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The Arizona Cardinals host the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, December 6, 2026 — a Week 13 matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions and one of the Cardinals’ oldest rivals, kicking off at 2:05 PM local time. Few people realize this is actually one of the franchise’s deepest rivalries: the two sides met in back-to-back NFL Championship Games in the 1940s, and the Cardinals have the slight edge in the all-time series. If you’re building a Phoenix-area weekend around game day, 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 matchup carries more history than most people expect. The Cardinals (then based in Chicago) and the Eagles have met well over a hundred times dating back to 1935, and remarkably, they faced off in back-to-back NFL Championship Games — the Cardinals winning 28–21 in 1947 for the franchise’s first league title, before the Eagles got revenge with a 7–0 win in the snow a year later. Across the full series, the Cardinals actually hold a narrow all-time edge, even though Philadelphia led for decades before Arizona caught up. The current Eagles roster arrives as the reigning Super Bowl champions, built around quarterback Jalen Hurts and a punishing run game, making this one of the toughest home tests on the Cardinals’ 2026 schedule.
Add genuine championship-era history, cool and comfortable early-December weather in the Valley, and a 2:05 PM kickoff that leaves the evening free, and it’s an easy game to build a full weekend 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 home game against the defending Super Bowl champions is one of the toughest tickets of the season, and Eagles fans travel in serious numbers, so expect a lively, split building. Booking ahead is essential. 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
Early December in the Valley is cool and crisp, with highs typically in the mid-to-upper 60s and chilly evenings — bring a jacket for after sunset, but it’s comfortable, easy football weather during the day. A 2:05 PM kickoff means the game wraps up in the late afternoon, leaving 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 Eagles in Glendale?
The Arizona Cardinals host the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, December 6, 2026, with kickoff at 2:05 PM MST.
Why is this Cardinals vs Eagles game worth watching?
It’s a rivalry with real history — the two teams met in back-to-back NFL Championship Games in 1947 and 1948, and the Cardinals hold a narrow edge in the all-time series. Philadelphia also arrives as the reigning Super Bowl champions.
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 Eagles game on Ticketmaster and Ticombo via the links in this post. With the Eagles as defending champions and a large traveling fanbase, it’s worth booking well in advance.
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
The reigning Super Bowl champions and a Cardinals rivalry with real championship-era history — lock in your seats and start planning your trip.