GLENDALE – The problems at State Farm Stadium are no longer limited to the scoreboard, they are becoming visible in the stands for the Arizona Cardinals. During Denver’s 30-16 win over Arizona, longtime Broncos broadcaster Dave Logan described an extraordinary Denver fan presence, particularly in the lower bowl. For an announcer who has called Broncos games for three decades, the scene stood out. That should concern Arizona just as much as loss.
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) celebrates a pass breakup against Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Oct. 24, 2026. Credit: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Opposing fans taking over an NFL stadium isn’t unusual, especially in a transplant-heavy market such as Phoenix. But Arizona has now lost 10 consecutive home games, turning what should represent an advantage into one of the clearest symbols of the franchise’s decline. Sunday made that reality particularly difficult to ignore. This wasn’t an ordinary home game. Larry Fitzgerald, arguably the greatest player in franchise history, received his Hall of Fame ring, entered the Cardinals’ Ring of Honor, and had No. 11 officially retired.
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill walks out on to the field before their game against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 11, 2026. Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Yet one of the biggest celebrations in Cardinals history unfolded against a backdrop dominated by opposing colors. That creates a larger question for ownership: How does Arizona rebuild belief? Fans can tolerate losing during a credible rebuild. What becomes harder to sell is prolonged losing without convincing evidence that better days are coming. Empty red seats, or seats occupied by visiting fans, become a form of feedback. The Cardinals aren’t simply fighting to become competitive again, they’re fighting to make State Farm Stadium feel like home again.
An Arizona Cardinals fan wearing a Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) jersey leaves the stadium after a 45-21 loss to the Detroit Lions during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 11, 2026. Credit: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images