BetMGM has made history by opening a sportsbook at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
For the first time in the NFL’s over 100-year history, a retail sportsbook will be situated within one of the league’s stadiums.
The newly revealed BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals and the upcoming 2023 Super Bowl LVII, celebrated its grand opening on Thursday to coincide with the beginning of the 2022 NFL season and the legalization of sports betting in Arizona.
The 17,000-square-foot retail facility on the stadium’s western side, adjacent to the Great Lawn, offers sports fans a new year-round destination in the Valley.
During Thursday’s opening ceremony at the Glendale facility, BetMGM CEO Kelly Dahliablatt and a number of company, state, and team officials stressed the importance of the day’s main attraction: the impressive V-shaped building situated on the former W2 parking lot.
Greenblatt told yengols.com that this moment represents a major milestone for BetMGM, the industry, and our partnership with the league. The state governor, an NFL team owner, MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle, and I standing together symbolize our shared excitement for what we have achieved.
Four years ago, this scenario would have been beyond belief. It wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. Now, my focus is on what lies ahead. I am excited about the future of this venue and our partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, as well as the chance to elevate the fan experience to its highest potential.
Arizona NFL Betting enters a new era with bold changes
The BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona celebrated its one-year anniversary with an opening ceremony on Thursday, coinciding with the Arizona Department of Gaming’s report of a $290.5 million handle for the state in July.
During the opening ceremony on Thursday, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill shared his enthusiasm for the team’s collaboration with Greenblatt and Co, calling it a long-awaited moment they had been eagerly anticipating for the past 16 months.
Bidwill expressed that while difficult, certain components of the bill facilitated the construction of the building. The primary objective is to guarantee that the building benefits the community throughout the year and produces income for the state to fund vital programs. It is essential to recognize the significance of this revenue generation.
In his interview with yengols.com on Thursday morning, Greenblatt mentioned Bidwill’s comments about the State Farm Stadium facility and highlighted the operator’s aim to increase its footprint in the league and in the Arizona NFL betting market.
Greenblatt stated that they had previously attempted to establish a partnership with the NFL to leverage the benefits of being associated with a team that boosts BetMGM’s credibility as a newer brand. By teaming up with a reputable and well-known entity that fans are already familiar with, BetMGM’s credibility is strengthened even further.
We have expanded fan access and introduced advertising opportunities in stadium hospitality for our VIP players. Our main goal is to improve the overall sports betting and entertainment experience.
What lies ahead for BetMGM and Stadium Sportsbooks?
The Cape Town native noted that the BetMGM team is currently undecided on their plans for stadium sportsbook facilities, but hinted that additional progress may be imminent in the near future.
Greenblatt stated that BetMGM is seeking retail partners interested in developing sportsbooks that are year-round attractions, rather than being tucked away inside stadiums or arenas where customers rarely visit outside of game days.
Greenblatt stated that with the right location and strong market potential, BetMGM could achieve great things in the future. In addition to their retail site, BetMGM offers one of the top sportsbook apps in Arizona.
Greenblatt expressed uncertainty about the potential impact on other teams in the future. He stressed that his team is strategic in its capital investments, operating as a business rather than a charity. He questioned whether the remaining 31 NFL teams would also make similar decisions.
Exciting Method to Increase Fan Engagement
Gov. Doug Ducey highlighted the importance of the BetMGM Sportsbook facility for Cardinals fans, emphasizing its significance on game days and beyond.
Ducey enthusiastically anticipates the upcoming Cardinals season, noting that the new sportsbook will attract more fans and boost the team’s success. He is confident that the BetMGM Sportsbook will integrate well with the Red Sea and is eager to officially open it.
Additionally, don’t forget that you can place bets on the Arizona Super Bowl at the BetMGM Sportsbook when the event is held at State Farm Stadium in February.
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Author
Peterson Christopher has spent more than seven years reporting on sports and sports betting in Arizona, working for publications such as ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. He is now the lead writer at yengols.com.
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