Ah, the call of State Farm Stadium! Whether you're heading to a Cardinals game, a major concert, or one of the many fantastic events held there, getting from Downtown Phoenix can be an exciting part of the adventure. Let's break down all the ways to make that journey smooth and stress-free.
How to Get to State Farm Stadium from Downtown Phoenix: Your Comprehensive Guide
So, you're in the heart of downtown Phoenix, perhaps enjoying the vibrant city life, and now you're ready to immerse yourself in the energy of State Farm Stadium. But how do you get there without a hitch? Don't worry, we've got you covered with various options, from the convenience of your own car to budget-friendly public transport. Let's dive in!
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| How To Get To State Farm Stadium From Downtown Phoenix |
Step 1: Assess Your Priorities - Speed, Cost, or Convenience?
Before we map out the routes, let's figure out what's most important to you for this trip.
Are you in a hurry? Then driving or a taxi/rideshare might be your best bet.
Is budget your main concern? Public transport will likely be the most economical choice.
Do you prefer a hands-off approach? Rideshare or a taxi offers maximum convenience.
Once you have a sense of your priorities, you can easily choose the best method for your journey.
Step 2: Driving Yourself - The Most Direct Route
If you have access to a car, driving offers the most flexibility and often the fastest travel time, traffic permitting. State Farm Stadium is located in Glendale, roughly 14-16 miles west of Downtown Phoenix.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Sub-heading: The Interstate 10 West Route (Most Common)
This is generally the most straightforward and quickest driving option.
Start from Downtown Phoenix: From your location in Downtown Phoenix, navigate to a major street that connects to I-10 West, such as Jefferson Street or Van Buren Street.
Merge onto I-10 West: Head west on W Van Buren St toward 1st Ave, then turn right onto N 7th Ave. From N 7th Ave, turn left to merge onto I-10 West (towards Los Angeles).
Take Loop 101 North: Continue on I-10 West for several miles. You'll then take Exit 133B for AZ-101 Loop N (Agua Fria Freeway North). This exit will put you on the 101 Loop heading north.
Exit at Cardinals Way: Drive north on Loop 101. You'll soon see signs for State Farm Stadium. Take Exit 6 for Cardinals Way.
Follow Signs to Stadium Parking: Turn right onto Cardinals Way. From here, you'll see ample signage directing you to the various stadium parking lots. Depending on your pre-purchased parking pass or general parking, follow the specific directions. Many lots are accessible via N 95th Ave from Cardinals Way.
Estimated Drive Time: 20-30 minutes without significant traffic.
Parking: State Farm Stadium offers extensive parking. It's highly recommended to pre-purchase parking passes online through the stadium or event website to save time and sometimes money. Parking lots typically open four hours prior to kickoff for Cardinals games and vary for other events. Remember, State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue, so have your credit card ready for parking.
Step 3: Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft) - Convenient and Door-to-Door
For those who prefer not to drive or deal with parking, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are excellent options. They offer direct transportation from your downtown location to the stadium's designated drop-off points.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Ride
Open Your App: Launch your preferred rideshare app (Uber or Lyft).
Enter Your Destination: Input "State Farm Stadium" as your destination. The app should automatically populate the official address: 1 W Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305.
Choose Your Ride Type: Select the vehicle type that suits your needs (e.g., standard, XL for larger groups, premium). Keep in mind that surge pricing can occur during peak event times, significantly increasing the cost.
Confirm Pickup: Confirm your current Downtown Phoenix location.
Meet Your Driver: Wait for your driver at the designated pickup spot.
Sub-heading: Stadium Drop-off and Pickup
Designated Areas: State Farm Stadium has a specific Black Lot located south of the stadium for rideshare drop-off and pickup. This helps manage traffic flow efficiently on event days.
Post-Event Pickup Tips: After a major event, getting a rideshare can be challenging due due to high demand and congestion.
Consider walking a short distance away from the immediate stadium vicinity (e.g., to nearby Westgate Entertainment District) to potentially find a driver faster and avoid surge pricing.
Wait 15-30 minutes after the event for the initial rush to subside.
Some users report success walking to the Walmart on 95th Ave and Camelback Road for pickups to avoid congestion and potential surge pricing.
Estimated Cost: Varies greatly based on demand (surge pricing). Expect anywhere from $30-$60+ one-way during non-peak times, potentially much higher during peak event egress.
Estimated Travel Time: 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic in and around the stadium.
Step 4: Taxi Services - A Traditional Option
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Traditional taxi services are still available and can be a reliable choice, especially if you prefer a pre-booked ride or don't use rideshare apps.
Find a Taxi Stand or Call for Pickup: In Downtown Phoenix, you might find taxi stands near major hotels or attractions. Alternatively, call a local taxi company for a pickup.
Provide Destination: Tell the driver you're going to "State Farm Stadium in Glendale."
Confirm Fare Estimate: It's always a good idea to ask for an estimated fare before starting your journey, especially if the meter isn't clearly visible.
Estimated Cost: Typically similar to rideshare services, ranging from $35-$45 for a one-way trip, plus potential wait time charges in traffic and gratuity.
Estimated Travel Time: Similar to driving or rideshare, 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Step 5: Public Transportation - The Budget-Friendly Adventure
While not as direct as driving or rideshare, public transportation via Valley Metro offers a cost-effective way to get to the vicinity of State Farm Stadium. Be prepared for a longer journey with transfers.
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Sub-heading: Light Rail & Bus Combination
This is the most common public transport route.
Light Rail from Downtown Phoenix:
From a Downtown Phoenix light rail station (e.g., Washington/Central Ave or Van Buren/Central Ave), take the Valley Metro Rail (typically westbound).
Ride the light rail to the Glendale/19th Ave station. This segment will take approximately 25-30 minutes.
Bus Connection from Glendale/19th Ave:
Once you arrive at the Glendale/19th Ave light rail station, you'll need to transfer to a bus. Look for Valley Metro Bus Route 70 (Glendale Avenue).
Take the Route 70 bus westbound on Glendale Avenue towards the stadium.
The bus will drop you off near Glendale Ave & 95th Ave, which is a short walk (around 0.5 to 1 mile) from State Farm Stadium.
Estimated Cost: Approximately $2 for a single ride, or $4 for a 1-day pass (which covers transfers). This is by far the cheapest option.
Estimated Travel Time: Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for this journey, including transfers and walking. This option is not ideal if you're on a tight schedule.
Frequency: Buses and light rail run regularly, but check the Valley Metro website or a transit app for real-time schedules, especially on weekends or holidays.
Sub-heading: Direct Bus Route (Limited Availability)
Some specific bus routes might offer a more direct, but still lengthy, option.
Valley Metro Bus Route 573 (West Glendale Express): This route can take you from Van Buren St & 1st Av in Downtown Phoenix directly to Glendale PNR (Park-and-Ride). From Glendale PNR, you may still have a walk or need a very short local connection to the stadium area.
This route operates only twice daily, Monday to Friday. It's not a reliable option for all events, especially on weekends or evenings.
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes for the bus segment, plus travel to/from stops and potential transfers.
Estimated Cost: $2 for a single ride.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
Step 6: Consider Event Shuttles (If Available)
For very large events, sometimes third-party companies or the event organizers themselves will arrange shuttle services from various points, including potentially Downtown Phoenix hotels.
Check Event Website: Always check the official State Farm Stadium website or the specific event's website (e.g., Arizona Cardinals, Fiesta Bowl, concert promoter) closer to your event date.
Hotel Concierge: If you're staying at a downtown hotel, inquire with the concierge about any organized transportation to the stadium.
Availability: These are not always available and are usually announced closer to major events.
Cost: Varies; may be included in premium ticket packages or cost a separate fee.
Convenience: Highly convenient if offered, as they typically drop off and pick up in designated, streamlined areas.
Step 7: Planning for Your Return Trip
Don't forget to plan your way back! The strategies for getting to the stadium generally apply in reverse.
Driving: Know your parking lot location and the best exit routes. Traffic will be heavy.
Rideshare/Taxi: Head to the designated pickup zones (Black Lot). Be prepared for longer wait times and potential surge pricing. Consider the tips mentioned in Step 3.
Public Transport: Head back to the nearest bus stop (Glendale Ave & 95th Ave area) for the Route 70 bus, then transfer to the light rail at Glendale/19th Ave station to return to Downtown Phoenix. Check the last operational times for public transport, especially for late-night events.
Key Considerations for Your Trip
Traffic: Phoenix traffic, especially on game days or during major events, can be very heavy, particularly on the I-10 and Loop 101. Factor in extra travel time regardless of your chosen method.
Event Day Operations: Roads immediately surrounding the stadium may have temporary closures or one-way traffic patterns. Follow signage and instructions from police and parking staff.
Weather: Phoenix summers are extremely hot. If you're walking any distance, ensure you have water and sun protection.
Cashless Venue: State Farm Stadium operates as a cashless venue, including for parking. Have your credit or debit cards ready.
Accessibility: State Farm Stadium offers ADA-compliant parking and accessibility services. If you require special assistance, contact the stadium directly in advance.
By considering these options and planning ahead, your trip from Downtown Phoenix to State Farm Stadium will be as enjoyable as the event itself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about getting to State Farm Stadium from Downtown Phoenix, with quick answers:
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
How to avoid traffic going to State Farm Stadium? To minimize traffic, consider leaving much earlier than planned, carpooling in an HOV lane if applicable, or taking public transit for a portion of the journey and then a rideshare from a less congested area.
How to find the cheapest way to get to State Farm Stadium? The cheapest way is typically a combination of the Valley Metro Light Rail to Glendale/19th Ave and then the Valley Metro Bus Route 70, costing around $4 for a day pass.
How to get to State Farm Stadium using public transport only? Take the Valley Metro Light Rail from Downtown Phoenix to the Glendale/19th Ave station, then transfer to Valley Metro Bus Route 70 (westbound) which will drop you near the stadium (Glendale Ave & 95th Ave).
How to estimate taxi cost from Downtown Phoenix to State Farm Stadium? Expect a taxi fare to be in the range of $35-$45, plus potential wait time charges for traffic and gratuity. Fares are typically $2.00-$2.30 per mile.
How to get picked up by a rideshare after an event at State Farm Stadium? Head to the designated Rideshare/Family and Friends pickup area in the Black Lot, south of the stadium. Be prepared for longer wait times and potential surge pricing due to high demand.
How to find parking at State Farm Stadium? Pre-purchase parking passes online through the stadium or event website. On event day, follow signage for general or preferred parking upon nearing the stadium, accessible via Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way from Loop 101.
How to get to State Farm Stadium quickly? Driving yourself via I-10 West and Loop 101 North is generally the fastest method (20-30 minutes), followed closely by rideshare or taxi.
How to check bus schedules for State Farm Stadium? Visit the Valley Metro website (valleymetro.org) or use a transit app to access real-time schedules and trip planning for the Light Rail and Bus Route 70.
How to know if there's an event shuttle to State Farm Stadium? Check the official State Farm Stadium website or the specific event's website as the date approaches. Shuttle information, if available, will be posted there.
How to pay for parking at State Farm Stadium? State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue, so all parking payments must be made using a credit or debit card. No cash is accepted for parking.
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