Arizona Football Fan Code of Conduct

On a recent trip to Arizona, I had the pleasure of attending an Arizona Cardinals football game. My cousin and her husband both have season tickets, and they asked me if I would like to join them. I am not that big into football, but there is nothing that beats tailgating before a game. Plus, the game was on Halloween, so the people watching would be prime.

When we arrived at the stadium, we headed to a parking lot dedicated to those tailgating. But before we got in, a line of volunteers were handing each car a Fan Code of Conduct. When they handed it to us they were adamant that we not only read it but that we make sure we followed the rules.

Prohibited Items

On one side of the card was a list of prohibited items. This list was not only in accordance with the Cardinals but also the National Football League. The list of prohibited items included the following:

• Bags measuring larger than 12”x 12” x 12”
• Any type of food, bottles, cans, alcoholic beverages, coolers, etc.
• Noise making devices, laser pointers/pens, umbrellas, flags, footballs
• Banners/signs measuring larger than eight inches
• Firearms or any other weapons
• Any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by stadium personnel

This list is pretty standard, but I laughed at the firearms one. As a matter of fact, a lot of restaurants and public places in Arizona have a sign on their front door that says no firearms. Apparently that is an issue out in the desert.

Budweiser Good Sport Designated Driver Program

This is a cool concept. I am not sure if any other professional football team does this, but they all should. Especially when so many people will be spending their day drinking, partying, and having a good time.

With this program, sponsored by the Arizona Cardinals, Anheuser-Busch, Hensely, Coca-Cola, Rojo Hospitality Group and the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, fans that are over the age of twenty-one can pledge to be a designated driver. The person must have a valid driver’s license, but if you are interested you can make this pledge in the Great Lawn outside the stadium or at the 100 and 400 level Guest Relations office inside the arena.

Besides feeling good about yourself, you will also be rewarded with a free soft drink (or non-alcoholic beer) as well as be entered to win prizes that will be handed out during the game. Your name will also be entered for a grand prize that will be given out on the field during the final regular season game.

As you can see they try to reward you for not drinking and driving plus make the streets safer after the games. I love the idea and think more places should offer a program like this.

Fan Code of Conduct

On the other side of this you can find the official Fan Code of Conduct. Of course, the Arizona Cardinals are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for players and fans during a game. But they want to make sure that you know the rules as they exist.

• Fans are expected to present a valid handtag to enter the game day parking areas, sit in their tickets seat location, and produce their game ticket when asked by Arizona Cardinals parking lot, stadium or security staff.
• Fans wearing clothing deemed obscene or indecent will not be allowed entry inside or will be subject to ejection from University of Phoenix Stadium.
• Foul or abusive language and obscene gestures will not be tolerated.
• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal in nature will not be tolerated, including verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans.
• Intoxication or other signs of impairment due to any type of illegal drug or excessive alcohol consumption will not be tolerated.
• Displays of affection or other behavior not appropriate in a public setting will not be tolerated.
• Excessive standing in seating areas which blocks the view of other ticket holders will not be tolerated.
• Interference with the progress of the game or failure to follow instruction of Arizona Cardinals, parking lot, stadium or security staff will not be tolerated.

As you can see, there are a lot of rules and things to remember while at a game. But there has to be a reason for all of these rules and regulations. In the end, all the faculty and staff of the Arizona Cardinals are trying to do is make sure you and everyone else have an enjoyable time at the game.

Have you been to an Arizona Cardinals game before? Did you follow all the rules as they were presented to you?