The Michigan Wolverines are set to compete in the Fiesta Bowl against TCU on Dec. 31.
As part of the College Football Playoff semifinal, U-M and the Horned Frogs will battle it out at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Az.
With Michigan having arguably its best shot at a national championship since 1997, the Wolverines may show up in large order for the New Year’s Eve contest.
If you’re planning to head to Arizona, here’s the key information to know about the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Fiesta Bowl CFP Semifinal
No. 2 Michigan will meet up with No. 3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. ET.
Michigan (13-0) is the Big Ten champion and taking on TCU (12-1) an at-large playoff team out of the Big 12 Conference.
Michigan is making its second consecutive playoff appearance. TCU is making its first playoff appearance.
These two teams have never met in their history.
Michigan sportsbooks list the Wolverines as a 7.5-point favorite against TCU.
Flights to Phoenix from Detroit
If you are going to the Fiesta Bowl, odds are you are flying.
Should you plan on making the drive, know its close to a 2,000-mile drive from Ann Arbor.
You’ll likely be flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It’s just 20 miles from State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Flights to Phoenix around New Year’s aren’t cheap and likely involve a layover.
Leaving from Detroit on Dec. 30 and returning on Jan. 1, you’re looking at close to $1,000.
American Airlines and Spirit Airlines each are around $950 round trip. Delta is approaching $1,100.
The cheapest options include layovers. A direct flight from Detroit to Phoenix is running over $1,650 right now.
You can also get a direct flight from Grand Rapids to Phoenix through Allegiant Air.
There are options out of Lansing for under $900, including one option for $705 on American Airlines. However, all options include multiple layovers and over 12 hours of total travel.
Getting to State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium is located at 1 Cardinals Dr. in Glendale, Az. 85305.
The stadium website offers the following directions when approaching the stadium.
- Arriving from the south: Take AZ Loop 101 Freeway North. Exit at Bethany Home Road/Cardinals Way and make a right off the exit. The stadium will be on your left.
- Arriving from the north: Take AZ Loop 101 South. Exit at Glendale Ave. and make a right onto Glendale Ave. Make the first left onto 99th Ave. and then a left onto Maryland Ave. Continue over the bridge. The stadium will be on your right.
- Arriving from the east: Take I-10 West towards Los Angeles, then merge onto AZ Loop 101 Freeway North. Exit at Bethany Home Road/Cardinals Way and make a right off the exit. The stadium will be on your left.
- Arriving from the west: Take I-10 East toward Phoenix, then merge onto AZ Loop 101 Freeway North. Exit at Bethany Home Road/Cardinals Way and make a right off the exit. The stadium will be on your left.
Parking/Tailgating at State Farm Stadium
If you have a parking pass for State Farm Stadium, know their parking is fully digital and you will display your pass on your phone when you arrive.
The stadium offers complimentary lots to park in. On the map they are the orange, green, blue, pink, purple garage, black and yellow lots. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Parking areas open four hours prior to kickoff.
Oversized vehicles use Lot F. It opens four hours and 30 minutes prior to kickoff. You must have a “Lot F oversized vehicle” mobile parking pass to access.
For ride share or drop off options, use the black lot. Same goes for pick up options following the game.
Tailgating at the Great Lawn or controlled parking areas is permitted for game day ticket holders.
Natural gas or propane grills are permitted, but charcoal, pellet grills or oil fryers are not.
Does Arizona have legal sports betting?
If you are a Michigan sports bettor, you can enjoy sports betting while in Arizona.
Just outside of State Farm Stadium you can find a BetMGM Sportsbook at the north end of the Great Lawn. The sportsbook, which is a first at a NFL stadium, opened to kick off the 2022-23 NFL season.
BetMGM Sportsbook is a 17,000 square foot venue that is a state-of-the-art sportsbook that also features a sports bar and grill dining experience. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available.
Inside BetMGM Sportsbook, you will find a 265 square-foot video wall and over 35 HD televisions. Five traditional sports betting windows are available, as well as 27 self-service betting kiosks.
What to know when visiting State Farm Stadium
Similar to Ford Field or Lucas Oil Stadium, State Farm Stadium is a completely cashless venue. Only card and mobile payments are accepted. That also applies to ticketing, as only mobile tickets are accepted at the gate.
Inside State Farm Stadium, you will have no shortage of food and beverage options. You can find a complete list of available options in the Cardinals’ A to Z Gameday Guide.
NFL venues have implemented a policy to limit the size and types of bags allowed into their stadiums. That is meant to provide a safer environment and expedite fan entry.
Fans are permitted to bring in clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that don’t exceed 12”x 6”x 12”.
No buckles, grommets, hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag. It must literally be all clear.
Also acceptable is a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, or a small clutch that doesn’t exceed 4.5”x 6.5” in size.
Parking map from State Farm Stadium website.
