Full Breakdown
Arizona Cardinals Announce Move to New Training Facility in North Phoenix
10/1/2025, 2:56:33 AM
Transition from Tempe to North Phoenix
The Arizona Cardinals have officially announced plans to relocate their training facility and headquarters from Tempe to a new site in north Phoenix, marking a significant shift after over three decades in their current location. The new facility will be situated at Paradise Ridge, located north of the Loop 101 and west of Scottsdale Road. The Cardinals purchased the 217-acre property for $136 million during an Arizona State Land Department auction this summer, with the project expected to cost around $200 million and open in 2028.
Features of the New Facility
The new training facility will occupy 30 acres and encompass over 250,000 square feet, nearly doubling the size of the current Dignity Health Training Center in Tempe, which spans 14 acres and 156,000 square feet. Designed by the sports architecture firm Rossetti, the facility will include three natural-grass outdoor practice fields, a fieldhouse with a full-size indoor turf field, an expanded locker room, and state-of-the-art spaces for athletic training, sports medicine, and strength and conditioning. Additional amenities will feature updated dining areas, meeting rooms, and a player lounge.
Official Statements & Responses
Michael Bidwill, Owner and President of the Cardinals, expressed gratitude towards the City of Tempe for its support over the years while emphasizing the need for more space. He stated, “As we evaluated our options, it became clear that we needed more space than what was available at our current location or elsewhere in Tempe.” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego welcomed the project, calling it a “game-changing investment” that would energize the community.
Criticism & Opposition
While the move has been largely welcomed, some community members may have mixed feelings about the transition, particularly regarding the loss of potential NHL events in the area. The site was previously linked to efforts to establish a new arena for the Arizona Coyotes, who relocated to Utah in 2024 after their plans fell through. Tempe Mayor Corey Woods acknowledged the Cardinals' departure, thanking them for their partnership over the years and wishing them success in their new venture.
Broader Implications
The Cardinals' decision to invest in a new facility reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly prioritizing modern training environments to attract talent. The mixed-use development surrounding the new facility is expected to include corporate offices, restaurants, retail spaces, and medical facilities, potentially boosting local economic activity and job opportunities.
What's Next
As the Cardinals prepare for this significant transition, they plan to collaborate with local officials and the Arizona Commerce Authority to develop the remaining portions of the site. The design work is expected to be completed this fall, with groundbreaking anticipated in early 2026. The new facility aims not only to enhance the team's operational capabilities but also to serve as a community hub, positioning the Cardinals for future success both on and off the field.
