Skip to content
The Arizona Cardinals host the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026 — a Week 5 date against one of the NFC’s most watchable teams, kicking off at 1:25 PM local time on FOX. Detroit has owned this matchup lately, and the Lions travel as well as any fanbase in the league, so expect plenty of Honolulu blue mixed into the Red Sea. 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
The Lions have been one of the NFL’s most entertaining teams to watch in recent seasons — back-to-back NFC North titles in 2023 and 2024, a 15–2 run to the conference’s No. 1 seed in 2024, and an offense built around Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown that puts up points in a hurry. Detroit slipped in 2025, but the core is intact and the team arrives in 2026 expected to be back in the NFC contender conversation, which makes this a genuine measuring-stick game for a rebuilding Cardinals side.
There’s history here too: the Lions and Cardinals have met 70 times going back to 1930, Detroit leads the all-time series 36–28–6, and the Lions have won each of the last three meetings — including a 20–13 win the last time these teams played. Add a famously travel-happy Detroit fanbase, State Farm Stadium’s “Red Sea” atmosphere, a 1:25 PM kickoff that leaves the evening free, and warm, dry October weather, 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 if you’re staying at a Westgate hotel, the free Westgate Circulator shuttle runs before and after the game.
What to expect: Gates typically open about 90 minutes before kickoff. State Farm Stadium enforces a clear-bag policy — clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or a small clutch under 4.5″ x 6.5″ — with no bag storage on site. Tailgating is part of the culture here, with lots opening several hours before kickoff for fans who want to make a full day of it.
Getting tickets and choosing your seats
A home date against a marquee NFC opponent tends to draw a stronger crowd than a routine early-season game — and with the Lions’ travelling support, expect a lively, split building. 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
October in the Valley is warm but easing off the summer peak — expect dry, sunny days with highs often in the upper 80s, so it’s ideal weather for tailgating and getting outdoors. A 1:25 PM kickoff means the game wraps up mid-afternoon, leaving the whole 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 Lions in Glendale?
The Arizona Cardinals host the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with kickoff at 1:25 PM MST, broadcast on FOX.
Why is this Cardinals vs Lions game worth watching?
Detroit has been one of the NFC’s most exciting teams in recent years, with an explosive offense and a travel-happy fanbase. The Lions also lead the all-time series and have won the last three meetings, giving Arizona plenty to prove on home turf.
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 Lions game on Ticketmaster and Ticombo via the links in this post. With a marquee opponent and strong Detroit travelling support, it’s worth booking 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 NFC’s best rolls into Glendale — and a Lions side the Cardinals are itching to beat. Lock in your seats and start planning your trip.