The Fiesta Bowl takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The stadium sits near Loop 101 and the Westgate Entertainment District. State Farm Stadium has hosted the Fiesta Bowl since 2007, after the game moved from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.
The Fiesta Bowl ranks among the most well-known postseason college football games in the United States. Because the game takes place in the Phoenix area, many people search for its location as simply “Phoenix.” However, the official host city is Glendale, Arizona.
For the 2026-27 college football season, the Fiesta Bowl will return to State Farm Stadium on Wednesday, December 30, 2026. The College Football Playoff lists the game as a CFP quarterfinal, with a scheduled kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.
If you are planning to attend, this guide explains exactly where the Fiesta Bowl takes place, how far the stadium sits from Phoenix, how to reach it, what you can find nearby, and why some older sources list Tempe instead of Glendale.
Fiesta Bowl Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowl game | Fiesta Bowl |
| Stadium | State Farm Stadium |
| City | Glendale, Arizona |
| County | Maricopa County |
| Metro area | Phoenix metropolitan area |
| State | Arizona |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southwestern United States |
| Current venue | State Farm Stadium |
| Venue since | 2007 |
| Next scheduled game | December 30, 2026 |
| 2026 format | College Football Playoff quarterfinal |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Local kickoff | 5:30 p.m. MST |
| TV | TNT, truTV & HBO Max |
| Nearby major city | Phoenix |
| Stadium address | 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305 |
The College Football Playoff confirms State Farm Stadium as the 2026 venue and Glendale as the host city. It also lists the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff and TNT, truTV, and HBO Max as the television outlets. The stadium itself lists its address as 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, Arizona 85305.
Where Is the Fiesta Bowl Played?
It takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Glendale sits in the western part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. State Farm Stadium stands within Glendale’s sports and entertainment district, near Loop 101 and the Westgate Entertainment District.
The stadium serves as the home of the Arizona Cardinals and hosts the annual Fiesta Bowl.
The Fiesta Bowl organization has used State Farm Stadium as its home since 2007. Before that move, the game took place at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
So, if you want the shortest answer to “Where is the Fiesta Bowl?”, it is:
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
Where Is State Farm Stadium?
State Farm Stadium sits at 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Arizona.
The stadium stands in Glendale’s major sports and entertainment district. Visitors can reach the venue through the area’s major road network, including Loop 101.
The surrounding area includes entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, parking facilities, and other attractions. The Westgate Entertainment District sits close to the stadium, giving fans plenty of options before and after the game.
The stadium also hosts the Arizona Cardinals and other major sporting and entertainment events throughout the year.
For visitors using a navigation app, search for State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305. The stadium’s official visitor information confirms this address.
What City Is the Fiesta Bowl In?
It takes place in Glendale, not Phoenix.
This distinction often causes confusion because Glendale belongs to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Many visitors therefore describe the Fiesta Bowl as a Phoenix-area event, even though Glendale serves as the official host city.
Glendale sits northwest of central Phoenix and forms part of the region commonly known as the West Valley.
Therefore, when you search for hotels, directions, restaurants, or parking, use Glendale as your primary location. You can also search the wider Phoenix area for additional choices.
What State Is the Fiesta Bowl Played In?
It takes place in Arizona.
Arizona occupies the southwestern United States and includes major cities such as Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Glendale.
The state’s warm winter weather also makes the Phoenix metropolitan area a popular destination for December and January sporting events.
For visitors, Phoenix serves as the region’s best-known major city, while Glendale provides the actual stadium location.
Is the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix or Glendale?
It is in Glendale, Arizona, rather than inside Phoenix city limits.
Glendale and Phoenix are separate cities. However, both cities belong to the same metropolitan area, so visitors may see the Fiesta Bowl described as being in Phoenix.
State Farm Stadium stands in Glendale’s West Valley area. The venue’s official address confirms Glendale as the city.
This difference matters when you book accommodation or plan transportation. A hotel in central Phoenix can work, but a hotel in Glendale can put you much closer to the stadium.
Where Is the Fiesta Bowl on a Map?
On a map, State Farm Stadium sits in western Glendale, northwest of downtown Phoenix.
The venue stands close to Loop 101 and the Westgate Entertainment District. This location places the stadium within a large sports, entertainment, and commercial area.
If you search Google Maps or another navigation service, enter:
State Farm Stadium
1 Cardinals Drive
Glendale, AZ 85305
The stadium’s official information confirms this address.
The map location also explains why searches for “Fiesta Bowl Phoenix” often return the correct stadium even though Phoenix does not host the game within its city limits.
How Far Is the Fiesta Bowl From Phoenix?
State Farm Stadium sits northwest of downtown Phoenix.
The exact driving distance depends on where you start in Phoenix and which route you take. The City of Glendale has described Glendale as roughly nine miles northwest of downtown Phoenix, although the stadium’s actual road distance can differ.
Travel time can also change significantly during major sporting events.
Therefore, if you plan to attend the it , allow extra time for:
- Traffic
- Parking
- Walking
- Security checks
- Crowds around the stadium
The stadium’s location within the Phoenix metropolitan area makes it relatively convenient for visitors staying in Phoenix, but game-day traffic can still add delays.
How Far Is State Farm Stadium From Phoenix Airport?
State Farm Stadium sits about 23 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to Visit Phoenix’s stadium listing.
Typical travel time can vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, and the time of day.
The game day can create heavier traffic because thousands of fans travel to Glendale around the same time.
If you fly into Phoenix for the game, check traffic conditions before leaving the airport. Also, allow additional time if you need to collect luggage, rent a car, or arrange a rideshare.
How Do You Get to the Fiesta Bowl?
You can reach State Farm Stadium by car, rideshare, or other local transportation options.
Driving
Loop 101 provides one of the main routes into the stadium area. Drivers can follow event-day signs and the stadium’s official parking directions.
The stadium provides dedicated parking information through its visitor resources.
Rideshare
Rideshare services can also help visitors reach the stadium. However, event-day pickup and drop-off areas may differ from normal arrangements.
Check the stadium’s current game-day instructions before you leave your hotel or airport.
From Phoenix
If you stay in central Phoenix, plan your route ahead of time. Game-day traffic can increase travel times, particularly as kickoff approaches.
For the best experience, leave earlier than you normally would and give yourself time to park and walk to your entrance.
What Is Near the Fiesta Bowl Stadium?
State Farm Stadium sits close to the Westgate Entertainment District, one of the area’s main entertainment destinations.
Visitors can find restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, hotels, and pedestrian areas near the stadium.
This location makes it convenient for visitors who want to eat or spend time in the area before or after the game.
The wider Glendale sports district also includes other major venues and attractions.
Because of this, you do not need to travel into downtown Phoenix simply to find restaurants or entertainment after it .
When Is the Next Fiesta Bowl?
The next scheduled will take place on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The College Football Playoff lists the game as a CFP quarterfinal. The official CFP schedule gives the game a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff and lists TNT, truTV, and HBO Max as the television outlets.
The local Arizona kickoff time will be 5:30 p.m. MST. The Fiesta Sports Foundation also lists December 30, 2026, at State Farm Stadium with a 5:30 p.m. MST kickoff.
The 2026 Fiesta Bowl will therefore serve as an important part of the expanded College Football Playoff.
Is the 2026 Fiesta Bowl a CFP Quarterfinal?
Yes.
The 2026 will serve as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
The CFP schedule identifies the event as a quarterfinal at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
The winner will advance to a CFP semifinal.
This format differs from years when the Fiesta Bowl served as a semifinal. The Fiesta Bowl’s role can change depending on the College Football Playoff schedule.
Has the Fiesta Bowl Always Been Played in Glendale?
No.
It originally took place at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The game moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale in 2007.
This history explains why some older websites and articles mention Tempe when they discuss the Fiesta Bowl location.
Today, State Farm Stadium hosts the Fiesta Bowl.
The move gave the bowl a modern venue in Glendale’s growing sports and entertainment district.
Why Is the Fiesta Bowl Played in Arizona?
The Fiesta Bowl has maintained a strong connection to Arizona since its first game in 1971.
The Phoenix metropolitan area offers a large population base, major transportation connections, a modern stadium, and a warm winter climate.
Those factors make the region well suited to a major postseason college football game in late December.
The Fiesta Bowl also contributes to Arizona’s sports and tourism profile. The Fiesta Sports Foundation runs the bowl and other events throughout the year.
Is the Fiesta Bowl Always a College Football Playoff Game?
No.
The Fiesta Bowl remains a major postseason college football bowl, but its role within the College Football Playoff can change from one season to another.
For example, the January 8, 2026 Fiesta Bowl served as a CFP semifinal. Miami defeated Ole Miss 31–27 at State Farm Stadium.
The upcoming December 30, 2026 Fiesta Bowl will serve as a CFP quarterfinal.
Therefore, the location remains consistent while the playoff role can change.
What Stadium Hosts the Fiesta Bowl?
State Farm Stadium hosts the Fiesta Bowl.
The stadium opened in Glendale in 2006 and has hosted the Fiesta Bowl since 2007.
The venue also serves as the home of the Arizona Cardinals and hosts other major events.
Its retractable-roof design and large event capacity make it well suited to major college football games.
What Should You Know Before Attending the Fiesta Bowl?
If you plan to attend the Fiesta Bowl, prepare for a busy game day.
First, check the official stadium information before traveling. The stadium provides current information about parking, directions, safety rules, accessibility, and other visitor needs.
Next, arrive early. Large crowds can slow down traffic and parking.
You should also check your ticket information and stadium entry requirements before leaving your hotel.
Finally, consider staying in Glendale if you want to remain close to the venue. Phoenix offers more accommodation choices, but Glendale can reduce your travel time on game day.
Why Do Some Sources Say Phoenix Instead of Glendale?
You may see both Phoenix and Glendale when you search for the Fiesta Bowl.
The reason is simple: Glendale belongs to the Phoenix metropolitan area.
However, the official stadium address places State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
So the most accurate description is:
The Fiesta Bowl takes place in Glendale, Arizona, within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
That wording gives you both the exact city and the larger region.
Fiesta Bowl Location: Glendale vs. Phoenix
| Location | Role |
|---|---|
| Glendale | Official host city |
| State Farm Stadium | Fiesta Bowl venue |
| Phoenix | Nearby major city |
| Phoenix metropolitan area | Larger metro region |
| Arizona | State |
| United States | Country |
This distinction makes the location easier to understand. If you search only for Phoenix, you may still find the stadium because Glendale forms part of the same metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Fiesta Bowl played?
The Fiesta Bowl takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium sits in the Phoenix metropolitan area near Loop 101 and the Westgate Entertainment District.
Is the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix?
No. The Fiesta Bowl takes place in Glendale, a separate city within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
What stadium hosts the Fiesta Bowl?
State Farm Stadium hosts the Fiesta Bowl. The stadium address is 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, Arizona 85305.
When is the 2026 Fiesta Bowl?
The 2026 Fiesta Bowl will take place on Wednesday, December 30, 2026. The CFP lists a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
What time does the 2026 Fiesta Bowl start?
The College Football Playoff lists the kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET, which equals 5:30 p.m. MST in Arizona.
Is the 2026 Fiesta Bowl a CFP game?
Yes. The 2026 Fiesta Bowl will serve as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
Where was the Fiesta Bowl played before State Farm Stadium?
The Fiesta Bowl previously took place at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The game moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale in 2007.
How far is State Farm Stadium from Phoenix?
State Farm Stadium sits northwest of downtown Phoenix in Glendale. The exact driving distance depends on your starting point and route.
How far is State Farm Stadium from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
Visit Phoenix lists the stadium about 23 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Travel time can vary with traffic.
What is near State Farm Stadium?
The Westgate Entertainment District sits next to the stadium. Visitors can find restaurants, shops, entertainment, and hotels in the surrounding area.
Is Glendale part of Phoenix?
Glendale is a separate city, but it belongs to the Phoenix metropolitan area. That explains why many sources describe the Fiesta Bowl as a Phoenix-area event.
Where can I find the official Fiesta Bowl location?
The College Football Playoff lists State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona as the 2026 Fiesta Bowl venue.
Conclusion
The Fiesta Bowl takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Glendale, rather than Phoenix, serves as the official host city. State Farm Stadium stands near Loop 101 and the Westgate Entertainment District, giving visitors easy access to restaurants, hotels, entertainment, parking, and major roads.
The Fiesta Bowl moved from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe to State Farm Stadium in Glendale in 2007, and the Glendale venue continues to host the game today.
The next Fiesta Bowl will take place on December 30, 2026, as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The CFP lists a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at State Farm Stadium.
So, if you are searching for where the Fiesta Bowl is played, the answer is clear:
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Silas Vance is a geography enthusiast, travel researcher, and location-focused content writer dedicated to helping readers better understand the world around them on triporra.com. He specializes in creating informative guides about cities, countries, islands, landmarks, universities, and other notable destinations. His work combines geographic accuracy, historical context, and practical insights to answer location-based questions in a simple and engaging way.
