Will you go to a Cardinals game at today's prices?
A pro game can be a big expense for a family. So what does a Cardinals game in Glendale actually cost?
What we know
Several studies price out an NFL game: tickets, parking, hot dogs, drinks and, in some, team hats. Their methods differ a little, so we show each figure and the average.
| Cost at State Farm Stadium | Study 1 | Study 2 | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family of four, 2023 season | $452.46 (Action Network, 2023 prices) | $476.04 (Pickswise) | $464.25 |
| Hot dog | $4.50 (Sidelines, 2022) | $4.75 (Pickswise, 2023) | Different years, not averaged |
| Beer | $8.13 (Sidelines, 2022) | $7.00 (Pickswise, 2023) | Different years, not averaged |
The 2022 Sidelines study, reported by Cronkite News, also found the league's cheapest parking at $20 and an average ticket of $84.83. For 2023 prices, Action Network ranked Arizona the cheapest in the NFL; Pickswise ranked it second, behind Cincinnati.
What we don't know yet
- What a hot dog and a beer cost at State Farm Stadium this season.
- Why prices here run lower than at most NFL stadiums. That hasn't been published, so it's a question for the team.
What I found
My guess going in was about $500 for a family to see a game. Two studies put a family of four at $452 to $476 in 2023. So my guess was close. It's not cheap, but it's among the cheapest in the league.
What you can do
- Buy from the team's official seller (azcardinals.com, through Ticketmaster). Helps if you want verified seats. Cost: prices and fees change by game and seat.
- Check resale sites like SeatGeek or TickPick. Helps if you're buying last minute. Cost: prices swing, and fees differ by site.
Tell us
Is a Cardinals game in your budget this season? What decides it for you?
Coming up: the Suns
The Suns open their home season Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. against the Warriors at the Mortgage Matchup Center downtown. We'll be out asking fans how excited they are for this season, and whether they'll go to a game at today's prices. How are you feeling about the Suns this year?
Research assisted by AI (Claude). Verified by Dave Contreras.
Sources
- Action Network, The best NFL stadiums for families: 2023 season prices; family of four $452.46, cheapest in the NFL
- Arizona Sports, Cardinals ranked among most-affordable NFL gameday experiences: Pickswise, 2023 season; family of four $476.04, second cheapest; hot dog $4.75, beer $7
- Cronkite News, Arizona Cardinals deliver most affordable fan experience (Nov 18, 2022): Sidelines study; parking $20, ticket $84.83, hot dog $4.50, beer $8.13