Cardinals break ground on new performance center and training headquarters

The Arizona Cardinals held a groundbreaking for a $200 million, more-than-250,000-square-foot performance center planned to open in summer 2028; it will replace the Tempe training center and anchor a mixed-use development.

On a sunny Thursday in Phoenix, Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill led a groundbreaking for the team’s new headquarters and performance center. The project is a $200 million investment that will sit on about 30 acres and total more than 250,000 square feet, with an opening scheduled for summer 2028. The new center will replace the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, which the team used for 36 years. The announcement came as the franchise begins a coaching transition under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Key details: - The groundbreaking ceremony was led by owner Michael Bidwill and included several players and local officials. - The project is a $200 million, more-than-250,000-square-foot performance center on roughly 30 acres, with a planned opening in summer 2028. - The new facility will replace the Tempe training center used for 36 years and will anchor a mixed-use development with restaurants and retail. - The site sits on a 217-acre property bought at auction for $136 million; the football headquarters will include three natural-grass outdoor fields and a fieldhouse with a full-size turf field. - The Tempe complex was originally built decades ago and received about $15 million in upgrades in 2013; an NFL Players Association report previously noted shortcomings in some team areas. - The facility announcement coincides with recent staff changes, including the hiring of head coach Mike LaFleur and additions to his coaching staff; the article noted there is no timetable on quarterback Kyler Murray’s status. Summary: The groundbreaking marks a major facilities investment by the Cardinals and is presented by team leadership as a multi-generational project. Team officials and players said the new center will be larger and more modern than the Tempe complex but will not guarantee on-field results. Construction is now underway with an opening planned for summer 2028.