Shaded Seats at State Farm Stadium

State Farm Stadium, located in Glendale, Arizona, is the state-of-the-art home of the Arizona Cardinals. It’s also used for major events like the college championship games, international soccer matches, and large-scale concerts. The Phoenix Area has one of the most intense climates in the country. Realistically, most fans will experience their game or event under a closed roof. However, on the chance the game you’re attending will be open-air, it’s helpful to know where to find the best shaded seats at State Farm Stadium.

Where Are the Seats in the Shade and Sun at State Farm Stadium?

When the roof is open, you’ll find shaded seats at State Farm Stadium:

• South End Zone: Shaded throughout the day
• West Sideline: Shaded on the Cardinals home side

And sunny seats at State Farm Stadium are mainly:

• North End Zone: Sunny early in the afternoon
• East Sideline: Sun soaked later in the afternoon

Cardinals games typically kick off locally in the 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. hour, and occasionally in the evening for NFL Sunday Night or Monday Night games. Concerts and soccer games are frequently scheduled for late afternoon or early evening. For specific details about shaded sections at different start times, please continue reading.

State Farm Stadium Orientation to the Sun

State Farm Stadium is oriented northwest to southeast. By noon, the sun is high in the sky behind the south end zone. Over the course of the afternoon, it curves around the west side of the stadium and eventually sets near the north end zone. This configuration generally makes the south and west sides of the stadium the “shade side,” while the north and east sides are the sunnier spots.

The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on September 1st.

See an interactive seating chart for the next event at State Farm Stadium

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Early Afternoon State Farm Stadium Events

State Farm Stadium features a rectangular-shaped retractable roof directly above the field of play. Compared to other retractable roof venues, it is relatively small in length and width. The opening exposes the field and the first few rows in the lower level around the field, but the vast majority of seats are under cover of the non-retractable portion of the roof. A good way to think of the roof at State Farm Stadium is like a car with an open sunroof rather than a convertible with the top down.

For shade, prefer the west (home) side. All levels on this side are out of reach of the sun’s rays. This includes sections 101-115, 201-222, 301-322, and 401-424. If you prefer to sit behind the end zone, early in the day seats behind the south end zone are safely shaded, while those behind the north end zone are at the greatest risk of a blast of sun.

Sections prone to sun exposure are primarily on the east (visitors) side. Early in the day, sections in the northeast corner are most likely to be in the path of the sun. This includes sections 123-129, 227-237, and 328-350. Late in the day, the path of the sun shifts, and sections in the southeast corner are at risk of being in the sun. This includes sections 130-137, 238-248, and 351-357. Seats in the upper 400-level may be far enough back that the non-retractable section of the roof blocks the sun, but to be completely safe, focus on seating on the west side of the stadium.

Sun that sneaks through the open roof at State Farm Stadium is most likely to hit seats on the east sideline (left).
Gene Lower/Southcreek Global/Icon Sportswire

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Evening State Farm Stadium Events

Shade is plentiful by evening, even when the roof is open. Sections on the west (home) side and behind the north end zone are reliably shaded. Most seats on the east (visitor) side are shaded as well. Those looking to avoid the sun should be careful with seats in the southeast corner near the end zone. Be particularly careful choosing a seat in sections 130-137, 238-248, 351-370, and 444-455. Even seats in the upper deck are not necessarily safe, as the angle of the sun can peak through the open roof and shine directly into the eyes of fans in this corner of the stadium.

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Use the individual game links or click or tap here to see an upcoming list of games at State Farm Stadium.