What Comes Next: University of Phoenix Stadium in the Offseason
By Scott Allen
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Overall view of University of Phoenix Stadium during the game between the Arizona Cardinals against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports\
Even though there are only eight days out of the year when the University of Phoenix Stadium plays host to a regular-season Cardinals game, the venue does not go unused the other 357 days. The stadium, which set a record when more than 78,000 fans attended the BCS championship game, features offseason workouts by Cardinals players along with concerts, events and other sports games. What can we expect between now and kickoff of the Cards 2014 season?
Progressive Motorcycle Show
Low riders, speed freaks and biker clubs of all sizes will descend on the University of Phoenix stadium during the last weekend of January for the Progressive Motorcycle Show. Major motorcycle brands are bringing their A-game, presenting new models and makes for the audience. “Mr. Daytona”—also known as the Chief or simply Scott Russell—will attend and show off his new models from Custom Craftsmanship.
If you want a sneak peak at the merchandise, scroll through listings of BikeBandit.com motorcycle helmets and accessories before they make it onto the show floor. We’d make a joke about helmets, Ben Roesthlisberger and Super Bowl XLIII, but that day still hurts us nearly as much as Kurt Warner gets hurt picking up a newspaper each morning.
Liquid Sol Music Fest
In the event that you can’t make it over the California border to see Coachella, go to the next best thing in your own backyard. The Liquid Sol Music Fest takes place on March 15 and features acts like Blind Melon, Everclear and the Gin Blossoms. You’re sure to see plenty of bands that you may have forgotten about over the years, like Vertical Horizon and Fuel, both of whom had their one-hit wonder back during the Clinton administration… sort of like Vince Tobin.
Arizona Sports Fan Expo
Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals fans cheer during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Arizona won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Just because the Cardinals have a long offseason (despite, you know, a better record than two of the NFC’s division champions) doesn’t mean there aren’t other options out there for Arizona sports fans. The Coyotes made it within a few games of the Stanley Cup series in 2012, while the Suns have a grasp on the last playoff seed in the Western Conference. Revel in your AZ fandom during the Arizona Sports Fan Expo held June 28, meeting players from each of the 6 pro teams in Phoenix, as well as entering giveaways and getting autographs.
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