Cardinals Owners Gives Suite Away for Romantic Reason
Last Summer Cardinals Owner Michael Bidwell announced a plan to launch a $6000 fan experience for specific games of the 2025 Season. This summer his announcement for a 2026 game is a little different.
Bride to be Olivia Coppelleti plans to get married on October 4th in New Jersey. Normally something that wouldn’t be relevant in the world of sports, but bare with me. The Presidential Suite she intended to book for her and her bridesmaids was reserved by none other than the staff of the Arizona Cardinals for their matchup against the New York Giants (Of New Jersey).
Olivia, in true competitor spirit, didn’t go down without a fight. She sent an email to an unnamed staff member of the Cardinals, with what she named in the subject line as “An unreasonable request.”
“Dear Coach LaFleur,
I realize there is approximately a 99.9% chance this email never reaches you, and an even smaller chance that if it does, you have any ability (or desire) to help me.”
The email began.
“For months, I had my heart set on renting the Presidential Suite at [Redacted Hotel] so my bridesmaids, hair and makeup team, photographers, family and I could spend the morning getting ready there. The (Hotel) informed me they could not confirm availability until the NFL schedule was released because they are contractually obligated to reserve the rooms for visiting NFL teams playing at MetLife stadium.
The schedule came out, and my wedding date just so happens to be the day the Arizona Cardinals play the Giants.
In other words, Coach, you have unknowingly become the final obstacle standing between me and my dream wedding suite.”
“If you are not planning to use that suite on Sunday, October 4, would you consider letting a desperate bride have a chance to book it?
To be clear, I fully understand that football is more important than my wedding morning. The Cardinals have a game to win. I have hair and makeup to get done. Different priorities.”
My favorite part of the email was this.
“If the answer is no, I completely understand and will be rooting for the Cardinals to beat the Giants (my fiance said something about “let’s go Trey McBride,” I don’t know who he is, but I’m rooting for him).”
Funny enough, Trey McBride has been in the news recently for admitting that Seattle is his least favorite place to play (We’re too damn good!)
As for the email, Olivia got one thing wrong. Head Coach Mike LaFleur was not the one the Presidential Suite was reserved for. It was actually Team Owner Michael Bidwell.
“Hi Olivia, I’m Michael Bidwell from the Arizona Cardinals.” Bidwell started in a video message.
“Your email, which I absolutely loved, made it’s way to me. I looked into it. The situation is a little complicated. The suite you requested wasn’t reserved for the coach of the Cardinals, but rather the owner of the Cardinals. The good news is that’s me and I’m happy to give it up to you and your bridesmaids for your wedding weekend.”
My take - Olivia Coppelleti for the win, and a good reminder to all of us to never be afraid to ask for the things we want.
If you’re sitting at a bar and there’s a game you want them to put on - ask.
If you want to grab a drink with the cute girl at your gym - ask.
If you want your girlfriend to join you with the cute girl from your gym - ask.
Approach that last one carefully.
Also, big win from Michael Bidwell. At the end of the day, Barney Stinson taught us all an important lesson. If it’s “for the bride,” you do it! Always!
Written by Seattle Mike