The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of expectations for the upcoming season. Despite losing a franchise-record 14 games last year, there are a lot of changes in-house.
First off, a new coach with offensive guru Mike LaFleur. Several new coaches followed LaFleur to the desert. Next, longtime QB Kyler Murray was released and answered the question of who would become the starting signalcaller in the 2026 season.
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Next, a slew of players became free agents. Very
few were brought back, like OT Kelvin Beachum. Other players, such as DT Dalvin Tomlinson and DE Bilal Nichols, were released due to poor production.
GM Monti Ossenfort targeted the team’s offensive line as its number one priority and signed four new players to man starting positions and also provide quality depth. Will Ossenfort bring in one or two new offensive linemen to compete with this group?
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Cardinals’ draft picks. They select high in every round, which should bring in several key prospects to the roster. Arizona owns three picks in the first 65 slots.
The 2026 NFL draft is slated for April 23-25, held in Pittsburgh.
The Cardinals are holding a draft party, presented by State Farm, on April 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn outside State Farm Stadium. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. while the draft begins at 5:00 p.m. Parking and admission are no charge.
The franchise has stated that current and former players will be in attendance along with the Cardinals cheerleaders and team mascot Big Red. Coverage will be available on two giant video boards. Several giveaways will also take place during the evening.
There will be live entertainment during breaks presented by SeatGeek.
The announced fan activities include:
Meet and Greet: Cardinals players, legends, cheerleaders, and team mascot, Big Red, will sign autographs and pose for pictures
Special Guests: Various special guests will make appearances throughout the day and interact with the fans
Kids Interactive Zone: Featuring immersive experiences and inflatables
Activities: A print-out photo booth and special photo locations will be stationed across the Great Lawn, with other various activities available for fans
2026 NFL Draft Gear: Cardinals draft gear merchandise will be available for purchase at the party
Food Trucks: Food and beverages will be available for sale along with a host of local food trucks, with all sales being cashless
Digital tickets will be required for entry into the draft party and, once reserved, will be accessible via the Cardinals mobile app. To download the Cardinals mobile app, visit www.azcardinals.com/app.
For tickets, visit www.azcardinals.com/draftparty.
Four tickets are the maximum for the draft party, and are limited.
Things to know:
Bag Policy: The NFL Clear Bag policy will be in effect, and all fans are asked to limit the items brought onto the Great Lawn to speed their entry through security. Mobile lockers will not be available, and attendees must return non-approved bags to their vehicles. For more information, please visit www.azcardinals.com/clearbag.
Prohibited Items: Prohibited items include: tents, video cameras, tailgating games, and outside food and beverages. Empty thermoses and water bottles, along with one sealed, non-frozen, 16.9-ounce bottled water, are allowed upon entry. Guests may also bring in their own lawn chairs, wagons, & strollers.
Security Procedures: All attendees will be subject to security screening before entry, along with inspection of all bags and carry-in items. Attendees will proceed through the security screening pedestals with their NFL-approved bags in hand.
Draft Party Partners: The Cardinals 2026 Draft Party is made possible through the support of numerous partners that include Desert Financial Credit Union, Lexus, Dignity Health, Swire Coca-Cola, BetMGM, and Anheuser-Busch.
Parking: Free parking at State Farm Stadium will be available in the West and West Preferred carparks off 95th Avenue between Cardinals Way and Maryland Avenue. Carparks will open to fans beginning at 3:30 PM.
