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State Farm Stadium Guide

Glendale · 63,400 capacity

Last updated: 3/8/2026

Book a hotel in the walkable Westgate Entertainment District to avoid the considerable travel challenges of reaching State Farm Stadium. The Glendale venue lacks direct light rail service, forcing visitors staying farther away to navigate significant traffic and a large, pre-sold parking operation.

At a glance

Bag policy: Clear bag policy
Cashless: Cashless
Re-entry: Re-entry is generally not permitted once guests exit th…
Gates open: Gates open 5h before
Outside food: Sealed water only
Getting here: Public transportation options to State Farm Stadium include Valley Metro bus services.
Family friendly: Family restrooms, equipped with baby-changing tables and ADA compliant, are available.
Capacity: 63,400

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring State Farm Stadium on the calendar. See Glendale home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for State Farm Stadium

The Westgate Entertainment District is recommended for hotels, offering dining, shopping, and entertainment options, and minimizing traffic/commute hassle. Many hotels in the area provide amenities like shuttle services.

Westgate Entertainment District

This district offers direct access to major sports venues, a vibrant dining scene, and various entertainment options. It's designed for visitors seeking to be at the heart of the action with numerous hotels available.

Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are available near State Farm Stadium. Shuttle services operate from Westgate to State Farm Stadium on game days. Valley Metro bus routes, specifically Route 70 (Glendale Ave) and Route 17 (McDowell Rd), provide access to the area, with game-day shuttles available from the Desert Sky Transit Center (at 79th Avenue and McDowell Road).

Historic Downtown Glendale

This area offers a charming and historic atmosphere with unique antique shops and local restaurants, providing a distinct experience compared to the modern sports and entertainment district.

Valley Metro bus line 70 runs along Glendale Avenue, connecting Glendale Av & 59th Av to Glendale Av & 95th Av, which is near State Farm Stadium. The bus journey to the stadium area takes approximately 19 minutes.

Arrowhead Ranch Area

This upscale and family-friendly area in North Glendale offers a peaceful retreat with scenic lakes, golf courses, parks, and proximity to the Arrowhead Towne Center for shopping and dining. It's a good choice for those preferring a quieter stay with good amenities.

Access to sports venues is primarily by driving or rideshare, with quick freeway access via Loop 101. No direct public transit lines to the venues were identified.

Hillcrest Ranch

This neighborhood offers a strong sense of community and a quiet, small-town feel within the city. It is family-friendly with parks and good schools, providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Access to sports venues from Hillcrest Ranch is primarily by car or rideshare. No specific public transit routes to the venues were identified.

See full Glendale stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Public transportation options to State Farm Stadium include Valley Metro bus services. Rideshare pick-up and drop-off points are also a popular alternative for large events.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: The preferred rideshare drop-off and pickup spot is the Black Lot, located south of State Farm Stadium across Bethany Home Road / Cardinals Way.

Parking: It is recommended to purchase parking in advance through SeatGeek.com. State Farm Stadium parking areas are cashless. The Black Lot is designated for day-of parking for visitors without pre-sold permits. For preferred entry, searching 'Red Lot - State Farm Stadium' on Waze is advised.

After the event

The Westgate Entertainment District, adjacent to the stadium, offers a variety of dining and entertainment options for post-game late-night activities.

The game-day experience

Atmosphere area: State Farm Stadium is located in the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb west of Phoenix.
Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in designated carparks upon their opening (generally 4 hours prior to game time for Cardinals games) until kickoff only. Fans must occupy only one parking stall and tailgate directly behind their vehicle. Natural gas or propane grills are allowed, but charcoal/pellet grills and oil fryers are not. Post-game tailgating is not permitted.
Signature food: The stadium offers a mix of classic stadium favorites and Arizona-inspired flavors. Notable options include Sonoran Beef Nachos from Someburros, Chicago-style Hot Dogs and pizza puffs from The Chicago Dawg House, and Lobster Roll Sliders from Tarbell's Cha Cha Mouche Tapas and Wine Bar. Other popular items include smashburgers and BBQ smashburgers.
Fan tradition: Arizona Cardinals fans are known for their passionate support and an electric game-day atmosphere. A common tradition is arriving early to enjoy the Cardinals Tailgate.
Pregame institution: Yard House (9401 W Westgate Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar
9591 W. Sportsman's Park North, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
Located directly on the Great Lawn of State Farm Stadium, it offers a world-class sports bar experience with large LED screens, elevated casual dining, craft beer, and cocktails. It's also the first BetMGM Sportsbook located on NFL stadium grounds.
What to order: Elevated American fare, craft beer, and cocktails.
Yard House
Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale, AZ · Westgate Entertainment District
Popular for pre-game drinks and meals, offering classic American fare and over 100 beers on tap in a lively atmosphere.
What to order: Classic American fare, wide selection of draft beers.
McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon
9425 W Coyotes Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
A vibrant and lively spot in Westgate Entertainment District, perfect for sports enthusiasts with over 40 HD TVs, a diverse menu, and a lively atmosphere during live events.
What to order: Classic bar favorites like nachos, pizzas, hearty burgers, and a selection of drinks.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
9445 W Entertainment Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
Offers scratch-made food, craft cocktails, extensive beer and wine menus. Features an open-kitchen, two floors, flat-screen TVs for sports, and indoor/outdoor bars, including a rooftop patio. Opened in late 2024, confirmed operating in 2026.
What to order: Gorgonzola-infused Gastropub Burger, Grilled Ribeye Steak, spicy fried chicken sandwich, gochujang BBQ pork with kimchi fried rice, craft cocktails, local beers.
State 48 Funk House Brewery
6770 N Sunrise Blvd, Suite G101, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
A locally owned and family-run craft brewery offering unique beers, a fresh scratch-made menu, games like bowling, shuffleboard, and pool, creating a friendly and communal atmosphere.
What to order: Craft beers, sour beer, barrel-aged beers, and items from their scratch-made menu.

Postgame spots

Salt Tacos y Tequila
6751 N Sunset Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
A trendy Mexican bar with craft tequila cocktails, street-style tacos, and live DJs on weekends, ideal for post-game celebrations or pre-game drinks. It is one of the first spots seen when walking into Westgate from State Farm Stadium.
What to order: Street tacos, guacamole made tableside, margaritas, and a selection from over 150 tequilas.
The Lola Cocktail Lab & Eatery
9375 West Entertainment Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
A stylish, upscale bar offering craft cocktails and small bites, known for its vibrant social lounge blending playful energy with handcrafted drinks and elevated comfort food. They also host brunches and happy hours.
What to order: Craft cocktails, family-style sharables, rustic salads, decadent desserts.
Carousel Arcade Bar
6770 N Sunrise Blvd, Suite G111, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
A retro arcade bar offering a wide selection of games, pinball machines, and ping pong tables, alongside themed cocktails and classic bites, making it a vibrant social lounge for adults.
What to order: Themed drinks, craft beers, milkshakes, classic bites, appetizers.

Late-night options

Bar Louie - Westgate
6770 N Sunrise Blvd, Suite G118, Glendale, AZ 85305 · Westgate Entertainment District
Offers a fun and casual gastrobar atmosphere with elevated cocktails and scratch-made chef creations, open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining until 2 a.m.
What to order: Craft cocktails, bar food, and late-night menu items.