Michael Bidwell. Photo Credit: Arizona Republic
Yesterday you may remember that when we spoke about the Jonathan Gannon firing, we took a critical position regarding ownership being the one tying bind in the team’s failures. But there are good reasons to dole out blame and unfair ones.
Michael Bidwill is facing criticism over ticket prices and stadium changes at State Farm Stadium, but the backlash deserves more context than it’s receiving. Yes, loyal season ticket holders were displaced by luxury additions like the Casa Roja club and field-level Casitas. Yes, ticket prices have increased. But painting Bidwill as tone-deaf ignores the broader picture of NFL economics and his genuine investments in the fan experience.
Cardinals tickets remain below the NFL average for game pricing, even after recent increases. While fans rightfully point to the team’s poor on-field performance (a 3-14 season doesn’t justify price hikes) Bidwill is operating in an inflationary environment where every NFL franchise faces rising costs. The secondary market told the real story this season: tickets sold for as little as $12 before the home finale, proving that market forces, not just ownership greed, dictate actual pricing.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Critics conveniently forget that Bidwill has invested over $300 million in stadium improvements in recent years. The Cardinals have made substantial investments in the terrace level and other areas accessible to all fans, not just premium seating. Local food vendors were added throughout the stadium at all price points. These aren’t the actions of an owner solely focused on squeezing every dollar from high rollers.
The visiting fan problem? Bidwill acknowledged it drives him crazy and outlined concrete strategies to address it, something previous ownership might have ignored entirely. The displaced season ticket holders? Many were relocated to better sideline seats and expressed satisfaction with the move.
State Farm Stadium
Should Bidwill have raised prices during a historically bad season? Ideally, no. But judging him solely on 2025 ignores that his most controversial decision this week, firing Jonathan Gannon despite owing him two more years on his contract, demonstrated a willingness to spend to win. That’s three coaches on the payroll simultaneously, unprecedented in Arizona Cardinals history.
Bidwill isn’t perfect, but he’s operating a business in America’s most expensive sports league while genuinely trying to balance affordability, fan experience, and competitive necessity. Sometimes that’s an impossible balance to strike.