Talking Stick Resort Arena (Phoenix, Arizona)

The Talking Stick Resort Arena is a sports and entertainment arena in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, United States. It opened on June 6, 1992, at a construction cost of $89 million. It was known as America West Arena from 1992 to 2006 and as US Airways Center from 2006 to 2015.

It is home to the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The National Hockey League (NHL)’s Phoenix Coyotes played their first 7.5 seasons at the arena following their arrival in Phoenix in 1996. The Phoenix RoadRunners of the ECHL played at the arena from their inaugural 2005–06 season until they ceased operations at the conclusion of the 2008–09 season.

General information

Official website: http://www.talkingstickresortarena.com/

Arena capacity: 18,422 spectators

Address: 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 33°26′45″N 112°4′17″W

Year of construction: June 6, 1992

Construction cost: $159 million

Seating plan of Talking Stick Resort Arena

Courtside Club

Courtside sections will give fans the closest possible views and have the additional benefit of upscale amenities. These premium benefits include a private entrance, comfortable seats and all-inclusive food and beverage featuring an upscale buffet, beer, wine and soda. Fans can also take advantage of a courtside concierge for handling special requests.

To sit directly behind or beside the Suns bench, consider tickets in 101F or 123F. Or if you’re a fan of the visiting team, 103F and 105F will get you close to your favorite players.

Also known as the Pacific Automation Courtisde Club, these floor seats offer one of the most exciting and sought after viewing experiences for a Suns game.

Blue Moon Club

(Rows 1-6 are part of the Blue Moon Club)

While the FlexPrint Club seats are usually more sought after, the Blue Moon seats offer many of the same amenities at a lower price from just a few rows back. Located in the first six rows of sections 101-103 and 113-115, these seats are all within 10 rows of the court and offer outstanding views of Suns basketball.

Ticketholders will be treated to an an upscale buffet within the Blue Moon Club, along with complimentary beer, wine and soda.

CopperPoint Terrace

The CopperPoint Terrace seats – also known as Theater Boxes – are one of the more exciting ticket options at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Each box contains just four comfortable, over-sized chairs in a luxurious environment on the south side of the arena.

Fans who have tickets in this area will have access to a shared lounge area with private restrooms, additional seating, multiple television monitors and a centrally-located bar. In addition to the comforts of the mini-suite, ticketholders will be able to dine at a private table and be waited on by a personal host. During halftime – or after the game – head over to Club Annexus or the Vodka Lounge to socialize or grab a drink in another one of the stadium’s exclusive club areas.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Rows 1-6 in Sections 101, 102, 103 and 113:

• Amazing views within ten rows of the court;
• Exclusive club level amenities;
• Access to club lounge and also food inclusive in ticket price.

Recommended Seats for Great Views of the Court

Rows 1-10 in Sections 202, 203, 204 and 218:

• Great elevated views from near mid-court;
• Excellent view of the whole court;
• Easy to get to the concourse, makes trips there quick.

Where to buy tickets?

The Talking Stick Resort Arena Ticket Office is located in the Casino Arizona Pavilion on the Northwest side of the facility at 201 East Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (corner of 1st Street & Jefferson).

Ticket office hours

Regular hours of operation:

• Monday thru Friday 10 AM – 5 PM;
• Saturday & Sunday – Closed except on event days or special event on sale.

Ticket Office Purchasers

Tickets may be purchased directly from the Ticket Office. Talking Stick Resort Arena accepts the following methods of payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover. When purchasing tickets with a credit card, you must show a valid photo identification to complete the transaction.

Tickets to Suns games fall into the following ticket ranges: upper level end of court ($18), upper level midcourt ($30), lower level end of court ($67) and lower level midcourt ($86-$295 depending on how close to the court). Typically, the Suns do not sell out, so it is not necessary to buy more expensive tickets on the secondary market. Concessions are fairly priced and offer a wide menu. Parking in the Jefferson Street Garage is $12 and taking the light rail is even cheaper ($4 for an All-Day pass). The Talking Stick Resort Arena offers an excellent return on investment compared with other NBA arenas.

How to get there?

Talking Stick Resort Arena
201 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ, 85004

Located on the Southeast corner of 1st St & Jefferson in Downtown Phoenix.

Driving Directions

From North Phoenix/Scottsdale

Take State Route 51 (Piestewa Peak Parkway) south to Interstate-10 East interchange. Exit I-10 at (100 feet ) Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn right (west) on Washington Street to 3rd Street. Turn left (south) on 3rd Street to Talking Stick Resort Arena.

From East Phoenix

Take Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) west which will merge with Interstate-10 west. Take I-10 West to 7th Street exit. Turn left (south) on 7th Street to Washington Street. Turn right (west) on Washington Street to 3rd Street. Turn left (south) on 3rd Street to Talking Stick Resort Arena.

From West/Southwest Phoenix

Take Interstate 10 east to 7th Avenue exit. Turn right (south) on 7th Avenue to Jefferson Street. Turn left (east) on Jefferson Street to 1st Street. Talking Stick Resort Arena is on the corner of Jefferson Street and 1st Street.

From Northwest Phoenix/Glendale

Take Interstate 17 south to Jefferson Street. Turn left (east) on Jefferson Street to First Street. Talking Stick Resort Arena is on the corner of Jefferson Street and 1st Street.

From East Valley/Tempe

Take Interstate 10 west to Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn left (west) on Washington Street to 3rd Street. Turn left (south) on 3rd Street to Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Parking

There are several parking garages and lots within walking distance of Talking Stick Resort Arena. The venue’s attached five-story, 700-space parking structure provides the most convenient parking available to our suite holders, premium-seat owners, as well as limited space available to the general public. The parking structure is open daily 6 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, in addition to being open for all events held at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

In addition to the Talking Stick Resort Arena Garage, the Jefferson Street Garage is conveniently located next door, at 3rd Street & Jefferson. The garage is a six story, 1,450-space parking structure and is available for parking for all events at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Please call the Talking Stick Resort Arena Parking Office 3 for specific event parking prices and information.

Ride Rail

In partnership with Valley Metro light rail, Talking Stick Resort Arena and the Phoenix Suns have established the “Rail Ride Event” program, which allows guests who purchase a ticket to an event at Talking Stick Resort Arena to ride Valley Metro light rail at no additional cost, on the day of the event.

Through Rail Ride Event, Valley Metro will recognize Talking Stick Resort Arena event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.

In addition to Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury games, Talking Stick Resort Arena hosts nearly 200 events each year, including concerts and family shows, with the venue’s longstanding partners Live Nation and Feld Entertainment. Tickets for every event at Talking Stick Resort Arena, which attracts over two million visitors annually, will be valid for the Rail Ride Event program.

Two important things to know:

• You are required to keep your event ticket on your person when riding light rail and must show your event ticket to a fare inspector upon request. Failure to show a valid event ticket can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500 dollars.
• Talking Stick Resort Arena event tickets are good for light rail only; they are not valid as bus fare.

No traffic, no parking hassles, no reason not to have a great time! Visit www.valleymetro.org for schedules and maps.

Hotels

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

2 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Make CityScape Your Escape

Looking for a place to stay, while in town for a concert or show at Talking Stick Resort Arena? Look no further than the newly opened Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix, located just steps away at CityScape in the Legends Entertainment District.

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel

340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Restaurants

Arrogant Butcher

2 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Strand

2 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Majerle’s Sports Grill

24 North 2nd St
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Hard Rock Cafe

3 South 2nd St #117
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Parking

Talking Stick Resort Arena Garage

201 East Jefferson St
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

There are several parking garages and lots within walking distance of Talking Stick Resort Arena. The venue’s attached five-story, 700-space parking structure provides the most convenient parking available to our suite holders, premium-seat owners, as well as limited space available to the general public. The parking structure is open daily 6 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, in addition to being open for all events held at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Jefferson Street Garage

3rd Street and Jefferson
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

In addition to the Talking Stick Resort Arena Garage, the Jefferson Street Garage is conveniently located next door, at 3rd Street & Jefferson.

Where to eat?

Levy Restaurants

201 East Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: Levyrestaurants.com

The world famous Levy Restaurants is your award-winning dining provider, bringing its signature high quality restaurant expertise to Talking Stick Resort Arena. Whether it’s the Pacific Office Automation Club, Club Annexus, VIP Suites, or general Concessions, fans are sure to find something they’ll enjoy!

Both Club Annexus & Effen Vodka Lounge are great places to relax and enjoy a dining experience with great views of the main floor. The distinctive Chef’s Table features a bountiful display of culinary specialties, including antipasti, classic salads, hand-carved meats, seasonal entrees and more. Using the freshest ingredients for our signature recipes means a unique menu is created for every event. The menu shown is a sample of an actual menu from a Phoenix Suns game. No reservations are needed, but for the best seating choices, arrivals are recommended soon after the Doors open. The Effen Vodka Lounge elevates your experience to a whole new level with a modern look, featuring dance club lighting and seating. Two premium bars, hand-carved overstuffed sandwiches, and a gourmet dessert station deliver world-class food and beverage. Be sure to catch one of the nights when the Effen Vodka Lounge plays host to live music or one of today’s hottest DJs.

Specialties

Talking Stick Resort Arena offers more than just general concessions on every floor. Noshing has been perfected to an art, as fans enjoy not only traditional fare, but also unique TSRA specialties, including Ancho-chile grilled chicken quesadillas and the exquisite Pizza Margherita from POMO to Go’s wood burning pizza oven.

Private Event Catering

Private Event Catering is available for your next corporate or social gathering, as well. Play where the Phoenix Suns play and where your menu options are endless, from gourmet salads and signature entrees to our world-famous dessert cart.

We will ensure that the set-up, decor, entertainment and cuisine meet your exact specifications.

Carl’s Jr.

In 1941 in Los Angeles, Carl and Margaret Karcher borrowed $311 on their Plymouth automobile, added $15 in savings, and bought a hot dog cart.

On his first day in business, Carl took in $14.75. One cart grew to four and in less than five years, Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue opened with hamburgers on the menu.

Today, the Carl’s Jr. star is an icon for big, juicy charbroiled burgers like our signature Western Bacon Cheeseburger, made with two onion rings, tangy barbecue sauce and two strips of bacon. Other menu favorites include Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, Made from Scratch, Biscuits, and Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes and Malts.

The Carl’s Jr. reputation is built on serving quality food, providing superior guest service and actively participating in the communities it serves.

With over 70 years of history and over 1000 restaurants, the Carl’s Jr. star continues to shine!

Atmosphere

The Suns management does an excellent job in creating a great game day experience for fans. The seats in the arena come in the team colors of purple, orange and copper. Pregame introductions feature a great light show and graphics project themes related to the term “sun.” Fans are kept well informed by the 900 foot ribbon board that encircles the arena and the center-hung scoreboard that features several HDTV panels.

Neighborhood

Talking Stick Arena is in the Legends Entertainment District in downtown Phoenix. This is a 12 block area which contains the basketball arena, Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks), the CityScape and Collier shopping/entertainment complexes and the Comerica Theatre. In addition, there are a wide variety of museums and more than 200 restaurants within the district. If all your plans are within the district, the Sheraton Grand Phoenix and the Hyatt Regency Phoenix provide you with great accommodations to serve as a base to venturing out on foot. It is a very walkable neighborhood that is also served by Phoenix’s light rail system.

Fans

The Suns were the first professional sports franchise in Phoenix and the fan base has always seen them as their hometown team. While many of the teams in the Valley draw primarily from the large retirement population in the area, the Suns draw a very diverse crowd spanning all generations. The bond between the fans and the players is so great that many of the Suns players stay in the Phoenix area after retirement.

Fans tend to arrive early for games as the Legends Entertainment District offers a wide variety of pregame dining and entertainment options. The Casino Arizona Atrium at the front entrance provides a great place to meet up with friends prior to the game in air-conditioned comfort.

Once the game starts, the fans become a major force in disrupting the opposition, as their cheers disrupt the communications between the coach and team. The Suns also do a great job in coordinating the excitement with the Sun Dancers Cheer team and the video board at center court.

One member of the Suns team has been a fan favorite since 1980. He is simply known as The Gorilla. He serves as the team mascot and is continually entertaining fans with his antics. He is probably best known for doing his aerial gymnastics in performing dunks between periods. In 2005, The Gorilla was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. He alone is worth the price of admission to see.

History

Construction of this arena began in 1990, as Suns owner Jerry Colangelo envisioned a need for a new playing facility to replace Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. In 1992, the new arena was officially inaugurated with a 111–105 Suns win over the Los Angeles Clippers. After the Suns lost the NBA Finals that year, a parade that attracted more than 300,000 Suns fans made its way through downtown and finished at the new arena.

Naming rights

The arena was known from its opening until 2006 as America West Arena with the naming rights sold to Tempe-based America West Airlines.

The previous year had America West purchase rival carrier US Airways and assume its name with the naming rights agreement carried with it. The venue adopted the US Airways name after a rebranding and was the second arena the company owned the naming rights for after Washington, D.C.’s Capital Centre (known as US Airways Arena after the company, which had been known as USAir prior to that, rebranded).

The new naming rights sponsor was announced at a press conference outside Casino Arizona Pavilion. The venue was renamed as Talking Stick Resort Arena. The name was established after the Scottsdale-based Talking Stick Resort. The name change was completed before the Phoenix Suns season, with the name going into effect after the end of the Phoenix Mercury season.