by Celia
Heading to an Arizona Cardinals game, concert, soccer match, or another event at State Farm Stadium? A little planning before you leave can make the difference between an easy arrival and getting caught in event traffic.
This guide covers State Farm Stadium parking, rideshare, transportation, arrival times, bag rules, and practical game-day tips for visitors coming to Glendale.
If you are also deciding where to stay, see our Where to Stay Near State Farm Stadium: Glendale & West Phoenix Guide for nearby furnished rentals and hotel options.
State Farm Stadium is located at:
1 Cardinals Drive
Glendale, AZ 85305
The stadium sits in Glendale’s Sports & Entertainment District near Westgate Entertainment District and Loop 101.
If you are flying into Phoenix, plan for additional travel time on event days. Traffic around Glendale and the stadium can become much heavier as game or concert time approaches.
State Farm Stadium has multiple parking areas surrounding the venue. Your best entrance depends on the event and the parking lot assigned to you.
General parking traffic may enter the stadium area from Glendale Avenue, Cardinals Way, 91st Avenue, 99th Avenue, and Loop 101.
On busy event days, police officers, electronic signs, and parking attendants may direct traffic differently as lots fill.
If prepaid parking is available for your event, purchasing it before you arrive is usually the easiest option.
It allows you to:
If you have a parking pass, check the lot name and recommended entrance before starting your trip.
State Farm Stadium is cashless, so have a credit or debit card available if you need to pay for parking on arrival.
For Arizona Cardinals games, stadium parking lots normally open four hours before kickoff.
You do not need to arrive four hours early unless you plan to tailgate, but arriving well before the event begins is a good idea.
Security checkpoints and surrounding roads become busiest as start time approaches. For Cardinals games, stadium gates typically open about 90 minutes before kickoff.
For concerts and other events, parking and gate times can vary, so check the information provided for your specific event.
A simple rule: give yourself more time than your GPS estimate suggests.
Rideshare can be a practical alternative if you do not want to drive or deal with event parking.
The stadium’s designated rideshare and passenger pickup/drop-off area is located in the Black Lot south of State Farm Stadium.
This area is used for rideshare services as well as pickups by friends and family.
Rideshare works particularly well when you are staying relatively close to the stadium.
The main challenge comes after large events, when thousands of people may be leaving at once.
You may experience:
If you are staying within comfortable walking distance, walking back to your hotel or rental may sometimes be easier than immediately requesting a ride.
Yes, depending on where you stay.
State Farm Stadium is next to the Westgate Entertainment District, and several lodging options are located within the surrounding Glendale entertainment area.
Walking can eliminate the need to find parking or wait for a rideshare after an event.
Before booking accommodations, however, check the actual walking distance rather than relying only on descriptions such as “near State Farm Stadium.”
Planning an overnight trip? See our Where to Stay Near State Farm Stadium: Glendale & West Phoenix Guide to compare nearby lodging options.
State Farm Stadium is located just off Loop 101 between Glendale Avenue and Cardinals Way.
Your exact route should depend on your assigned parking area.
Because police may change traffic patterns during major events, your normal navigation route may not always be the route you are allowed to use when you reach the stadium district.
Before leaving:
Once you approach the stadium, follow posted signs and directions from traffic officers and parking staff.
Tailgating is permitted in designated stadium parking areas for applicable events.
If you plan to tailgate:
Cardinals games and other major events may have additional requirements, so confirm current rules before arriving.
State Farm Stadium uses a clear bag policy for most major events.
Approved clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags should not exceed: 12 inches × 6 inches × 12 inches
A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is also permitted.
Small non-clear clutch bags or wallets may be allowed if they are no larger than approximately:
4.5 inches × 6.5 inches
Larger non-clear purses and bags are not permitted.
This is worth doing before you leave your hotel, rental, or home.
State Farm Stadium does not provide storage for prohibited bags. If your bag cannot enter, you may need to return it to your vehicle.
Event-specific security rules can change, so check the stadium’s current clear bag and prohibited-items information before attending.
Keep game day simple.
Useful items include:
Avoid bringing unnecessary items that could slow down security screening.
For many events, one factory-sealed 16.9-ounce bottle of plain water is allowed, but always verify the rules for your particular event before arriving.
State Farm Stadium is a cashless venue.
Do not depend on cash for parking or purchases inside the stadium. Bring a credit card, debit card, or accepted electronic payment method.
You are traveling to Glendale specifically for a Cardinals game, concert, or other stadium event.
Staying close to State Farm Stadium can reduce the amount of event-day driving and make the entire trip easier.
See our Where to Stay Near State Farm Stadium: Glendale & West Phoenix Guide for nearby furnished rentals and hotel options.
Before heading to the stadium:
If you are traveling from outside Glendale, choosing the right place to stay can simplify parking and transportation considerably.
A nearby hotel can work well for a short event trip, while a furnished rental may be a better choice for families, groups, or visitors staying several nights.
Prefer a hotel? Search Glendale and compare available hotels for your travel dates below.
Continue with our Where to Stay Near State Farm Stadium: Glendale & West Phoenix Guide to compare your options before booking.
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