Cardinals close roof as hail hits during Bears game

On November 4, 2024, during a football game in Glendale, Arizona, the Arizona Cardinals made the decision to open the roof of State Farm Stadium for their match against the Chicago Bears. This choice seemed favorable initially, as conditions were manageable at the start of the game. However, the weather took a turn for the worse, starting with rain that quickly escalated to a heavy downpour. At this point, visibility and comfort for both players and spectators began to decline. As the situation evolved, the rain transitioned into hail, prompting the Cardinals to take action to protect both players and fans. The roof closure process took approximately 12 minutes, during which time the rain largely subsided. While some spectators chose to retreat from under the roof opening to escape the moisture, the delay did not significantly affect the game or the performance of the athletes on the field. The incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of weather in Arizona, especially during the transitional seasons. Typically, the Cardinals keep the stadium's roof closed earlier in the season due to the intense heat of the desert. However, as temperatures cool later in the year, they often opt to open the roof for a more open-air experience. Ultimately, the brief weather interruption served as a reminder of the challenges faced in outdoor sporting events, but it did not detract from the overall enjoyment and excitement of the match.