exterior is marked by a striking metallic facade that reflects the desert sunlight and changes appearance throughout the day. The Northwest Fountain Plaza provides a gathering space for fans before and after events, with large video screens broadcasting live coverage of game action for those without tickets.
The Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame, housed within the stadium, celebrates the team’s history with displays of memorabilia, jerseys, and interactive exhibits documenting the franchise’s greatest moments and players. Stadium Tours run on non-event days and give visitors access to areas normally off-limits to ticketed guests. The tour route includes the press box, luxury suites, the private club areas, and the field-level locker rooms where players prepare for games. Guides share insider stories about the stadium’s construction, major events, and the athletes who have performed on its stage. Tours typically last 90 minutes and are suitable for all ages, with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups. The Fiesta Bowl Museum, adjacent to the stadium, honors the history of one of college football’s premier bowl games with interactive exhibits showcasing past matchups, Heisman Trophy winners, and the cultural significance of the annual New Year’s Day game.
The stadium was originally named University of Phoenix Stadium when it opened in 2006, serving as the new home of the Arizona Cardinals after the team left Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. From its inception, the stadium was designed to be more than a football venue, incorporating features that allow it to host soccer matches, concerts, conventions, and large-scale community events. Glendale’s selection as the stadium’s home was a deliberate economic development choice, positioning the city as a regional entertainment hub. The Arizona Cardinals’ presence brought national attention to Glendale, attracting restaurants, hotels, and retail development to the surrounding area. The stadium has hosted two Super Bowls — Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 and Super Bowl LVII in 2023 — both of which generated significant tourism and media exposure for the city.
Fall and winter represent the best window for visiting State Farm Stadium, coinciding with the NFL regular season from September through December and the college football bowl season in late December and early January. Games create an electric atmosphere, with passionate Cardinals fans and enthusiastic college football supporters filling the stadium to capacity. Spring and early summer bring major concerts and events, with Grammy-winning artists and world-renowned performers taking the stadium’s massive stage. These events showcase the venue’s superior acoustics and production capabilities in an intimate setting that contrasts with the stadium’s sports atmosphere. Summer months see fewer public events due to Arizona’s extreme heat, though the stadium’s climate-controlled interior remains comfortable for tours and museum visits.