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The Arizona Cardinals close out the regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2027 — a Week 17 desert showdown between the NFL’s two closest neighbors, kicking off at 2:05 PM local time. Vegas is only about a five-hour drive up I-93 from Glendale, which makes this one of the most road-trip-friendly away games on the Raiders’ schedule and a natural excuse for a New Year’s weekend trip to Arizona. If you’re building a Phoenix-area getaway around the game, 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 as close to a true desert rivalry as the Cardinals have — Las Vegas sits roughly 300 miles up the highway, making this one of the most accessible interconference road trips in the NFL for fans of either team. The series dates back to 1973, when the then-Oakland Raiders and then-St. Louis Cardinals first met, and it has been close to even across the decades since, with neither side ever pulling far ahead. The Raiders have been in a visible rebuild in recent seasons, retooling their roster and coaching staff around a new era of the franchise, which makes this a useful late-season gauge of where both teams stand heading into the offseason.
Add a Week 17 slot with postseason positioning often still in play, a short flight or drive in from Vegas for traveling fans, and a 2:05 PM kickoff that leaves New Year’s weekend evenings free, and it’s an easy game to build a trip 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
With Las Vegas just a few hours up the highway, this game typically draws a strong contingent of traveling Raiders fans, and a Week 17 date can carry real playoff-picture stakes. 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
Early January in the Valley is cool and dry, with highs typically in the mid-60s and chilly nights — a jacket is a good idea after sunset, but days are comfortable and sunny. A 2:05 PM kickoff means the game wraps up in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free to ring in the new year at Westgate or 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 Raiders in Glendale?
The Arizona Cardinals host the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2027, with kickoff at 2:05 PM MST, in Week 17 of the regular season.
Why is this Cardinals vs Raiders game worth watching?
Las Vegas is only around a five-hour drive from Glendale, making this one of the most accessible interconference road trips in the league, and with the game in Week 17, postseason positioning is often still in play for both sides.
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 Raiders game on Ticketmaster and Ticombo via the links in this post. With Las Vegas fans able to drive in easily, 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
The desert’s closest NFL rivalry closes out the regular season in Glendale — a perfect excuse for a New Year’s weekend trip. Lock in your seats and start planning your visit.