Venue Guide: Desert Diamond Arena – Glendale, AZ

Desert Diamond Arena History

Opened in Glendale, Arizona, in 2003 under the name Glendale Arena, this massive multipurpose facility changed to Jobing.com Arena in 2006 before receiving the Gila River name in 2014 until 2022. Now known as the Desert Diamond Arena, this Phoenix venue previously held a piece of history that no other sports venue housing any of America’s four major sports franchises could claim, as the Arizona Coyotes, Gila River Indian Community and Gila River Casinos partnered to establish the only such federally recognized tribal naming rights deal in September 2014, which lasted until 2022.

Desert Diamond Arena Performers

The NHL’s Arizona Coyotes relocated from Phoenix in 2003. The Coyotes’ first game on this ice came Dec. 29, 2003 — a 3-2 loss to the visiting New York Rangers — while the first win on their new home ice came Dec. 31, 2003, with a 4-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Kings. Desert Diamond Arena has welcomed a slew of A-list entertainers, too. The likes of Prince, Rod Stewart, Toby Keith, Britney Spears and Usher graced the stage in the venue’s inaugural year alone, while contemporary music icons such as Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and many more have brought sold-out shows to Glendale. Other Desert Diamond Arena events have included professional bull riding, cagefighting, Sesame Street Live!, Street League Skateboarding and Cirque du Soleil.

Planning Your Visit to Desert Diamond Arena

Here in Glendale’s vibrant Westgate Entertainment District, you’ll find restaurants such as Bar Louie and Mama Gina’s Pizzeria, with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals also nearby at State Farm Stadium. Guests can enjoy the Dos Equis Deck, above the Coyotes Den, in the warm Arizona air. Once inside Gila River Arena, you’ll find a menu curated in partnership with Levy Restaurants. Upgrade the experience by renting any of the arena’s 87 suites. (The BMW Lounge, though, is offered only to season ticket holders.) Memberships can also be purchased to the AZBLUE Club.

Desert Diamond Arena Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Desert Diamond Arena parking options?

The arena opens its on-site parking two hours before an event’s start time. Desert Diamond Arena offers several lots — E, G, L, Yellow, Garage and West VIP. Pre-paid parking is available and prices vary. ADA parking can be found in lots G, J and Garage. Cash is not accepted at any parking locations.

Does Desert Diamond Arena serve food?

Yes. Select concession stands (Goal Line in Section 103; Center Ice in Sections 111, 202 and 217; Streets of New York in Sections 115 and 219) allow for fans to order from their seats using mobile ordering and express pickup. The Coyotes have updated Desert Diamond Arena’s menu alongside Levy Restaurants to include local faves such as Frozen Penguin ice cream and Gadzooks’ tacos and soups.

What are the seating options at Desert Diamond Arena?

Desert Diamond Arena’s capacity fluctuates: 17,125 for hockey games, 18,300 for basketball games and up to 19,000 for concerts. For Coyotes games, sought-after center ice seats fall in Sections 101, 111, 112 and 122, with Section 122 positioned directly behind the home team’s bench. Premium seating can be enjoyed at any of the luxury suites, but an especially luxurious experience is offered at members-only AZBLUE Club and BMW Lounge.

What are the Desert Diamond Arena safety and security guidelines?

Desert Diamond Arena maintains a strict no bag policy. The full guidelines are here, outlining disturbances and prohibited items. Take note: offensive language or disorderly conduct could result in ejection or, in severe cases, arrest without refund. Desert Diamond Arena is partnered with VenueShield to thoroughly maintain hygienic protocols.