Stadium Stats

A play-by-play look inside the new University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

A perfect marriage of liquid and steel, the new, state-of-the-art University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue not only will house thousands of roaring football fans and non-stop gridiron action for generations, but the multi-purpose facility also will play host to a variety of other events such as blockbuster, stadium concerts. Add to the mix the 2008 Super Bowl, future Fiesta Bowls and BCS National Championship games, and you have a formula that’s sure to inspire the tail-gatin’ barbecue masters in us all. Whet your appetite with these fun facts about what you’ll find inside this massive symbol of Americana.

• A Design Debut: The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. is the first sports venue in North America to feature both a retractable roof and retractable playing field, allowing the natural grass to soak up the sun during the day while fans bask under the stars at night.
  
  
• Desert Inspiration: The stadium was designed by world-renowned architect Peter Eisenman, whose portfolio includes award-winning designs for everything from museums and firehouses to memorials and office buildings. Eisenman was inspired by the barrel cactus for his University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. design, which fits pieces of the building together like cactus wedges, making efficient use of natural light.
  
  
• Getting Leveled: The stadium boasts six levels—the field, main concourse, club level, suite level (complete with 88 suites), upper concourse level and mechanical level. There are approximately 63,000 permanent seats, expandable to 73,000. The seats’ color—naturally—is Cardinals red.
  
  
• Field Facts: Situated to get the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, the stadium’s field remains outside except during games. The natural grass tray measures 234 feet by 403 feet and is 39 inches deep. It rolls in and out of the stadium at a speed of 11.5 feet per minute or 1/8 mph. The total trip (741 feet) takes 65 minutes.
  
  
• What a View: Restrooms and concession stands can be found along the facility’s outer wall allowing for a clear view of the field anywhere from the concourse. This means those who like to celebrate touchdowns with a run to the concession stands won’t miss out on any action. Ladies also will be happy to know that there are more than 600 lavatories in the stadium. So there’s bound to be a short line somewhere.
  
  
• Let There be Roof: Made of a translucent material (Birdair fabric) that allows natural light to illuminate the stadium when closed, the building’s roof also stretches a bit, much like a giant trampoline.