Footprint Center: Guide for Visiting Fans

The Valley Metro Light Rail has been running since late 2008, stretching 26 miles from northwest Phoenix all the way through Tempe and into downtown Mesa, with direct access to downtown Phoenix. The nearest light rail station to the arena is 3rd St/Jefferson, just a four-minute walk away. The light rail is genuinely your best option on a game night — Phoenix traffic around the arena is not forgiving, and the rail drops you almost at the front door. A single ride costs $2, and an all-day pass is $4.

The sweetest deal in Phoenix transit: anyone who boards the light rail while holding a ticket for an event at the arena that day rides for free, beginning six hours before the event start time. Don't sleep on that.

From the airport: Sky Harbor International Airport is four miles from the city center, and a typical cab or rideshare fare runs $15–20. You can also catch the PHX Sky Train from any terminal to the 44th St/Washington light rail station and connect downtown — budget about 30 minutes total door-to-door. The arena sits at 201 E. Jefferson St. If you're driving, the closest freeway exits off I-10 are Washington St./Jefferson St. or Seventh St. Rideshare drop-off is straightforward on Jefferson and 2nd Street before tip-off, but plan ahead for pickup post-game.

Parking near the arena isn't difficult to find. The arena has its own parking structure attached to the building's west side. There's also a sizable structure called the Jefferson Street Garage occupying the block between the arena and Chase Field. The attached five-story parking structure is dedicated primarily to suite holders and premium-seat owners, with a limited supply available to the general public.

Drive along Jefferson and Washington streets and you'll see plenty of private parking lots within walking distance, with prices ranging from $8 to $15 on a normal night — though playoff games and marquee matchups push closer to $25–35. Pre-paid parking directly through the arena's official channel can run around $25–30. The savvy move is to book a spot on SpotHero or ParkWhiz two or three days out, before prices surge on game day. If you arrive 90 minutes early, you'll have your pick of options; get there at tip-off and you're circling blocks in 110-degree air.

Downtown Phoenix is your answer, full stop. Most downtown Phoenix hotels are within easy walking distance of the arena. The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape sits essentially across the street and has a rooftop bar that's hard to resist on a warm desert night. The Sheraton Grand Phoenix is a few blocks north — bigger, more business-traveler energy, but walkable and reliable. For something with more character, Hotel San Carlos is a historic 1920s boutique property downtown; the rooms are smaller but the bones are better than anything built in the last 20 years. If you want to save money, look at the Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown — it's clean, cheap by downtown standards, and you can walk to the game in under 10 minutes. Midtown Phoenix (along Central Avenue near the light rail corridor) gives you more restaurant options and lower rates, with a 15-minute rail ride to the door.

The Arrogant Butcher (inside CityScape, literally across the street) is the pre-game standard. It's a bustling downtown Phoenix restaurant and bar just across from the arena — drop in for a steak or burger with a beer before the big game. It fills up fast; get there 2+ hours before tip-off or you'll be waiting.

Wren & Wolf is worth the two-block walk. It's a downtown hotspot blending craft cocktails and a chef-driven kitchen, with a vibrant dinner setting and rich design — and it's just steps away from the arena, making it a perfect pre-game gathering spot. More interesting food than your typical sports-district option.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is the move if your group wants margaritas and shared plates in a lively setting. Blanco is described as more than your typical Mexican restaurant — a happy hour hangout, a place for margaritas and good times. It's reliably packed on game nights, so again: get there early.

Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy! (near Chase Field): Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri's first full-service restaurant features scratch-made American fare and signature cocktails — including the world-famous Trash Can Nachos — located right outside Chase Field and steps from the arena. It's unabashedly trashy-fun, which is exactly what you want before an NBA game.

The arena strongly encourages fans to arrive without bags whenever possible. Small clutches, crossbody bags, and clear bags are permitted. Purses, medical bags, and diaper bags are allowed if they comply with size guidelines of 14"×14"×6" and will be subject to additional screening. Standard backpacks are not permitted.

Guests arriving without bags or with clutches smaller than 4"×6" are encouraged to use the Evolv express entry lanes for the quickest access. This is genuinely the fastest way in — if you can ditch the bag entirely, do it.

Doors typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time. Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before tip-off to clear security without stress, grab a concession item, and find your section. The main entrances are on Jefferson Street (south side) and 2nd Street. Away fans tend to be scattered throughout, so there's no single designated entrance — just use whichever gate matches your section. The arena is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card.

Accessible seating is available throughout all levels of the arena. For ticket assistance, call (602) 379-7867 for Suns games or purchase through Ticketmaster. Elevators are located throughout the building and serve all seating levels, including the club and suite tiers. The arena's most recent $230 million renovation specifically improved concourse width and accessibility infrastructure, making circulation significantly easier than it was in the building's original configuration.

Accessible entrances are available on Jefferson Street and on 2nd Street, both equipped with ramp access. Assistive listening devices are available through guest services inside the arena — visit a guest services desk near any main entrance. The Suns also offer sensory-friendly accommodations for fans with sensory sensitivities; contact the arena in advance at feedback@phxses.com for specifics.

PHX Arena is built to provide the optimal viewing experience for basketball — but as a multipurpose arena, the larger dimensions do create some tradeoffs. The good news: the lower bowl is genuinely tight and intimate. Sections 101–115 (baseline to baseline, lower level) put you right on top of the action. Away fans tend to congregate organically in the upper deck corner sections (211–215 range) where ticket prices are lower and the home crowd thins out — you'll find your people up there without even trying.

The lower bowl wraps close around the court, giving great views at nearly every angle, while the upper bowl offers budget-friendly tickets without killing the sightlines. Avoid the very end sections of the upper deck (217–220) — the view is steep and slightly obstructed by scoring infrastructure. Midcourt upper deck (rows 1–10 in sections 212–214) is the sweet spot for value: you can see the entire floor, the price is reasonable, and you're high enough to read plays developing.

The arena is fully cashless , so cards only — tap-to-pay is fast and the lines at concessions move reasonably well. The arena hosts a wide offering of different cuisines for casual diners and high-end foodies alike. Expect to pay around $14–16 for a domestic beer and $12–16 for a basic arena meal (burger, nachos, hot dog combo). Exclusive viewing areas and clubs include the Jim Beam Barrel Bar on the arena's north end and the tropical-themed Hideaway section — worth exploring if you scored premium seats, but the main concourse food is serviceable enough.

Phoenix is one of the more hospitable NBA cities for visiting fans — the Suns fanbase is passionate but not menacing. Wear your colors confidently; you might get a few chirps but nothing you can't handle. The thing that actually catches away fans off guard is how good the sightlines are from basically everywhere in the building. The arena was designed to maximize the crowd's presence, and even from the upper sections you feel connected to the court. The concourse is compact enough that you're never far from your seat, and the sight lines around the glass-enclosed areas are excellent. One earned observation: the arena runs air conditioning at what feels like sub-Arctic temperatures, even by NBA standards — this is Phoenix in January and they're compensating for something. Bring a layer, no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Light rail is the cleanest exit. The trains run extended post-game service, and the trains operate until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — you're covered. Head to the 3rd St/Jefferson stop immediately after the final buzzer; the first two trains will be packed but moving. Wait five minutes inside the building after the clock hits zero, and you'll walk onto a platform with a manageable crowd and board within 10–15 minutes.

Driving: The arena garage and surface lots on Jefferson Street clear slowly — plan for 20–30 minutes before you're moving freely. The Washington Street lots to the north tend to clear faster than those on Jefferson itself. Head north to Washington, then cut west to I-10 via 7th Avenue — that's faster than taking Jefferson east into the Chase Field traffic tangle.

Rideshare: Surge pricing kicks in immediately after the final whistle in a tight 3-block radius around the arena. Walk three or four blocks north toward Washington Street and Fillmore, away from the pack of passengers, and prices drop noticeably within 5–8 minutes. Wait 15–20 minutes inside before ordering, and the surge will be half of what it would be the moment the buzzer sounds. That's the actual money-saving tip no one tells you.

What's the best way to get to Footprint Center without driving?

The nearest light rail station is 3rd St/Jefferson, a four-minute walk from the arena. If you have a same-day event ticket, you can ride the light rail for free starting six hours before the event.

Is Footprint Center cashless?

Yes — the arena is fully cashless. Bring a credit or debit card for all food, drink, and merchandise purchases.

What bags are allowed into Footprint Center?

Small clutches, crossbody bags, and clear bags are permitted. Purses, medical bags, and diaper bags are allowed if they're within 14"×14"×6". Standard backpacks are not permitted.

How much does parking near Footprint Center cost?

Private parking lots within walking distance typically range from $8 to $15 on a regular-season night. Pre-paid spots through the arena or third-party apps run $25–35 for premium spots and major games.

When do gates open for Suns games?

Doors typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time. Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes early to clear security and settle in comfortably.

Where should away fans sit at Footprint Center? The upper deck midcourt sections (around 212–214) give excellent full-court views at the lowest prices. The upper bowl offers budget-friendly tickets without killing the vibe. Lower-bowl corner sections (101–104, 113–116) are a strong upgrade if your budget allows.

How far is Footprint Center from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?

Sky Harbor is four miles from the city center, and a typical cab or rideshare fare runs $15–20. Via light rail through the PHX Sky Train connection, budget about 25–35 minutes total.

What year did Footprint Center open?

The arena opened on June 6, 1992, under the name America West Arena, at a cost of $89 million. It has undergone multiple renovations, most recently a $230 million upgrade completed in 2021. Note that as of late 2025 the arena has been rebranded — it's officially called Mortgage Matchup Center now, but locals and most maps still recognize it as Footprint Center or its address at 201 E. Jefferson St.