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The Arizona Cardinals host the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, November 29, 2026 — a Week 12 matchup against one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, kicking off at 2:25 PM local time, the weekend after Thanksgiving. The Cardinals and Commanders have been playing each other since the league’s earliest decades, but rarely cross paths now that they sit in different conferences’ divisions, making this a rare visit worth building a trip around. If you’re heading to Phoenix for the long weekend, here’s everything you need on tickets, the venue, where to stay, and how to plan the trip.
Why this matchup is worth the trip
This is a matchup with real pedigree, even if it doesn’t happen often anymore. The Cardinals franchise (originally the Chicago Cardinals) and the Commanders (originally the Boston, then Washington, Redskins) are two of the NFL’s charter-era teams, and their head-to-head history stretches back close to a century, with well over a hundred meetings on the books. Washington has generally had the better of the series across that long history, but the teams now sit in opposite conference divisions — the Commanders in the NFC East, the Cardinals in the NFC West — so they meet only once every few seasons, which makes every matchup feel like an occasion. Washington’s offense has been built around the dynamic playmaking of quarterback Jayden Daniels, one of the league’s most electric young talents since his breakout rookie season, giving the Cardinals’ defense a serious test.
Add a post-Thanksgiving kickoff that’s perfect for a long weekend getaway, cooling late-November weather in the Valley, and the rarity of the matchup, and it’s an easy trip to plan a few extra days around.
State Farm Stadium: The venue
State Farm Stadium has been home to the Arizona Cardinals since it opened in 2006. With a retractable roof, a natural grass field that rolls outdoors between events, and a capacity of roughly 63,400 for NFL games, it’s regularly ranked among the league’s best modern venues — and the Cardinals have sold out every game played there to date.
Getting there: The stadium sits at 1 Cardinals Drive, right next to Westgate Entertainment District, with easy access from Loop 101 via the Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way exits. It isn’t directly served by public transit, so driving or rideshare is the practical way in — use the official rideshare pickup/drop-off zone on 95th Avenue just north of Maryland Avenue. On-site and surrounding lots fill fast on game day, so pre-booking parking is worth it, and gates typically open about 90 minutes before kickoff. The stadium enforces a clear-bag policy, so plan ahead of time.
Getting tickets and choosing your seats
A rare matchup against a historic opponent tends to draw a strong crowd, especially over a holiday weekend when more fans are traveling. Booking ahead is worth it. Lower level seats put you closest to the field with the best sightlines to the sideline action. Club level adds wider seats and lounge access. Upper level (Terrace) seats are the most affordable way in and, thanks to the stadium’s tight bowl design, still keep the whole field in view.
For the loudest atmosphere, sections near the Cardinals’ sideline (around 108–109) or the end zones tend to be where the Red Sea is at its rowdiest. If you’d rather watch in comfort, Club Level sections give you a clear, elevated view with easy access to food and drink.
Compare before you buy: Prices move as the date gets closer, and Ticketmaster and Ticombo often list different inventory. Check both links above and grab your seats once you’ve found the section and price that work for your trip.
Where to stay near Glendale
State Farm Stadium sits right next to Westgate Entertainment District, so staying nearby means an easy walk to dinner, drinks and pre-game energy — but a few different areas suit different kinds of trips.
Westgate / Glendale — The most convenient base by far, steps from the stadium gates and surrounded by more than 70 restaurants and bars, plus Topgolf, Andretti Karting and shopping for the rest of your stay.
Downtown Phoenix — About 20 minutes from the stadium, with a bigger city feel, more hotel variety and easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport if you’re flying in.
Old Town Scottsdale — A little further out (around 30–40 minutes), but the pick if you want resort pools, upscale dining and nightlife to fill out the rest of a Phoenix-area trip.
The map below shows live hotel rates around Glendale and Phoenix for your dates — filter to find what fits your budget and preferred area.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you — it helps keep these guides going.
Building a Phoenix-area trip around the game
Late November in the Valley has cooled off nicely, with highs typically in the mid-to-upper 70s and crisp, cool evenings — comfortable football weather and a welcome break if you’re traveling from somewhere colder for the long Thanksgiving weekend. A 2:25 PM kickoff leaves the evening free for dinner and Westgate’s nightlife, or to head into downtown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale.
Beyond game day, the Phoenix area rewards a few extra days: Old Town Scottsdale’s galleries and nightlife, an early-morning hike up Camelback Mountain or through Papago Park before the heat sets in, the Desert Botanical Garden’s cactus-filled trails, and a day trip out to Sedona’s red rocks if you want to get out of the city entirely. Westgate itself is worth an evening on its own, with restaurants, live music and family activities running most weekends.
Planning your trip around a big game? Our live events hub rounds up more football, motorsport and concert travel guides with the same tickets-and-where-to-stay format.
Want to book a few experiences ahead of time? Here’s a selection of well-rated things to do around Glendale and Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Cardinals play the Commanders in Glendale?
The Arizona Cardinals host the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, November 29, 2026, with kickoff at 2:25 PM MST.
Why is this Cardinals vs Commanders game worth watching?
The Cardinals and Commanders are two of the NFL’s charter-era franchises with a head-to-head history stretching back nearly a century, but they now sit in different conference divisions and meet only once every few seasons, making every matchup a rare occasion.
Where is State Farm Stadium?
State Farm Stadium is at 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Arizona, right next to Westgate Entertainment District and about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix.
How do I get tickets?
You can find listings for the Cardinals vs Commanders game on Ticketmaster and Ticombo via the links in this post. Since it falls on Thanksgiving weekend, it’s worth booking both tickets and travel early.
Where should I stay for the game?
Westgate/Glendale is the most convenient base, right by the stadium. Downtown Phoenix offers more hotel variety and easy airport access, and Old Town Scottsdale is the pick for resorts and nightlife if you’re staying a few extra days.
What else is worth doing around Glendale and Phoenix?
Spend the evening at Westgate Entertainment District after the game, explore Old Town Scottsdale, hike Camelback Mountain or Papago Park early in the day, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, or take a day trip out to Sedona’s red rocks.
Rise up, Red Sea
One of the NFL’s original rivalries makes a rare visit to Glendale over Thanksgiving weekend. Lock in your seats and start planning your trip.