State Farm Stadium
The stadium opened on the 1st of August 2006. It was designed by Eisenman Architects and HOK Sport. A team led by Walter P Moore engineered the roof system. This structure uses translucent Birdair fabric to create a covering that opens in just twelve minutes. It stands as the first retractable roof ever built on an incline. The design allows for natural grass to roll out from beneath the field. This mechanism protects the playing surface during inclement weather or indoor events. The facility holds 88 luxury suites known as luxury lofts. Additional space exists for 16 future suites as the venue matures. The seating capacity can expand by 8,800 seats for mega-events like Super Bowls. These extra seats are portable X-frame folding units added to existing risers. The end zone area slopes down from the scoreboard level to accommodate this tier of seating.
The University of Phoenix acquired naming rights on the 26th of September 2006. This agreement totaled $154.5 million over twenty years. The stadium originally opened as Cardinals Stadium before this deal took effect. On the 11th of April 2017, the university terminated the contract early due to financial struggles. They kept their name on the building until a new sponsor was found. State Farm reached a deal on the 4th of September 2018. This agreement secures the rights through the year 2036. The project cost $455 million in total construction expenses. Contributors included the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority which provided $302.3 million. The Arizona Cardinals contributed $143.2 million. The City of Glendale added $9.5 million toward the land and infrastructure costs.
University of Phoenix Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLII on the 3rd of February 2008. A paid attendance crowd of 71,101 watched the New York Giants defeat the undefeated New England Patriots 17, 14. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed during halftime. Super Bowl XLIX occurred on the 1st of February 2015. The New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28, 24 with an attendance of 70,288. Katy Perry featuring Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott headlined that show. Super Bowl LVII took place on the 12th of February 2023. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38, 35. Rihanna performed for a crowd of 67,827. The stadium also hosted the Pro Bowl in 2015 before it returned to Hawaii. On the 13th of January 2025, the venue held a home Monday night wild card game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings due to wildfires affecting California.
The first Fiesta Bowl at this location happened on the 1st of January 2007. Boise State won against Oklahoma 43, 42 in overtime with 73,719 fans present. A BCS National Championship Game followed on the 8th of January 2007. Florida defeated Ohio State 41, 14 with 74,628 attendees. On the 10th of January 2011, Auburn beat Oregon 22, 19 in front of 78,603 spectators. This set an attendance record for the facility. Alabama defeated Clemson 45, 40 in the College Football Playoff National Championship on the 11th of January 2016. The crowd reached 75,765 people. TCU played Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl semifinal on the 31st of December 2022. The Horned Frogs won 51, 45 before 71,723 fans. The stadium has hosted multiple national championship games since its opening year.
Rolling Stones performed on the 8th of November 2006 during their A Bigger Bang Tour. Alice Cooper opened for a crowd of 41,772 generating $3,286,121 in revenue. U2 headlined the 360° Tour on the 20th of October 2009 with 50,775 attendees. Taylor Swift brought her Reputation Stadium Tour to Glendale on the 8th of May 2018. She invited 2,000 foster and adopted children to a private dress rehearsal before the show. The event drew 59,157 fans and earned $7,214,478. Metallica played two nights in September 2023 as part of their M72 World Tour. They generated $14,013,497 from 133,060 total tickets sold across both dates. Garth Brooks held his Stadium Tour on the 23rd of March 2019. This concert became the highest-attended indoor event in Arizona history with 77,653 people. George Strait performed on the 6th of May 2023 earning $16,300,000.
The stadium hosted public grand opening tours on the 19th of August 20, 2006. These events were attended by 120,000 people over two days. On the 10th of February 2019, Russell M. Nelson spoke to an audience of 68,000 inside the facility. He is president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The field space was filled with seats to accommodate this large crowd. On the 11th of January 2021, the venue began administering COVID-19 vaccines around the clock. It averaged 7,000 vaccinations per day with help from 500 volunteers. The stadium also hosts Maricopa County Home Shows twice a year. These draws bring over 40,000 attendees to the grounds for exhibitions and sales.
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Common questions
When did State Farm Stadium open and who designed it?
State Farm Stadium opened on the 1st of August 2006. It was designed by Eisenman Architects and HOK Sport.
How much did State Farm pay for naming rights to the stadium in Glendale Arizona?
State Farm reached a deal on the 4th of September 2018 that secures the rights through the year 2036. The total project cost $455 million with contributions from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, the Arizona Cardinals, and the City of Glendale.
Which Super Bowls have been played at State Farm Stadium and what were the scores?
State Farm Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLII on the 3rd of February 2008 where New York Giants defeated New England Patriots 17 to 14. The venue also held Super Bowl XLIX on the 1st of February 2015 when New England Patriots beat Seattle Seahawks 28 to 24 and Super Bowl LVII on the 12th of February 2023 as Kansas City Chiefs defeated Philadelphia Eagles 38 to 35.
What is the retractable roof system used at State Farm Stadium called and how does it work?
The structure uses translucent Birdair fabric to create a covering that opens in just twelve minutes. This mechanism allows natural grass to roll out from beneath the field to protect the playing surface during inclement weather or indoor events.
How many luxury suites are available inside State Farm Stadium and can capacity expand for mega-events?
The facility holds 88 luxury suites known as luxury lofts with additional space for 16 future suites. Seating capacity can expand by 8,800 seats using portable X-frame folding units added to existing risers for mega-events like Super Bowls.