State Farm Stadium Parking, Transportation & Game-Day Guide

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.

Where Is State Farm Stadium?

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 Parking

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.

Should You Buy Parking in Advance?

If prepaid parking is available for your event, purchasing it before you arrive is usually the easiest option.

It allows you to:

• Know which parking area you are heading toward
• Plan your route before leaving
• Avoid searching for parking close to event time
• Reduce uncertainty when traffic becomes heavier

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.

How Early Should You Arrive at State Farm Stadium?

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.

Using Uber or Lyft at State Farm Stadium

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.

Is Uber or Lyft a Good Choice?

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:

• Longer waits
• Heavy surrounding traffic
• Higher rideshare prices
• Crowded pickup areas

If you are staying within comfortable walking distance, walking back to your hotel or rental may sometimes be easier than immediately requesting a ride.

Can You Walk to State Farm Stadium?

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.

Driving to State Farm Stadium

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:

• Check your parking pass
• Confirm your assigned lot
• Review the recommended entrance
• Allow extra time for event traffic

Once you approach the stadium, follow posted signs and directions from traffic officers and parking staff.

Tailgating at State Farm Stadium

Tailgating is permitted in designated stadium parking areas for applicable events.

If you plan to tailgate:

• Keep your setup within the permitted parking area
• Do not block traffic lanes
• Do not save spaces for vehicles arriving later
• Have your group arrive together if you want to park together
• Check the rules for your particular event

Cardinals games and other major events may have additional requirements, so confirm current rules before arriving.

State Farm Stadium Clear Bag Policy

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.

Check Your Bag Before Leaving

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.

What Should You Bring?

Keep game day simple.

Useful items include:

• Mobile event tickets
• Photo identification
• Credit or debit card
• Approved clear bag if needed
• Phone
• Necessary medical items
• Weather-appropriate clothing

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 Cashless

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.

Parking or Rideshare: Which Is Better?

Parking may be better if:

• You are driving from another part of the Phoenix area
• Several people are traveling together
• You want control over when you leave
• You plan to tailgate
• You already have a parking pass

Rideshare may be better if:

• You are staying relatively close
• You do not want to park
• You do not want to drive after the event
• You are comfortable waiting during the post-event rush

Staying nearby may be better if:

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.

State Farm Stadium Game-Day Checklist

Before heading to the stadium:

• Confirm the event start time
• Check your parking lot or rideshare plan
• Purchase parking ahead of time if needed
• Review the current bag policy
• Bring an approved bag only if necessary
• Have your mobile tickets ready
• Bring a credit or debit card
• Allow extra time for traffic
• Decide where your group will meet after the event

Where to Stay Near State Farm 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.