Be Red See Red: Cardinals fans show up in droves to send team off to Carolina

Four thousand members of the Birdgang descended upon Sky Harbor airport to send the Cardinals off to Charlotte. The sea of red heard from players, head coach Bruce Arians and several dignitaries like Sen. John McCain, Gov. Doug Ducey and Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton.

“Our world’s friendliest airport just became the world’s reddest airport,” Stanton said.

“Let them go to Carolina and bring home an NFC championship, and then on to Super Bowl 50,” Ducey said.

Rise Up Red Sea!! #BeRedSeeRed pic.twitter.com/iicde8GebM

— Mike Sackley (@MikeSackley) January 23, 2016

Fans cheered on the players as they made their way from the buses to board the charter plane. Also on hand was team mascot Big Red and the Cardinals cheerleaders.

“I know the guys appreciate everything you’re doing today, but man, you did such a fantastic job of getting us here,” said Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians. “Thank you…the fans.”

“We truly appreciate the support you guys have shown us throughout the course of the year,” said Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. “That’s why we’re going out to Carolina to take care of business.”

Fans are excited and ready for a win Sunday in Carolina, even with the colder weather.

“I don’t know about this weather, but I think our guys can do it,” said Cardinals fan Veronica Vega.

“I think the field is going to have a factor in [the game],” said Cardinals fan Hansel Ortiz. “I don’t think Cam [Newton] is going to be as effective as people think he is going to be.”

The Cardinals charter plane took off on time and was not delayed by the winter weather in the Charlotte area. Kickoff between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers is set for 4:40 p.m. Arizona time Sunday.

Patrick Peterson addressing the crowd #BeRedSeeRed pic.twitter.com/wAKh4Uhc1E

— Mike Sackley (@MikeSackley) January 23, 2016