With the Dallas skyline serving as the backdrop, Michael Bidwill stood on stage in front of more than 300 Cardinals fans gathered the night before "Monday Night Football."
"Rise up!" the owner shouted.
"Red Sea!" the fans screamed back, followed by an applause.
Everyone was at the venue for two reasons. The first was to cheer on the Cardinals ahead of their game against the Cowboys. The other was to take part in history.
Cardinals Premier Travel is a first-of-its-kind fan experience. Fans flew to Dallas on a Cardinals team plane and spent two days with Cardinals legends Adrian Wilson, Patrick Peterson, Markus Golden and Sam Acho.
"It's great satisfaction that we have an amazing team, and that this idea that I had about five years ago is coming together," Bidwill said. "The fans have embraced it and they're asking when is the next one? For me, it's still a business trip and we're here to win the football game, but I'm excited about developing this as another opportunity for our fans to get closer to the team."
The Cardinals would win the game, 27-17. The fans won all weekend long.
TWO DECADES AGO, Terry Evans wanted to plan the perfect first date for Lynn Zutlas.
Evans, a huge football fan, figured he would invite Zutlas to watch the Cardinals play during the inaugural season at State Farm Stadium.
It was the start of two different love stories. The first being between the couple. The other being their shared love for the Cardinals.
"We went in to watch the game and we've been together ever since," Zutlas said. "It makes you feel good. It warms your heart, and it's a common bond for both of us."
Prior to the plane leaving Phoenix, Evans and Zutlas were sitting in front of the gate, mingling with fellow fans that signed up for the trip. Some have been season-ticket holders for years. Most were eagerly awaiting the game between the Cardinals and the Cowboys.
"When we came here, we had people from Surprise and from Payson and just a whole bunch of different areas around the Valley," Evans said. "It's really been a positive experience. One of the ladies says, 'We haven't even done anything yet, and it's great.'"
Cardinals legends Adrian Wilson and Markus Golden were on the flight to Dallas, the first of multiple chances to interact with the alumni and discuss shared memories of games past.
"It's the character of the man and they have done such a good job, and the people are kind and effective and they do their jobs well," Evans said. "That's why they are Cardinals."
From their time in the Sky Harbor Airport terminal, Evans and Zutlas wore smiles. It wasn't just another chapter in their love story. It was the next page in their Cardinals love story.
"As soon as we got the information, we both looked at each other and said, 'We really don't go anywhere, so let's go do this,'" Zutlas said. "We are totally Cardinals fans, and we always have a great time."
DECKED OUT in his black Patrick Peterson jersey, Loren Payne was walking towards the bus when he tripped.
When he looked up, Payne couldn't believe it. Not because he fell, but because Peterson was standing right in front of him.
After they shared a hello, Peterson asked if Payne had a sharpie on him, offering to sign his jersey. Payne patted down his pockets but came up empty. The former Cardinals cornerback told Payne, "we'll take care of business" at the "Sunday Night Football" watch party at the Happiest Hour.
As soon as Payne arrived, Peterson called Payne over.
"He remembered," Payne said with a smile, moments after Peterson signed the jersey.
As much as Payne will remember that moment with Peterson, it won't be the highlight of the trip. That's because Payne's son, Mason, was along for the journey, one of the many father-son duos taking part.
"I think probably the biggest thing is that every dad with their daughter or son, you like to be involved with them and cultivate memories," Loren said. "This is a memory that he'll certainly remember forever. We've had opportunities to do things like that, but nothing like this."
For Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, he understands the value of football and family. The Cardinals have been in the DNA of the Bidwills dating back nearly to the franchise's inception.
"We have great men that have played for this team," Bidwill said. "Defense, they set the tone, especially against the Cowboys. I'm excited that (Peterson, Golden, and Wilson) are here and interacting with our fans. Our fans appreciate them."
The Paynes spent nearly 15 minutes talking with Peterson at the event about various topics, ranging from broadcasting to football to how Peterson's different than Larry Fitzgerald on the golf course.
Mason runs a discord page dedicated to the Cardinals. Members of this group lived vicariously through Mason as he was sending them content from the various events.
"Oh yeah," Mason said when asked if people were jealous. "I've been posting pictures the whole time and everyone is like, 'Oh my God.'
It was important for the Paynes to capture the memories, not just for their friends, but to document their first Cardinals road trip.
"Sports has always been a big thing for the two of us and it's always the way that we bonded and have been close," Mason said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience."
JOSH CANDIA can vividly recall Kurt Warner's speech following the NFC Championship victory over the Eagles in 2008.
"When nobody else believed in us and when nobody else believed in me, you guys did," the quarterback said to the fans in attendance. "We're going to the Super Bowl."
Candia was in the crowd as the red and white confetti was floating from the sky. That's where his passion for the Cardinals was born.
It was his time in the Army where that love for the Cardinals grew strong.
"You go with a bunch of people that are not from Arizona, and this was the first time I left Arizona," Candia said. "Everybody is saying, 'I'm a 'this' fan, I'm a 'that fan',' and I was like, 'I've got represent Arizona.' From then on, I was all about the Arizona Cardinals."
This wasn't Candia's first time watching the Cardinals on the road. He attends the game at San Francisco every year with one of his Army friends. But being at AT&T Stadium was unlike any other road trip. He was joined by his father, his younger brother Ramon, and brother-in-law, Chevy Jackson.
"Of course I'd bring my family too, no shame on my family, but it's different coming with the fellas," Jackson said. "I've been to several games, and this has been my favorite game, and the game hasn't even started yet. It's been my favorite experience so far."
Before the game, they joined hundreds of Cardinals fans at the pregame tailgate at Texas Live. Throughout the weekend, Ramon was taking photos, sharing them with his family at home and his friends on social media.
The excitement and curiosity from others made Ramon realize that this wasn't just a typical trip with the family.
"For me, it's just my family and the priority is making memories with them, but I didn't realize what goes into all of this stuff and how blessed I am," Ramon said. "It kind of hit me on the second day where I'm like, 'Oh wow, this is something that's big and that people will remember.' I'm glad to be a part of it."
EVERY GAME is a road game for Tracy and Dina Alcantar.
They live near Seal Beach, California, which is nearly six hours away from the Valley. But that doesn't stop them from attending every game at State Farm Stadium.
"It's called being a fan," Tracy said. "And I don't mind."
Tracy's fandom for the Cardinals began 30 years ago when the Rams first moved out of California. His father was from Phoenix, so he changed his allegiance to the Cardinals. Now, he won't miss a moment of the Cardinals.
If the Cardinals have an away game, he'll watch the game at home and meet up with his friends afterwards. When they are at State Farm Stadium, section 214 is where they sit. For Dina, it's fun watching her husband geek out and embrace his love for the team.
"Tracy used to sit on the hearth with a football, and bang it (during games) and yell 'PP21,'" Dina said. "So, when we met (Peterson), I'm like, 'You don't understand. My little daughter, she's 20 now, but when she was three, she heard him screaming your name.' That was cool."
Such moments were equally as meaningful to the Cardinals legends.
"It's awesome when you have the opportunity to come back and hear the stories and the impact that you were able to leave on the community and the fan base," Peterson said. "That's what you play the game for. To be remembered in that fashion, man, it's nothing like it."
Cardinals fans cheered as they exited the stadium. They watched their football team put on a dominant display on "Monday Night Football" against the Cowboys. As they were en route to the airport, there was excitement to return home on the team plane.
It capped off a weekend with wins, both on and off the field. The experience made fans that even live in a different state feel closer to the team.
"When we got off the plane and it says, 'Cardinals football,' it gives you chills," Tracy said. "As a Cardinals fan, this is us."
Take a look at the best photos from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel experience to the Week 9 Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a happy hour at Happiest Hour during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Welcome Reception during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
Fans from the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip during the Week 9 regular season game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a Club Member Brunch during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals host a pregame tailgate during the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip at PBR Texas on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 in Arlington, TX.
The Arizona Cardinals and Gridiron Air host the inaugural Cardinals Premier Travel trip to Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Dallas, TX.
