Shaded Seats at State Farm Stadium

What You Need to Know About Shade at State Farm Stadium

Located in Glendale, Arizona, State Farm Stadium is the home of the Arizona Cardinals and host to major events like the Fiesta Bowl and international soccer matches.

The stadium is oriented northwest-to-southeast, meaning the sun passes directly across the roof opening from the south end zone before dipping down behind the western grandstand. Designed with a shimmering metal skin that reflects the desert horizon, the stadium features a unique translucent Bird-Air fabric retractable roof that is typically kept closed during blistering summer days to maintain air-conditioned comfort, operating like a car’s sunroof when it is open.

The West Sideline Is Best For Shade

The orientation of the stadium means the sun tracks behind the home side toward the evening. Because of this, you want to prioritize the west sideline and covered seating.

• Sections 101 – 115: Choosing seats on the Cardinals home side ensures you avoid direct sunlight entirely, even with the roof panels wide open. Stick to the upper rows on the lower level for better shade coverage

• Sections 201 – 222: Opting for the club level on this side provides premium overhead cover to beat the Arizona heat.

• Sections 401 – 424: Selecting rows tucked high up into the upper level on the west side offers a budget-friendly way to remain completely out of the sun’s path.

Late Afternoon And Evening

As the game moves deeper into the late afternoon hours, the path of the sun begins to shift lower toward the northwestern horizon. While the west sideline  enjoy complete relief under the stadium’s structural frame, the sun peaks directly through the roof opening toward the opposite side of the bowl.

Fans sitting in the southeast corner near the end zone, specifically lower sections 130 – 137 and upper sections 440 – 455, should be prepared to look directly into intense glare and direct sunlight until dusk settles.