Think about what it actually takes to move 20 people to a Cardinals game from Scottsdale. Twenty-three miles across the metro, almost entirely on Loop 101 — the one freeway that serves State Farm Stadium, and the one freeway where 63,000 other fans are heading in the same direction at the same time. Valley Metro Light Rail does not run to Glendale.
No commuter train, no direct shuttle from the rail network. Every fan in that building got there by car, rideshare, or charter bus, which means Loop 101 backs up to a crawl two hours before kickoff and doesn't fully clear until 45 minutes after the final whistle. All parking must be purchased digitally in advance — no cash, no day-of options at the gate.
Rideshare surge pricing after a packed Cardinals game spikes fast in the Black Lot. Rent a bus to State Farm Stadium and that whole stretch of the 101 becomes somebody else's problem.
Partybusinphoenixarizona.com connects you to a large network of bus companies serving Phoenix, so your group rides together, drops near the stadium in one coordinated move, and has a staged pickup waiting after the game. Whether you're organizing a 15-person fan group from Tempe or moving 55 coworkers from a Scottsdale campus to a suite, this guide covers exactly how buses navigate State Farm Stadium — where they drop, where they park, how tailgating works with your whole group on one vehicle, and what post-game egress looks like when 63,000 fans all try to reach Loop 101 at once. For the broader picture of Phoenix sporting event group transportation, see the Phoenix sporting event party bus page.
Why Rent a Bus to State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium sits 17 miles west of downtown Phoenix, about 20 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and 23 miles from Scottsdale — and the only freeway access is Loop 101. That's the physical reality that makes a Phoenix charter bus or party bus rental such a practical choice for groups. In cities like Dallas, Denver, or Seattle, fans can take commuter rail directly to an NFL game.
In Phoenix, there is no rail service to Glendale. Every person in that 63,000-seat stadium drove there, took rideshare, or came on a bus. One vehicle for your whole group removes every logistical variable at once — the advance parking pass purchase, the carpool coordination, the separate app accounts, and the post-game rendezvous in a jammed lot.
The parking situation adds urgency. State Farm Stadium is 100% cashless, and all parking must be purchased digitally before you arrive. The oversized vehicle lot (Lot F) opens 4.5 hours before kickoff and fills with RVs and large groups early on sellout days.
General lots fill quickly on high-demand games, and once they're gone, there's no stadium-provided overflow option to fall back on. Tailgating at Sportsman's Park closes the moment the game starts — meaning your group has a fixed window to set up, grill, and walk in. A Glendale party bus rental handles the logistics: one advance arrangement, one meetup point, and one staged pickup after the game instead of a surge-pricing scramble in the dark.
And then there's the Westgate Entertainment District — directly north of the stadium, within easy walking distance of every gate. Dozens of bars and restaurants fill on game day before kickoff and again after the final whistle. Groups that drive face the same parking-and-surge problem at Westgate that they face at the stadium.
A bus drops your group at Westgate for pregame, walks them over to the game, and is staged nearby when they walk out. That's a complete game-day package on one vehicle.
Charter Bus and Party Bus Drop-Off at State Farm Stadium
The designated rideshare and commercial drop-off zone at State Farm Stadium is the Black Lot, south of the stadium off Cardinals Way. This is the official pickup and drop-off area for rideshare and private vehicles, per the official State Farm Stadium directions and parking page, and it's where charter bus groups deposit passengers for entry through the south-side gates. From the Black Lot, it's a short walk to the stadium entrances — far closer than the rideshare surge-and-wait situation that plays out in the same lot after the game.
The stadium recommends confirming the current commercial vehicle drop-off guidance for your specific event on that official parking page before game day, since staging details can shift by event type.
Bus Parking at State Farm Stadium and the Advance Purchase Rule
The stadium's designated area for oversized vehicles is Lot F, which accommodates vehicles up to 45 feet and opens 4.5 hours before kickoff for Cardinals games, per the stadium's published A-Z Guide. Every vehicle in Lot F requires a valid Lot F Oversized Vehicle mobile parking pass, purchased in advance — one pass per space, one vehicle per space, maximum 45-foot length. There is no buying it at the lot on game day.
The entire stadium is cashless, and digital passes are the only entry method. For major events like the Fiesta Bowl or a sold-out stadium concert, Lot F passes can sell out well before game day, so advance purchase isn't just the rule — it's the only way to guarantee your bus has a space. Check the official directions and parking page for the current Lot F purchase link and any event-specific vehicle routing.
State Farm Stadium requires advance digital purchase for all parking, including Lot F for oversized vehicles. There is no cash option and no day-of purchase at the gate. The Lot F Oversized Vehicle pass must be secured before you arrive — for sold-out Cardinals games and events like the Fiesta Bowl, these passes sell out early.
Confirm the specific lot assignment and event-day routing on the official stadium parking page before game day.
Post-Game Pickup at State Farm Stadium
After the game, rideshare passengers exit via the south gates — Gate 1 and Gate 3 on the south end of the stadium — and follow stadium signage toward the Black Lot rideshare zone on Cardinals Way. The problem: 63,000 fans funnel through the same exits in the same 15-minute window, Loop 101 backs up in both directions, and rideshare surge pricing in that Black Lot spikes fast on a busy Sunday. Local experience consistently points to waiting 15 to 25 minutes after the final whistle before attempting to leave — either by heading into Westgate Entertainment District or simply staying put until the lot clears.
For a bus group, that staging is already solved: the bus waits at a pre-agreed location and time, and the ride home is already part of the night. No refreshing the app for a surge quote, no hunting through a dark lot for a car, no regrouping after the final whistle.
State Farm Stadium Transportation: All Your Options Compared
There is no light rail to State Farm Stadium — that's the foundational fact every Phoenix group planner needs going in. Valley Metro Rail serves downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and the Scottsdale corridor; the closest rail stops are miles east of Glendale, with no connecting shuttle service to the stadium. Every fan at this venue got there by car, rideshare, or charter bus.
That makes the comparison below somewhat different from NFL markets where a commuter train absorbs a portion of the crowd.
| Option | Cost shape | Arrive together? | Drop-off quality | Post-game | Best group size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter bus or party bus | One flat rate, split across the group | Yes — one vehicle, one arrival | Best — drops at the Black Lot zone south of the stadium | Bus stages nearby; no surge, no regrouping | 15–56 |
| Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) | Per car each way + surge post-game | No — multiple cars, staggered arrivals | Black Lot, south side — same zone as charter bus drop-off, but post-game surge kicks in hard | Surge pricing, long wait times in a jammed Black Lot | 1–4 per car |
| Drive and park | Gas per car + advance digital parking pass per car, no day-of | No — caravans split up on Loop 101 | Varies by lot; preferred lots accessed via Maryland Ave at 95th Ave | 45+ min lot crawl; someone has to stay sober | 1–2 cars |
| Valley Metro Bus (Route 70) | Low per-ticket cost; long ride from most origins | Only if everyone catches the same bus | Glendale Ave stop, roughly 15-min walk to gates | Long waits for return service; infrequent late-night runs | Individuals; impractical for groups |
For one or two people who live near a Glendale Avenue stop and don't mind the extra travel time, Valley Metro's Route 70 is a budget option. For a small party arriving in two cars, driving and splitting a parking pass is workable. But the moment your group grows past a few cars' worth of people — separate arrival times, separate advance parking purchases, the designated-driver problem, four different rideshare pickups post-game — the coordination cost tips decisively toward one bus.
The per-head math usually does too, once the flat rate is split across 20 or more people.
A 56-seat charter bus replaces approximately 14 cars. That's 14 advance digital parking passes, 14 separate drives through Loop 101 congestion, and at least 14 people who can't have a single beer at tailgate because they're behind the wheel. One bus cuts that down to a single flat rate split across your whole group — and on a 56-person fan run from Scottsdale, the per-head cost often lands under $60 per person for door-to-door service including the post-game pickup.
What Size Bus Does Your Group Need for State Farm Stadium?
Partybusinphoenixarizona.com connects you to a large network of bus companies serving the Phoenix area, so your group isn't limited to one fleet size. Compare options and find what fits your headcount, your pregame setup, and your budget. Here's how the full vehicle lineup maps onto a State Farm Stadium run.
| Vehicle | Typical seats | Gear / luggage | Best for | Notable amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter van / 14-passenger Sprinter limo | Up to ~14 | Modest — a few bags, small cooler | Suite holders, small VIP groups, executive transfers from Scottsdale resorts | Premium leather, USB charging, tinted privacy windows, individual climate control |
| Party bus (15–50 passengers) | ~15–50 | Onboard storage, lighter loads | Fan groups wanting the rolling pregame energy from pickup to kickoff | Built-in bar, color-changing LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs, wraparound perimeter seating |
| 15–35 passenger minibus | ~15–35 | Overhead bins plus some underfloor storage | Mid-size fan groups, corporate shuttle runs across the Phoenix metro | Powerful A/C, plush reclining seats, greater maneuverability on metro surface streets |
| 40–56 passenger charter bus | Up to 56 | Deep undercarriage bays | Large fan groups, corporate outings, Fiesta Bowl groups with full tailgate gear | Reclining seats, climate control, overhead storage, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restroom, undercarriage bays |
The right vehicle comes down to two things: your headcount and how much tailgate gear you're bringing. A 25-passenger party bus keeps a fan group moving together from Scottsdale with the pregame energy built in from the first stop. For a large group hauling propane grills, folding tables, and a full Sportsman's Park setup, a 56-seat charter bus handles everything in the undercarriage bays and seats the whole group.
ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — just note the need in your quote request and allow at least 48 hours before departure for the right vehicle to be confirmed.
State Farm Stadium Party Bus and Charter Bus Rental Prices
Rental rates for State Farm Stadium runs depend on your vehicle size, total hours reserved (including pregame tailgate time and the post-game wait), the event, and your pickup location. A Scottsdale or Chandler origin adds mileage compared to a Glendale hotel pickup, and a sold-out Monday Night Football game or the Fiesta Bowl prices differently than a mid-season afternoon kickoff. There is no single sticker number, because the quote reflects your specific itinerary — and Partybusinphoenixarizona.com shows you options in under 30 seconds with no account required.
To give you a sense of planning ranges: a 30-passenger party bus on a Sunday Cardinals home game — weekend rates — typically runs $325–$425 per hour, or roughly $2,350–$3,050 for a full game-day block. Rates move with the date, vehicle availability, and total hours; these figures are illustrative. A quote for your specific trip is a quick form or call away.
Check the Phoenix party bus prices page for more planning ranges, or call 480-425-9845 any time for a free quote at no obligation.
A Game-Day Example
To give you an idea of how the numbers play out: a 28-person fan group books a 30-passenger party bus for a 4:00 PM Cardinals home game on a Sunday. Pickup at 11:30 AM from Old Town Scottsdale, arriving in the Westgate area by 1:00 PM — two full hours to eat, watch pregame coverage at a bar, and walk through the gates before kickoff. The bus stages during the game and picks the group up at the Black Lot zone at 7:30 PM, back in Scottsdale by 8:30 PM.
An 8-hour Sunday rental at that size might run $2,350 to $3,050 — roughly $84 to $109 per person — with the round trip, the post-game pickup, and nobody on the short end of the designated-driver draw. Split across 28 people, that number is often in range of what separate rideshares would cost — without the surge, without the staggered arrivals, and without the parking math.
Getting to State Farm Stadium from Across the Phoenix Metro
State Farm Stadium is in the western portion of the Phoenix metro, and the primary freeway access is Loop 101. From the east, groups approach via I-10 West to Loop 101 North, exiting at Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way. From the north, it's Loop 101 South to the same exits.
From downtown Phoenix, I-17 North to Loop 101 West is the more direct run. The catch on game day: Loop 101 is the only option regardless of origin, and it backs up reliably starting 90 minutes to two hours before kickoff. Adding mileage from the east side of the metro isn't just a longer drive — it's more exposure to the congestion window before the exit ramp even comes into view.
| From… | Approximate distance | Off-peak drive time | Game-day estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Phoenix | ~14 miles | ~21 min via I-17 N to Loop 101 W | 40–60+ minutes |
| Scottsdale (Old Town) | ~23 miles | ~38 min via Loop 101 W | 55–80+ minutes |
| Tempe / ASU | ~25 miles | ~33 min via I-10 W to Loop 101 N | 50–70+ minutes |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport | ~20 miles | ~30 min via I-10 W to Loop 101 N | 45–65+ minutes |
| Chandler / Gilbert | ~30 miles | ~40 min via I-10 W to Loop 101 N | 60–90+ minutes |
Those game-day estimates assume you hit Loop 101 before the worst of the backup begins. Groups driving from Scottsdale or Chandler for a 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM kickoff need to account for both the crosstown metro drive and the Loop 101 queue. For the biggest events — Monday Night Football, the Fiesta Bowl, a stadium-scale concert sellout — plan to be in the Glendale area three to four hours early if you want Westgate time before the gates open.
Tailgating at State Farm Stadium: Rules Your Bus Group Should Know
State Farm Stadium runs one of the more organized NFL tailgate setups in the league — Sportsman's Park is the dedicated tailgating area adjacent to the stadium — but the rules have some specifics that first-timers get surprised by. Here's what the stadium's official A-Z Guide and Cardinals stadium policies page publish:
- Tailgating hours are strict. Lots open four hours before kickoff, and tailgating is permitted until kickoff only — not during the game, not after. Lots close one hour after the event concludes. No overnight parking is permitted.
- Propane and natural gas grills are in; charcoal is out. The stadium permits natural gas and propane grills and heaters. Charcoal grills, pellet grills, and oil fryers are not permitted. Grills and heaters cannot be placed under a tent, and flames must stay controlled at all times.
- Generators are allowed with limits. Small portable generators up to 6,500 watts are permitted, but electrical cords cannot cross drive aisles, sidewalks, or create any trip hazard for neighboring fans. Nothing may be plugged into the stadium's own electrical infrastructure.
- Tents must stay within your assigned space. Tents and tailgate equipment cannot extend beyond the red-painted fire lanes, sidewalks, or any area deemed an obstruction by stadium staff. Maximum tent size is 10'×10'. Use above-ground weights only — no ground stakes.
- One stall, one vehicle, no saving spaces. Tailgate directly behind your vehicle within your assigned parking space. Saving adjacent spaces for other vehicles is not permitted, and staff will not hold stalls. If your group wants to tailgate together, arrive together.
- No commercial activity, no drones, no fireworks, no glass containers. Any of the above results in ejection from Sportsman's Park.
The one rule that catches bus groups most off-guard: the "one stall, one vehicle" requirement means your bus occupies its Lot F space, and the tailgate happens directly behind it. There's no spreading across multiple stalls. For a full Sportsman's Park setup, a 40-to-56-seat charter bus with deep undercarriage bays handles the gear efficiently — propane grills, folding tables, coolers, and chairs all load into the undercarriage, the bus provides shade in Arizona's exposed sun, and the entire setup fits neatly within one stall.
Some large groups skip the Sportsman's Park tailgate entirely and spend their pregame window at Westgate Entertainment District just to the north — bars and restaurants with TVs everywhere, no setup or cleanup required. Either way, one bus keeps everyone together from the hotel pickup to the post-game ride home.
Leaving State Farm Stadium After the Game
Getting out of State Farm Stadium is, predictably, where game-day patience gets tested. When 63,000 fans start heading for the exits within the same 15-minute post-game window, Sportsman's Park empties slowly row by row, and the surface streets feeding back to Loop 101 are equally jammed. Both Glendale Avenue and Cardinals Way back up toward the freeway, and Loop 101 itself can take 30 to 45 minutes to clear after a packed event.
Rideshare users in the Black Lot face a compound version of the same problem: the lot fills with people hailing cars simultaneously, which spikes both wait times and surge pricing at once. The smartest move, backed by consistent local experience, is waiting 15 to 25 minutes after the final whistle before attempting to leave — or walking over to Westgate Entertainment District, which is directly accessible from the stadium gates and considerably more pleasant than standing in the Black Lot queue. For a bus group, the staging is already solved before the game even starts.
The group agrees on a pickup window in advance, the bus is right there when they walk out, and the post-game recap happens on the ride back to Scottsdale instead of in a parking lot row at a standstill.
What Every Group Should Know Before Game Day at State Farm Stadium
A handful of game-day policies catch first-time visitors off guard. Know these before your group heads to Glendale:
- Clear bag policy in effect. Per the official clear bag policy page, each fan may bring one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12"×6"×12" (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small clutch no larger than 4.5"×6.5"×2". Tinted bags, backpacks with opaque material, and coolers are prohibited. Bag check is available on both the East and West sides of the stadium for $20 per bag if someone shows up with a non-compliant bag.
- Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. The security lines are busiest in the 30 minutes immediately before kickoff. Arriving earlier gets your group in without the bottleneck.
- The stadium is 100% cashless. All transactions — food, merchandise, parking — require a credit or debit card. ATMs are available throughout the venue.
- Digital tickets only, via the Cardinals mobile app. No printed tickets are accepted at any gate.
- No re-entry. Once your group exits the stadium, the same ticket cannot be used to re-enter.
- One sealed water bottle per person. One factory-sealed 500mL plain water bottle is permitted per person. Outside food is not allowed (exception: food for children under age 2).
- ADA parking is available in all lots with a valid state-issued hangtag or license plate. Accessible spaces fill on high-demand days, so plan to arrive early. Contact the stadium at (623) 433-7101 for any accessibility coordination needs.
Events at State Farm Stadium in 2026 and Beyond
State Farm Stadium runs nearly year-round, and the events that drive the most group transportation demand are plannable well in advance. Here's what's filling the calendar and what it means for booking:
- Arizona Cardinals 2026 NFL Season. The Cardinals' home slate runs from preseason in August through the regular season (September through January). Home games draw 60,000-plus crowds and are the single most common reason groups rent a bus to State Farm Stadium. The 2026 season brings home matchups against the Seattle Seahawks (home opener), Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers. Demand for Scottsdale, Tempe, and downtown Phoenix charter buses spikes on NFL Sundays and Monday night games. Book early for divisional games and marquee matchups — vehicle availability tightens fast.
- Stadium-scale concerts. State Farm Stadium's 2026 concert calendar includes Karol G and Zach Bryan, with more dates announced on a rolling basis. Concert nights bring the same Loop 101 backup as NFL Sundays, plus the added reality that many concert fans discover the Black Lot rideshare situation for the first time on the way out. A Phoenix concert party bus rental takes your group straight to the entrance and picks everyone up when the show ends, no surge pricing involved.
- Fiesta Bowl (annual, late December / early January). One of the College Football Playoff's marquee games returns to State Farm Stadium each bowl season, drawing alumni and fan groups from across the country. The combination of holiday travel demand and a nationally televised game spikes Phoenix-area bus availability significantly. For the Fiesta Bowl: lock in transportation well in advance. Groups that wait until two weeks before regularly find limited vehicle availability, especially for groups larger than 30.
- Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Supercross fills State Farm Stadium each winter, transforming the stadium floor into a dirt course for one of the loudest events on the Arizona calendar. A private Phoenix party bus keeps your group together from pickup to checkered flag without the Loop 101 post-event scramble.
Whatever event brings your group, the booking logic is consistent: confirm your date, then lock in the bus. Glendale hotel blocks fill for the Fiesta Bowl and Cardinals playoff games, and bus availability on high-demand Sundays gets thin weeks out. Call 480-425-9845 or use the online quote tool as soon as your event date is confirmed.
Types of Groups That Rent a Bus to State Farm Stadium
The same door-to-door group transportation works regardless of what brings your group to Glendale. These are the most common groups requesting State Farm Stadium runs through Partybusinphoenixarizona.com:
- Fan groups and tailgaters. The core use case: 20 to 56 Cardinals fans from Scottsdale, Tempe, or downtown Phoenix want the pregame energy built into the ride with nobody drawing straws over who drives home. One bus, one tailgate setup, one post-game pickup.
- Corporate and suite groups. Moving clients, partners, or staff from a Scottsdale resort or Phoenix hotel to suite-level seating at a Cardinals game — one of the most-requested Phoenix corporate event bus rental runs on the calendar, particularly for season-opener and Monday night games.
- Out-of-town groups flying into Sky Harbor. Fan groups landing in Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl, a playoff game, or a major concert need a single pickup at the terminal curb and a clean run to Glendale. No rideshare scramble on arrival day, no parking pass to sort out. Phoenix airport transportation covers that leg specifically.
- Concert groups. Stadium-scale tours bring the same Loop 101 backup as NFL Sundays. A concert bus from Scottsdale or Tempe drops the group at the entrance and is staged when the show ends, instead of a 45-minute surge-pricing wait in the Black Lot.
- Birthday and celebration groups. A Cardinals game or a big concert that doubles as a milestone event — handled as a full Phoenix birthday party bus package from hotel pickup to Westgate stop after the game.
Planning a different Phoenix-area sporting event on the same trip? The Chase Field transportation guide covers Diamondbacks games downtown, and the Mortgage Matchup Center guide handles games in central Phoenix — each with its own drop-off specifics and parking reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to State Farm Stadium by Bus
Where does a charter bus drop off at State Farm Stadium?
The designated commercial drop-off zone is the Black Lot, south of the stadium off Cardinals Way — the same area the stadium uses for rideshare and private vehicle pickups, per the official directions page. From the Black Lot, it's a short walk to the south-side gates. For specific large events like the Fiesta Bowl or major concerts, drop-off routing can shift, so confirming current guidance on the official stadium parking page before your event is always the right call.
Where do buses park at State Farm Stadium?
The stadium's designated oversized vehicle area is Lot F, which accommodates vehicles up to 45 feet in length and opens 4.5 hours before kickoff for Cardinals games. Lot F requires a pre-purchased Lot F Oversized Vehicle mobile parking pass — one pass per space, no day-of purchase, no cash accepted. The entire stadium is cashless, and all passes are digital only.
Confirm the purchase link and any event-specific vehicle routing on the official directions and parking page.
Does Phoenix have light rail or public transit to State Farm Stadium?
No. Valley Metro Light Rail does not serve Glendale. The closest rail stations are in central Phoenix and the Scottsdale corridor, with no connecting shuttle service to State Farm Stadium. Valley Metro Route 70 runs along Glendale Avenue and stops within roughly a 15-minute walk of the gates, but it's a long, infrequent ride from most Phoenix metro origins and completely impractical for a group trying to tailgate and make kickoff together.
A private charter bus or party bus rental is the only option that gives your whole group a direct, door-to-door run to the stadium without transfers.
How much does it cost to park at State Farm Stadium?
General parking for Cardinals games runs approximately $10 to $30 per vehicle depending on the lot and event, all purchased digitally in advance. Preferred lots (Red and Grey, accessed via Maryland Avenue at 95th Avenue) are available at a higher rate as a per-event option. The Lot F Oversized Vehicle pass is priced separately and purchased through the same digital ticketing system.
There is no day-of parking sold at the gate. A single bus requires one advance pass for one space, compared to one pass per car for a group that drove separately — and the bus eliminates the caravan coordination entirely.
What roads get congested around State Farm Stadium on game days?
Loop 101 is the primary bottleneck — some ramp access near the stadium is restricted during large events as part of Glendale's traffic management plan. The surface streets feeding the freeway, Cardinals Way and Glendale Avenue, are managed by traffic control but see significant congestion starting 90 to 120 minutes before kickoff. For the Fiesta Bowl and major concerts, Glendale Avenue approaches can back up two to three hours before game time.
Always check the official directions page close to your event date for any event-specific road guidance or closures.
What's the clear bag policy at State Farm Stadium?
Each fan may bring one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12"×6"×12" (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small non-clear clutch no larger than 4.5"×6.5"×2". Backpacks with opaque panels, tinted bags, and coolers are not permitted. Bag check is available on the East and West sides of the stadium for $20 per bag.
One factory-sealed 500mL water bottle per person is the only outside beverage allowed. Review the complete policy on the official clear bag policy page before your visit.
What are the tailgating rules at State Farm Stadium?
Tailgating at Sportsman's Park is permitted from lot opening (four hours before kickoff) until game start only. Propane and natural gas grills are allowed; charcoal grills, pellet grills, and oil fryers are not. Generators up to 6,500 watts are permitted with cord restrictions (no crossing drive aisles or sidewalks).
Tents are capped at 10'×10' with above-ground weights only and must stay within the fire lane markings. Each vehicle occupies exactly one stall, and saving adjacent spaces is not permitted. See the official Cardinals stadium policies page for the complete list.
Can the bus wait during the game and pick us up afterward?
Yes. The bus is booked as a block of hours, so it can drop your group, hold tailgate gear in the undercarriage bays while the game runs, and be staged for a pre-arranged post-game pickup. Set the pickup time and meeting point before the game starts so the bus is right there when your group walks out — no surge pricing, no regrouping in a jammed parking lot, no hunting for a ride in the dark.
When do the parking lots open at State Farm Stadium?
Standard lots open four hours before kickoff for Cardinals games. Lot F (oversized vehicles) opens 4.5 hours before kickoff. All lots close one hour after the event ends.
No overnight parking is permitted on stadium grounds.
Where is the rideshare pickup zone at State Farm Stadium?
Rideshare pickup for Uber and Lyft is in the Black Lot south of the stadium, off Cardinals Way. To reach it after the game, exit via Gate 1 or Gate 3 on the south end and follow the stadium's rideshare signage toward Cardinals Way. Post-game, this lot fills with fans hailing cars simultaneously — surge pricing and wait times spike quickly.
A private bus eliminates the surge entirely: your staging point is arranged before the game and the ride home is waiting when your group walks out.
How far in advance should we book a bus to State Farm Stadium?
For standard regular-season Cardinals home games, two to four weeks of lead time is workable for most vehicle sizes. For high-demand games — divisional matchups, Monday Night Football, playoff implications — and for the Fiesta Bowl, the right-size vehicles go much faster. Stadium-scale concerts fill Phoenix-area bus availability within weeks of an on-sale announcement.
The earlier you call 480-425-9845 or use the online quote tool, the more options are available and the better the planning range. Waiting until the week before a sold-out event almost always means fewer vehicles and higher rates.
Reserve Your State Farm Stadium Charter Bus or Party Bus Today
Whether it's a 20-person Cardinals fan group from Old Town Scottsdale, a corporate suite outing from a downtown Phoenix hotel, or a Fiesta Bowl group landing at Sky Harbor from out of state, Partybusinphoenixarizona.com makes finding the right bus fast. Use the online quote tool for pricing in under 30 seconds — no account required — or call 480-425-9845 any time to compare vehicles, check availability, and get a free quote for your specific date. One bus, one quote, no Loop 101 headache.
State Farm Stadium | 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305 | (623) 433-7101
