Football fans, the wait is over—the Arizona Cardinals have taken the field to train for the upcoming season, and you can watch them practice for free.
The team will hold a total of 19 practices, beginning August 1 and running through August 28, at the 94,000-square-foot University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Practices run from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and seating is open.
Click here for the complete practice schedule.
In addition to watching the action on the field, kids can register to participate in the Kids Interactive Zone, where they can run an inflatable obstacle course, test their arm in a quarterback toss, or perform football drills. The interactive zone, which is located on the main concourse at the north end of the stadium, will stay open through August 13.
Kids can also sign up for the Children’s Autograph Experience at the entry to the Kids Interactive Zone. The free post-practice player autograph session is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a limited number of children between the ages of 2 and 12. This opportunity also ends with the practice on August 13.
Adults and kids alike can get autographs after any practice except the one on August 28. Just head to the lower field walls as the Cardinals walk back to the locker rooms. A select number of players hang back to sign autographs, and the Cards ask that younger fans are given priority when it comes to accessing the players.
Ready to pack a tailgate cooler and head out for the afternoon? Here’s what you need to know:
Parking is free. Lots open beginning at 12:30 p.m. on the east side of the stadium (Green and Grey sections). Enter off 91st Avenue. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), additional lots on the west side of the stadium (Orange) will be available as well. You can begin entering the stadium at 1:30 p.m.
Not all gates will be open, though. On the east side of the stadium, enter through Budweiser Gate 3; on the west, go through Hyundai Gate 1. You can also enter through the Arizona Cardinals Team Shop at the north end near University of Phoenix Gate 2. Be prepared for the typical security screening process before you’re allowed to find a seat on the lower level of the east side of the stadium. Additional west side seating is available on Saturday and Sunday.
Concessions are available for purchase during practices, and the Team Shop will be open if you need to purchase Cardinals attire or other merchandise.
Fun fact: The Arizona Cardinals football team is the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the nation. Founded as the Morgan Athletic Club in 1898, it became the Normals, the Racine Cardinals, Chicago Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals, Phoenix Cardinals, and finally, in 1994, the Arizona Cardinals.
For more information on local events and the Scottsdale lifestyle, give us a call and we’d be happy to chat about what’s going on in the Phoenix and Scottsdale-area.
