The Cards biggest rivals in recent years have been the San Francisco 49ers. Both NFC West powerhouses have been physical and talented on both sides of the ball in the past few years. The 49er’s currently lead the series 28-18, but the way the Cardinals have been playing these last few years those number should draw closer in the coming seasons.
Over the last few seasons, the Cardinals and Seahawks have squared off for NFC West supremacy. In 2014 the Seahawks edged out the Cardinals for the division; however, the Cardinals got their revenge in 2015 in what is shaping up to be one of the hardest fought matchups in the NFL.
The rivalry between the Rams and Cardinals is based on the fact the two teams have been competing against each other for the NFC West title since 2002. Another common thread between these two rivals is the fact both teams at one point played in St. Louis before moving to greener pastures out west. Come prepared for a hard fought game when the Cardinals and Rams get together.
If you’re looking for a family friendly tailgate, the Kids combine is right up your alley. The combine gives young Cards fans a chance to test their football skills in a virtual NFL Combine creating a great pregame experience for all the future wanna-be NFL stars out there.
However, if you’re looking for something a bit more grown up then, don’t worry the Cardinals have you covered there as well. The main tailgates are on “The Great Lawn” out in front of the stadium, which features fantastic food and a variety of alcoholic beverages from vendors in addition to die-hard Cards fans personal tailgates.
You’ll even find a pub style pre-game party atmosphere at the Big Red Brew Haus where there are a wide variety of craft beers on tap as well as a great selection of Brew Haus cuisine. Stop by the Brew Haus to throw back a few and take in all the action going on around the league on the large screen TVs displayed throughout. You can’t go wrong tailgating at a Cardinals game where no matter who you are, you’ll find something that will entertain you before entering the State Farm Stadium to cheer on the Cardinals to victory.
The Flight Deck is located on the north plaza of the State Farm Stadium. Here you can enjoy a Kids Combine and a lounge featuring massive LED video boards perfect for keeping track of games going on around the league. You’ll also be able to enjoy various local food and beverage stands as well.
The Big Red Brew Haus opens three and a quarter hours before kickoff and is the place to be for all you are looking for in a pregame pub atmosphere. You’ll find a plethora of local craft beers here as well as traditional Brew Haus favorites creating the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or something to drink before the game.
If you’re not looking to go through the hassle of setting up a tailgate of your own or if you’re looking for something a bit different than the traditional tailgate scene then check out the Red Zone tailgate. At the Red Zone Tailgate, you’ll have the chance to meet Cardinal cheerleaders, play a variety games, and enjoy some delicious barbecue.
Where to tailgate
The Great LawnThe Great Lawn is a tailgating paradise. It features 1,000 feet of grass for fans to tailgate on and enjoy pre-game festivities. Cards fans bring generators to set up massive tailgates that include great food and drinks. If you’re not in the mood to set up your tailgate, you can still enjoy “The Great Lawn.” The area includes vendors and live music every game day. A local band plays before every game on the Great Lawn Stage, so stop by and join in on the fun.
Cardinals Flight DeckThe Flight Deck is located on the north plaza of the State Farm Stadium. Here you can enjoy a Kids Combine and a lounge featuring massive LED video boards perfect for keeping track of games going on around the league. You’ll also be able to enjoy various local food and beverage stands as well.
Arizona Cardinals Preflight PartyThe Preflight party is located in the famous Westgate Entertainment District of Phoenix. The pre-game festivities here begin three hours before kick-off and is open to all fans regardless of whether you have a ticket to the game. If you’re a beer fan, you have to visit the outdoor beer garden at the Preflight Party, which features over 65 beers on tap.
Big Red Brew HausThe Big Red Brew Haus opens three and a quarter hours before kickoff and is the place to be for all you are looking for in a pregame pub atmosphere. You’ll find a plethora of local craft beers here as well as traditional Brew Haus favorites creating the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or something to drink before the game.
Red Zone Tailgate If you’re not looking to go through the hassle of setting up a tailgate of your own or if you’re looking for something a bit different than the traditional tailgate scene then check out the Red Zone tailgate. At the Red Zone Tailgate, you’ll have the chance to meet Cardinal cheerleaders, play a variety games, and enjoy some delicious barbecue.
Bud Light Primetime GrillThe Prime Time Grill offers you everything you could want at a tailgate. You’ll find 75 feet of tailgate goodness here that feature delicious food, large screen TVs, and plenty of seating.
Cardinals Stadium Guide
In Game
State Farm Stadium is a state of the art facility that features a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the NFL. There is a reason why the State Farm Stadium has hosted numerous Super Bowls and BCS Bowl Games. The modern architecture of this beautiful stadium is unmatched by any other sporting venue in the United States. The barrel cactus shape gives the stadium a distinctly Arizona feel, and the retractable field is the only one in the NFL giving you the feel that you’re at a venue unlike any other when attending a Cardinals game.
The Stadium holds roughly 70,000 fans and still manages to offer incredible sight lines from every seat in the house. You can’t go wrong no matter where you buy seats at the State Farm Stadium, so rest assured that you’ll be able to take in all the action when attending a Cardinals game. Don’t worry though if you do happen to miss anything on the field, the various large video boards displayed throughout the stadium will catch you up to speed.
Another thing that sets apart attending a Cardinals game from elsewhere in the NFL is the fact there are lots of transplants in Arizona, which means you’ll be able to find plenty of fellow fans of your teams if you’re coming out to support the visiting team. The mix of fans creates an interesting dynamic at Cardinals games where you’ll hear plenty of cheering for both sides.
Finally, the concessions at the State Farm Stadium are top notch. All throughout the stadium you’ll find locally inspired food and drink options. Authentic Mexican food, backyard BBQ, and Arizona-based craft beers are fantastic options to indulge in. Also, the stands are fairly reasonably priced ranging from the stands $6-$12 per purchase.
The State Farm Stadium offers an excellent game day experience that you and your friends or family will love, so don’t hesitate to make the trip to Arizona as soon as possible.
The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor pay tribute to some of the greatest players, coaches, and administrators in team history. It’s a great way to honor the all-time greats in Cardinals history, so check it out when visiting the State Farm Stadium. You’ll even be able to pay respect to the late Pat Tillman who has his special area commemorating his achievements both on and off the field.
Tickets to the Bud Light Game Zone gives you access to the lower level of the south end zone where you can enjoy playing pool, bags, beer pong, and taking in action from around the league on large screen all while enjoying the atmosphere of a Cardinals game. You’ll even get unlimited food and drinks making the experience well worth the $30 price.
State Farm Stadium features the first fully retractable natural grass playing field in North America. If you get a chance to see the field move, it's a refreshing sight to see and also is one of the unique aspects of the stadium.
This tradition was introduced before the 2014 NFL season. At the start of every game the Cardinals set off the big red siren to pump up the crowd before kickoff. Make sure to get into the stadium before game time to hear the “Big Red” Siren and work yourself into a frenzy before kickoff.
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders entertain the crowd at Cardinals games during stoppages in play. During games you’ll see a variety of routines, so stay tuned to see what they’ll do next.
The Cardinals are charging
Let’s cheer them on their way
Let’s shout out with all our might
We’ll show ’em how a team can fight
For victory and glory
Will make our joy supreme
The pride of Arizona (all St. Louis)
Our Arizona (St. Louis) Cardinal team.
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