You’re standing in the concourse. The roar of the Arizona Cardinals crowd is vibrating through the floor, and you’ve got that specific kind of hunger that only a stadium-sized adrenaline rush can produce. You see the neon signs for hot dogs and the massive lines for generic nachos. But then, you smell it. Charred meat. Fresh lime. Real corn tortillas.
That’s Lola's Tacos at State Farm Stadium.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle this place exists in a venue where "authentic" usually just means they added extra jalapeños to a plastic cheese cup. Lola’s isn't just a concession stand. It’s a success story owned by Lola Olivares, a woman who basically crashed the boy's club of stadium catering and won. She started with a taco truck outside the gates and now she’s slinging Tijuana-style street tacos in the heart of the action.
Why Lola's Tacos at State Farm Stadium actually matters
Most people think stadium food has to be a compromise. You pay $18 for something that was frozen in 2024 and call it a day. Lola Olivares changed that narrative. When she was invited to move from the parking lot into the actual building, she didn’t water down the menu. She famously told stadium officials that she was bringing in real tacos—which meant no lettuce, no shredded yellow cheese, and no tomatoes.
It’s authentic. It's Tijuana. It's the real deal.
People often confuse her spots with other "Mexican-style" stands in the stadium. Don't do that. While there are plenty of places to grab a burrito, Lola’s is the first Latina-owned business of its kind to hit this scale at State Farm Stadium. She now operates multiple locations within the concourse because, frankly, the fans demanded it.
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Where to find the good stuff
Finding anything in a 63,000-seat stadium is a nightmare. If you're hunting for Lola’s, you generally want to stick to the main concourses. Look for the signage near the Red Dog or the Pizzeria sections. Pro tip: if you’re on the Club Level, you might have shorter lines, but the main level (100-level) is where the real energy is.
The menu: what to order (and what to skip)
The menu is tight. That’s a good thing. In a kitchen that has to feed thousands of people in a three-hour window, you want a chef who does three things perfectly rather than twenty things poorly.
- Carne Asada Tacos: This is the flagship. The meat is seasoned with a recipe from Lola's hometown. It’s served with cilantro, onions, and a specific salsa that has just enough kick to make you buy another beer without ruining your palate.
- The Birria Influence: While birria is everywhere lately, Lola’s team keeps it traditional. Sometimes you'll see a birria-style burger or special disco fries in other parts of the stadium (like at the Rivalry Grill), but for the purist experience, you want the street tacos at Lola’s.
- The "No-Nonsense" Garnish: Remember what I said about the lettuce? Don't ask for it. You get lime, you get salsa, you get onion. That's it.
The prices? Kinda high. But look, it’s an NFL stadium in 2026. You’re going to pay a premium for anything that doesn't come out of a microwave. Expect to shell out around $15 to $18 for a decent serving. Is it more than the taco truck on the corner in Glendale? Yeah. Is it better than a $14 "Big AZ Dog"? Absolutely.
Common misconceptions about the stadium food scene
A lot of visitors think all the food at State Farm Stadium is run by one giant corporation. Technically, a group called Craft Culinary Concepts manages the logistics, but they’ve been smart enough to let local icons like Lola keep their soul.
Another big mistake? Waiting until halftime.
If you wait until the second quarter clock hits zero, you’re going to spend twenty minutes in line and probably miss the kickoff of the third. I’ve seen people give up on Lola’s just because they didn't want to miss a field goal. Go during a timeout in the first quarter or right when the gates open. The tortillas are freshest then anyway.
Tips for your next visit
If you're heading to a Cardinals game or a massive concert, keep these realities in mind:
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- Mobile Payments are King: Like most modern venues, cash is basically dead here. Make sure your Apple Pay or Google Pay is ready to go, or have your debit card handy.
- The Seating Situation: Lola’s spots are generally counter-service. You aren't getting a sit-down meal. You’re grabbing your tray and heading back to your seat or finding a standing table in the concourse.
- Check the Rotation: Sometimes the stadium swaps vendors for different events (like the Super Bowl or huge Taylor Swift-level concerts). Usually, Lola is a staple, but it never hurts to check the "Gameday" section of the Cardinals app before you arrive.
The legacy of this place is more than just food. It’s about representation in a space that used to be dominated by generic hot dogs and overpriced popcorn. Every time you buy a taco there, you're supporting a local success story that started with a woman, a truck, and a dream to bring real Mexican flavors to the big stage.
Next time you find yourself at the stadium, skip the processed nacho cheese. Hunt down the smell of grilled steak and fresh corn. It's the best decision you'll make all game.
To make the most of your trip, download the official State Farm Stadium map before you get to the gate so you can navigate the 100-level concourse without getting turned around by the crowd.