Tailgate season opens with a splash at U of Phoenix Stadium

PHOENIX — The NFL party season in Arizona got off to a soggy start, when a morning storm thoroughly soaked the Phoenix area.

Streets were closed and classes were canceled because of rain and flooding all over the Valley. In Glendale, with kickoff to the Arizona Cardinals’ season just hours away, the grassy tailgate area at University of Phoenix Stadium was flooded, moving the party to parking lots.

Only the eastern edge of the Great Lawn will be used Monday as the rest dries out. The Lot F parking area was closed. Fans who have tags to park there will be allowed to park in the Yellow lot at Glendale and 91st Avenue.

City officials said there would be no delay to kickoff between the Cardinals and San Diego Chargers, set for 7:20 p.m.

Interstate 10 West was closed near 43rd Avenue. Highway officials said they hoped to have the road cleared by 2 p.m. The interstate meets up with northbound Loop 101, the main road to the stadium for most of the Valley, but roads leading right to and around the stadium were open, though flooding restricted 99th Avenue near Bethany Home Road.

And the football field was fine.

The @UOPStadium playing surface was moved inside on SAT and the roof has remained closed. Field is dry.

#SDvsAZ pic.twitter.com/NdEwTfgF2X

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 8, 2014

The team said it would keep fans updated to road closures near the stadium.

At least one popular Cardinals player took to social media to urge fans to make the trip:

By car, boat or air please show up in full force tonight for #SDvsAZ!! The @AZCardinals #BirdGang needs the Red Sea to Ride up!!!

— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) September 8, 2014