Through the Years
Glendale, Arizona is excited to welcome back the Super Bowl in 2023. This will be the third time Glendale has hosted this mega event. Take a look at the game’s history in Glendale.
2006: Stadium Opens
In 2003, Glendale broke ground on a new stadium and three years later the University of Phoenix Stadium opened on August 1, 2006 becoming the new home of the NFL Cardinals.
While it would first be known as the Cardinals Stadium, University of Phoenix acquired the naming rights in September 2006. This architectural icon is the first stadium on the continent to feature both a retractable roof and retractable playing field. Designed by Peter Eisenman, the stadium’s exterior skin of shimmering metal panels reflects the shifting desert light while 21 vertical glass walled slots incorporated into the building exterior offer fans inside the stadium outstanding views of the desert horizon.
2008: Super Bowl XLII
On February 3, 2008, University of Phoenix Stadium hosted its first Super Bowl. With 71,101 spectators in attendance, all eyes were on Glendale as the Giants faced off against the Patriots.
At the time, the telecast of the game broke the previous record for the most watched game with 97.5 million viewers tuning in. Local celebrity Jordan Sparks sang the National Anthem, and fans rocked out to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers during the halftime show. Giants fans celebrated the end of the 4th quarter with a winning score of 17-14.
2015: Super Bowl XLIX
Glendale welcomed its second Super Bowl on February 1, 2015. Seen by 114.4 million viewers, the game is the most watched program in American television history. The 70,288 Patriots and Seahawks fans in attendance witnessed Idina Menzel belt out the National Anthem while Katy Perry entertained during the halftime performance. 120.8 million viewers tuned in during the 4th quarter as the Patriots made their comeback, winning the game with a final score of 28-24.
2023: Super Bowl LVII
The 2023 Super Bowl kicks off from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on February 12, 2023. Be a part of history by visiting Glendale, Arizona for your chance to see new attractions and a brand-new footprint since the 2015 game. The Sports & Entertainment District will welcome VAI Resort, Tiger Wood’s PopStroke and numerous additional attractions that have transformed and changed the skyline in and around the stadium.
