So, you're planning a trip to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona! Whether you're catching an Arizona Cardinals game, a major concert, or another exciting event, getting there can be a breeze with a little planning. Let's make sure your journey is as smooth as a perfect touchdown pass!
Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get to State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium is located in the vibrant Glendale Sports & Entertainment District, easily accessible from various points in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Here's your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to arriving at the stadium without a hitch.
Step 1: Know Your Event and Your Destination!
Before you even think about hitting the road, the first and most crucial step is to confirm the event you're attending and its scheduled start time. Why is this so important? Because traffic patterns, parking availability, and even public transport schedules can vary drastically depending on the event's size and popularity.
Check the Official Stadium Website: Always consult the official State Farm Stadium website (statefarmstadium.com) or the Arizona Cardinals Gameday Information page (
azcardinals.com/gameday Note the Address: The official address for State Farm Stadium is One Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305. Having this handy for your GPS is essential!
Understand Peak Times: For major events like NFL games, expect significant traffic and crowds, especially in the hours leading up to kickoff or showtime. Plan to arrive early to mitigate any stress.
Step 2: Choose Your Transportation Method
Now that you know when and where you're going, it's time to decide how you'll get there. You have several options, each with its own advantages.
Sub-heading: Driving Yourself
For many, driving is the most convenient option, especially if you're coming from outside the immediate Glendale area. State Farm Stadium is strategically located off the Arizona Loop 101 Freeway.
From the South: Take Loop 101 north to Glendale Avenue. Make a right (east) on Glendale Avenue. The stadium will be on your right at 91st Avenue.
From the North: Take Loop 101 south to Glendale Avenue. Make a left (east) on Glendale Avenue. The stadium will be on your right at 91st Avenue.
From the East: Take Glendale Avenue west towards 91st Avenue.
From the West: Take Glendale Avenue east to 91st Avenue.
Sub-heading: Navigating Parking at State Farm Stadium
Parking at State Farm Stadium is extensive, but it's crucial to understand the system.
Cashless Venue: State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue, including parking areas. Be sure to have your credit card ready for payment.
Digital Parking Passes: For Arizona Cardinals games, parking is often fully digital. You'll typically access your digital parking pass via the Cardinals Mobile App. Have your phone fully charged and your pass ready to be scanned!
General vs. Preferred Parking:
General Parking (Blue Lots): Access points are generally available via Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way from Loop 101, as well as from surface streets like 91st and 99th Avenues. Follow messaging boards and parking staff for guidance to the closest available lot.
Preferred Parking (Red Lots): These lots are typically accessed at Maryland Avenue and 95th Avenue. If coming from the south, exit Loop 101 at Cardinals Way. From the north, exit Loop 101 at Glendale Avenue, turn west to 99th Avenue, and then east onto Maryland Avenue. Using Waze and searching "Red Lot - State Farm Stadium" can often guide you directly.
Pre-purchasing Parking: For many events, especially Cardinals games, pre-purchasing your parking pass online is highly recommended to guarantee your spot and often secure better rates. Check the official event page for details.
ADA Parking: Designated ADA spaces are available in every parking area. Remember to display a valid state-issued hangtag or license plate. Inform parking attendants upon arrival if you require assistance.
Parking Lot Opening Times: For Cardinals gamedays, parking lots generally open four (4) hours prior to kickoff. For other major events, check the event's detail page for specific timings.
Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in car parks upon opening. Be respectful of other fans and occupy only one parking stall. Use above-ground weights for tents and avoid blocking walkways. Parking lots close one (1) hour after the event.
Sub-heading: Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)
Using rideshare services is a popular choice for convenience and avoiding parking hassles.
Designated Drop-off/Pick-up: The designated Rideshare/Family and Friends drop-off and pick-up location for most State Farm Stadium events is the Black Lot, located south of the stadium across Bethany Home Road / Cardinals Way. Look for clear signage and follow instructions from staff.
Plan Your Return: After the event, demand for rideshares can be high, leading to surge pricing and longer wait times. Consider walking a bit further away from the immediate stadium vicinity to find a rideshare or pre-arranging your pickup with your driver.
Sub-heading: Public Transportation (Bus and Tram)
While not as direct as driving or rideshare, public transport is a viable and often more economical option, particularly if you're coming from downtown Phoenix or other parts of the Valley.
Valley Metro Bus:
From Downtown Phoenix: The Valley Metro Line 573 bus offers a direct route from Van Buren St & 1st Av to Glendale PNR (Park-and-Ride). This typically takes around 43 minutes directly on the bus, and then you'd need to arrange for a shorter connection to the stadium (e.g., a short rideshare or possibly a local shuttle if available for the event).
Another option involves taking the Line 70 bus from various points in Phoenix, which can also get you closer to the Glendale area.
Valley Metro Rail (Tram) + Bus Combination:
You can take the Valley Metro Rail (tram) from Washington/Central Ave to the Glendale/19th Ave Rail station.
From there, you would typically transfer to a local Valley Metro bus (like the Line 70) that heads towards Glendale Av & 95th Av.
Travel times for this combination can be longer, potentially around 1 hour 48 minutes, including transfers.
Check Schedules: Always check the Valley Metro website (valleymetro.org) for the most current bus and tram schedules, especially for evening and weekend events, as service frequency may vary.
Sub-heading: Taxi Services
Traditional taxi services are also an option, particularly if you prefer a direct ride without using a rideshare app. You can typically find taxi stands at major hotels or call a local taxi company. Expect fares from central Phoenix to be in the range of $35-$45.
Step 3: Arriving at the Stadium: Final Tips
You're almost there! Here are a few last-minute considerations to make your arrival seamless.
Follow Signage and Staff Directions: Once you're in the vicinity of the stadium, pay close attention to electronic messaging boards and the directions of Glendale police and stadium parking staff. They are there to guide you to the most efficient parking lots or drop-off points based on current traffic flow and capacity.
Bag Policy Awareness: State Farm Stadium enforces a Clear Bag Policy to enhance safety and streamline entry.
Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted. This includes clear backpacks and fanny packs.
Tinted bags are NOT permitted.
Small clutch bags/wallets no larger than 6.5" x 4.5" (approximately the size of a hand) are allowed, with or without a handle/strap.
Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after inspection.
Prohibited bags include large briefcases, non-clear bags exceeding the specified size, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, and fanny packs that are not clear.
There may be bag valet services available for non-complying bags at a fee. Check the event's specific policy.
Metal Detector Screening: All guests will undergo a search and pass through metal detectors or be screened with a hand-held metal detector upon entry.
Accessibility: State Farm Stadium is committed to accessibility. Designated ADA parking is available, and the stadium is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's advisable to contact the stadium's guest services in advance.
Stay Hydrated! Especially during warmer months in Arizona, remember to stay hydrated. While outside food and beverages are generally prohibited, one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500mL (16.9 fl. Oz.) plain bottle of water is typically permitted. Check the specific event policy for details.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the official State Farm Stadium website?
You can find the official website at statefarmstadium.com. It's your best resource for event-specific information, directions, and policies.
How to pre-purchase parking for a State Farm Stadium event?
Parking passes can often be pre-purchased directly through the official State Farm Stadium website or via the Arizona Cardinals Mobile App for Cardinals games. Look for a "Parking" or "Plan Your Visit" section on the event page.
How to know the specific bag policy for my event?
While there's a general clear bag policy, it's always best to check the event's specific detail page on the State Farm Stadium website, as policies can sometimes vary slightly for different types of events.
How to use rideshare services for drop-off and pick-up?
Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is typically in the designated Black Lot, located south of the stadium across Bethany Home Road / Cardinals Way. Follow stadium signage and staff directions.
How to get to State Farm Stadium using public transport from downtown Phoenix?
You can take the Valley Metro Line 573 bus directly to Glendale PNR, or a combination of Valley Metro Rail (tram) to Glendale/19th Ave and then a bus (like Line 70). Check Valley Metro's website for schedules and routes.
How to find ADA accessible parking at the stadium?
Designated ADA parking spaces are available in every parking area at Sportsman's Park. Display your valid state-issued hangtag or license plate and inform the parking attendant upon arrival for assistance.
How to pay for parking at State Farm Stadium?
State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue, so you will need to use a credit card for parking payments.
How to get assistance if I have a prohibited item at the gate?
State Farm Stadium may offer bag valet services for a fee for non-complying bags. Alternatively, you may be asked to return the item to your vehicle. For medically necessary items, proceed to an ADA screening lane for inspection.
How to stay updated on traffic and event day information?
Monitor the official State Farm Stadium and Arizona Cardinals social media channels, as well as local traffic news, for real-time updates on event days. Electronic messaging boards around the stadium will also provide guidance.
How to check if tailgating is allowed for my event?
Tailgating is generally allowed in the stadium's carparks for Arizona Cardinals gamedays. For other events, check the specific event details on the State Farm Stadium website, as rules may vary. Always adhere to stadium tailgating guidelines.
