Challenge
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is home to the Arizona Cardinals and hosts some of the nation’s largest sporting and entertainment events. With over 25,000 vehicles exiting the venue after major events, the stadium’s parking and circulation system is consistently utilized beyond its capacity. With the intent to efficiently utilize the parking lots and to reduce the time required to fill and empty them during events, the Client needed to improve the existing traffic and parking management strategies at the Stadium.
Solution
HR Green led a comprehensive traffic operations study that combined on-site observations, traffic modeling, and analysis of ingress/egress flows. Using a detailed methodology, the team provided:
- Strategies for Optimized Parking Lot Operations: Proposed structured parking fill sequences, with staff directing vehicles in a redetermined sequence to minimize pedestrian and vehicle conflicts.
- Improved Ingress Operations: Recommended short-, medium-, and long-term measures to optimize ingress time by balancing the needs of event traffic, pedestrians, and non-event traffic. Suggestions include temporary traffic control plans, modifications to access points, and geometric improvements such as enhanced curb radii at intersections and additional turn lanes on adjacent streets.
- Enhanced Egress Strategies: Developed traffic control plans that converted existing lanes for temporary outbound flow, added curb radii for faster turning movements, and reconfigured key parking lot exits to eliminate choke points.
- Improved Signage and Technology Use: Designed new signage for ingress routes, rideshare pick-up, and exit routes. Recommended locations for the parking ticket scanning stations to significantly reduce vehicle processing times.
Benefit
The improvements designed by HR Green are projected to cut egress times by at least 30%, resulting in more efficient use of existing infrastructure, lower operational costs, and better coordination with law enforcement and parking management staff. For the public, the changes translate into a faster and safer event experience, with smoother traffic flow and fewer pedestrian conflicts.
Ultimately, HR Green’s solutions provided the Arizona Cardinals and the City of Glendale with a scalable, cost-effective traffic management plan that enhances safety, supports regional economic growth, and strengthens the overall fan and visitor experience.
