Inside State Farm Stadium: Cost, capacity & more to know about the site of 2023 Super Bowl
For the fourth time in Super Bowl history, the big game will be played in Arizona.
State Farm Stadium, home of the Cardinals, is the site of Super Bowl 57 between the Chiefs and the Eagles.
Although this is the third time the stadium will be played, it is the first time the facility has hosted the Super Bowl since the name changed. The stadium was the site of Super Bowl 42 and Super Bowl 49, but was then called University of Phoenix Stadium.
MORE: Watch Super Bowl 57 Live With fuboTV (Free Trial)
In preparation for the re-hosting of football’s biggest event of the year, The Sporting News takes a look inside Arizona’s stadium.
How much did State Farm Stadium cost to build?
Although the project began in the mid-2000s, the total cost of construction was $455 million.
The stadium itself cost nearly $400 million to build, $395.4 million to be exact. Another $41.7 million went to site improvements and $17.8 million to the country.
The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority provided $302.3 million for the project. The Cardinals organization invested $143.2 million and the City of Glendale $9.5 million.
How long did it take to build?
Construction on State Farm Stadium began in December 2003 and took a little over two years to complete, ending in January 2006.
While the facility itself was complete, the stadium did not officially open until August 1, 2006.
The Cardinals had previously played at Sun Devil Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils and the site of Super Bowl 30 in 1996.
MORE: Looking back at previous Super Bowls played in Arizona
Where is State Farm Stadium?
State Farm Stadium is located in Glendale, Arizona, which is located in Maricopa County. It is approximately 10 miles from downtown Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona.
State Farm Stadium capacity
The stadium normally seats 63,400, but an additional 8,800 seats are available for major events such as the Super Bowl. This increases the capacity to 72,200.
Features of State Farm Stadium
Fans may not notice State Farm Stadium’s coolest feature, but the facility incorporated the first retractable natural grass playing surface in North America.
The purpose of this is to “harness the maximum amount of sunshine and sustenance in the normally warm desert sun”.
Is the State Farm Stadium roof retractable?
Yes, the State Farm Stadium roof is retractable. When it was created, it was the first fully retractable roof to work with a pitch.
Is State Farm Stadium air conditioned?
Don’t worry football fans. State Farm Stadium comes with the option of air conditioning.
When the roof is open, the air conditioning is not on, allowing the breeze to regulate the temperature. When the roof is closed, however, the stadium has air conditioning that can be turned on to cool the interior.
MORE: Super Bowl locations for 2024 and beyond
What is State Farm Stadium named after?
State Farm Stadium is named after the popular insurance company State Farm.
The company acquired the naming rights in 2019. The two sides agreed to an 18-year agreement, but full cost details were not released. The venue was previously called University of Phoenix Stadium.
Will State Farm Stadium host the 2026 World Cup?
The Super Bowl is probably the biggest event State Farm Stadium will see for a while.
Phoenix is not one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The Bay Area and Los Angeles are the two locations closest to the area where games will be held.