Sports in Arizona in Arizona
Pro teams, spring training, motorsports, and college athletics
Sports in Arizona in Arizona: Arizona has evolved into one of America's most dynamic sports markets, home to professional franchises across every major league, a beloved spring training tradition that fills stadiums across the Valley each February and March, and a motorsports scene that hosts NASCAR's championship weekend. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a casual spectator drawn by the atmosphere, the state's sports calendar delivers twelve months of action set against a backdrop of sunshine, mountain views, and enthusiastic, knowledgeable crowds.
Arizona has evolved into one of America's most dynamic sports markets, home to professional franchises across every major league, a beloved spring training tradition that fills stadiums across the Valley each February and March, and a motorsports scene that hosts NASCAR's championship weekend. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a casual spectator drawn by the atmosphere, the state's sports calendar delivers twelve months of action set against a backdrop of sunshine, mountain views, and enthusiastic, knowledgeable crowds.
The Valley of the Sun is home to teams in all four major professional leagues plus a growing roster of additional franchises. The Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, one of the few MLB stadiums with a retractable roof - a necessity when summer temperatures soar past 110 degrees. The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury share the Footprint Center, also downtown, bringing NBA and WNBA action to a passionate fanbase. The Arizona Cardinals play at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, an architectural marvel with both a retractable roof and a roll-out natural grass field, and the facility also hosts the Fiesta Bowl and has been home to multiple Super Bowls. Phoenix Rising FC represents the Valley in the USL Championship, adding to the soccer culture fueled by the area's large and passionate Latino community.
Cactus League Spring Training is arguably the Valley's most unique sporting tradition. Every February and March, 15 Major League Baseball teams descend on ten stadiums scattered across the metro area, turning the region into an open-air baseball festival. The intimate venues seat between 7,000 and 12,000 fans, placing spectators close to the action in a relaxed, sun-drenched setting. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale Stadium, and Camelback Ranch are among the most popular venues, and the affordable ticket prices - often under $30 - make it accessible for families and casual fans. Combine a morning game with an afternoon round of golf, and you have the quintessential Arizona spring day.
College athletics thrive through the Arizona State University Sun Devils, who compete in the Big 12 Conference across a full slate of NCAA Division I sports. Mountain America Stadium hosts football, while Desert Financial Arena provides an electric atmosphere for basketball. Fans of both ASU and the University of Arizona in Tucson fuel the Territorial Cup rivalry, one of the longest-running in college football.
The WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is the most attended event in professional golf, drawing nearly 700,000 spectators each February and transforming the Stadium Course's 16th hole into a raucous colosseum unlike anything else in golf. NASCAR's Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale brings the season to a dramatic conclusion each November, and the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale each January draws car collectors from around the world. The Ironman Arizona triathlon in Tempe rounds out a sporting calendar that is as diverse as it is thrilling.
Sports in Arizona: Top Picks
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field
The Arizona Diamondbacks play Major League Baseball at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, one of the few stadiums in baseball with a retractable roof that keeps fans comfortable during the scorching summer months. The 2001 World Series champions offer an exciting game-day experience with a pool deck beyond the outfield fence, extensive food and beverage options, and a lively downtown atmosphere before and after games. The stadium's central location is accessible by light rail, and its proximity to restaurants and bars makes it easy to build an evening around a ball game. Ticket prices span from affordable upper-deck seats to premium suites.
Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center
The Phoenix Suns bring NBA basketball to the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, where a passionate fanbase fills the arena for games running from October through April and, in good years, deep into the playoffs. The Suns have a rich history that includes multiple conference championships and some of the most exciting players in league history. The arena's recent renovations have elevated the fan experience with upgraded concourses, premium seating options, and enhanced food and beverage offerings. The downtown location connects seamlessly with the city's dining and nightlife scene via the light rail system.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury are one of the WNBA's marquee franchises, with multiple championships and a legacy defined by some of the greatest players in women's basketball history, including Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Games at the Footprint Center deliver an intimate, high-energy atmosphere, and the Mercury's dedicated fanbase creates a game-day experience that is passionate and family-friendly. WNBA games run from May through September, filling the summer sports gap left by the NBA and NFL offseasons. Ticket prices are accessible, making Mercury games an affordable and exciting way to experience professional basketball.
Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium
The Arizona Cardinals play NFL football at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, one of the most technologically advanced venues in professional sports. The stadium features a retractable roof and a roll-out natural grass field - the first of its kind in North America. On game days, the energy is electric, with tailgating in the surrounding parking areas and the Westgate Entertainment District providing pre-game dining and drinks. The stadium has hosted multiple Super Bowls and the annual Fiesta Bowl, cementing its status as a premier event destination. The NFL season runs from September through January.
Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC competes in the USL Championship and has cultivated one of the most passionate supporter cultures in American soccer. The club plays at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in south Phoenix, where the intimate stadium and standing-room supporter section create an atmosphere that rivals many MLS venues. The diverse, enthusiastic fanbase reflects the Valley's growing soccer culture, and the accessible ticket prices make it a great option for families and fans who want to experience the energy of live soccer without the premium cost of major league events. The season runs from March through November.
ASU Sun Devils
Arizona State University fields competitive teams across a full slate of NCAA Division I sports in the Big 12 Conference. Mountain America Stadium hosts football in a 53,000-seat venue that comes alive under the lights for night games, while Desert Financial Arena provides an electric atmosphere for basketball and other indoor sports. The Tempe campus setting adds a youthful, vibrant energy to game days, and the proximity of Mill Avenue means post-game dining and nightlife options are steps away. The Territorial Cup rivalry with the University of Arizona is one of the most storied in college sports.
Cactus League Spring Training
Every February and March, 15 Major League Baseball teams train across ten stadiums in the Phoenix metropolitan area, creating a baseball festival unlike anything else in the sport. The intimate Cactus League venues seat between 7,000 and 12,000 fans, placing spectators remarkably close to the action in a relaxed, sunshine-filled setting. The atmosphere is casual - shorts and sunscreen are the uniform - and the affordable ticket prices make it easy to attend multiple games. Between games, fans explore the Valley's dining, golf, and cultural attractions. It is the perfect marriage of baseball and Arizona's legendary winter weather.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, and it is widely considered one of the finest spring training facilities in the country. The 11,000-seat stadium sits on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and features stunning views of the McDowell Mountains as a natural backdrop to the playing field. The facility includes a practice complex with multiple fields, a well-stocked team store, and excellent food and drink options. Its location near Talking Stick Resort and Old Town Scottsdale adds convenience for visitors combining spring training with other activities.
Scottsdale Stadium
Scottsdale Stadium is the beloved spring training home of the San Francisco Giants, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The 12,000-seat venue is one of the most walkable spring training destinations, surrounded by restaurants, galleries, and shops that make a full day of the experience. The lawn seating area beyond the outfield is a fan favorite, offering a relaxed vantage point to enjoy the game with a cold beverage. The stadium's central location and the Giants' loyal traveling fanbase create a festive, energetic atmosphere that captures everything great about spring training in Arizona.
WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale
The WM Phoenix Open is the largest attended event in professional golf, drawing nearly 700,000 spectators over the tournament week each February. The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale transforms into a raucous sporting spectacle, with the enclosed 16th hole becoming a colosseum where 20,000 fans cheer, boo, and celebrate every shot. The event blends world-class golf with a festival atmosphere featuring concerts, hospitality tents, and celebrity sightings. General admission tickets provide access to the course, while premium hospitality packages offer elevated food, drink, and viewing experiences. It is uniquely Arizona - loud, fun, and unforgettable.
Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway in Avondale hosts NASCAR Championship Weekend each November, making it the venue where season champions are crowned across the sport's top three series. The one-mile tri-oval track delivers intense, close-quarters racing that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Beyond the championship event, the raceway hosts additional NASCAR weekends and special events throughout the year. The facility has undergone significant upgrades including a new infield experience and enhanced grandstand amenities. For motorsports fans, attending Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway is a bucket-list experience with championship-deciding drama guaranteed.
Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction
Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction each January is the world's greatest collector car event, drawing automotive enthusiasts, celebrities, and serious collectors from around the globe. Over nine days at WestWorld of Scottsdale, hundreds of meticulously restored classic cars, rare exotics, and custom builds cross the auction block in a high-energy, televised spectacle. Beyond the auction itself, the event features vendor exhibits, ride-and-drive experiences, and automotive lifestyle displays. General admission grants access to the show floor and auction arena, while premium packages include reserved auction seating and VIP hospitality. It is a January highlight for car lovers and casual spectators alike.
Ironman Arizona
Ironman Arizona takes place each November in Tempe, drawing elite triathletes and age-group competitors from around the world to tackle a 2.4-mile swim in Tempe Town Lake, a 112-mile bike ride through the Salt River Valley, and a full 26.2-mile marathon through the streets of Tempe. The event transforms the city into a festival of endurance athletics, with spectators lining the streets to cheer competitors toward the finish line on Rio Salado Parkway. Watching the race is free and genuinely inspiring, and the Tempe setting provides numerous vantage points for friends, family, and fans of human determination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Arizona Lifestyle & Real Estate
Arizona's incredible lifestyle options are a major driver of the real estate market. Proximity to golf courses, hiking preserves, cultural districts, and entertainment venues significantly impacts home values across the Valley. According to Venture REI's market analysis, homes near top-rated attractions and outdoor recreation in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley consistently command premium pricing. Frank Vazquez, Designated Broker and Owner of Venture REI with over 2,400 homes sold across the Valley, helps buyers find homes that match their lifestyle priorities.