Step Inside: Footprint Center – Home of the Phoenix Suns

Home of the Phoenix Suns

Footprint Center has been the home for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns since 1992, when it opened as America West Arena. The indoor facility is the fourth-oldest active arena in the league, and in that time has built a distinguished reputation behind a legacy of elite squads. Nicknamed “The Purple Palace” after the Suns’ primary team color, Footprint Center is located in a sports complex that also includes the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field one block away. You can see a full schedule of upcoming events at Footprint Center and get tickets to Suns games here.

Footprint Center History

Footprint Center opened in Phoenix ahead of the 1992-1993 NBA regular season. In their first year at the new facility, the Suns reached the 1993 NBA Finals and played three home games before losing by one point in Game 6 to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. The Suns returned to the Finals in 2021 and hosted three home games again, winning the first two back-to-back before ultimately falling to the Milwaukee Bucks. In the meantime, the Suns have cultivated heated rivalries with Western Conference opponents the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

The WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury played their inaugural season at Footprint Center in 1997 and have used it as their home base ever since. In their second season, the Mercury reached the 1998 WNBA Finals and won Game 1 at home before losing the series to the Houston Comets. The 2007 squad returned to the Finals with vengeance, winning decisively in five games, and their return trip to the 2009 Finals ended even sweeter, with Phoenix’s first championship game victory at home behind a Finals MVP performance by Diana Taurasi. During the 2014 season, the Mercury put on a show for Phoenix fans, setting a then-record for most wins in a single season on their way to winning their third WNBA title.

The arena previously housed the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes from 1997 to 2003, as well as the AFL’s Arizona Rattlers and the ECHL’s Phoenix RoadRunners. Footprint has also hosted numerous WWE series including SummerSlam, Raw and SmackDown along with several marquee boxing matches and events held by UFC and AEW. Across its three decade existence, the venue has seen performers ranging from Frank Sinatra to Guns N’ Roses to Dua Lipa.

Footprint Center (formerly known as America West Arena, US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, and Phoenix Suns Arena) has undergone several major renovations since opening. In 2003, the facility was fitted with a new glass atrium to shield fans from the outdoor desert climate, and in 2020, the city kicked off a $230 million modernization project. The venue name was officially changed to Footprint Center in 2021, when Gilbert-based materials science company Footprint secured the arena’s naming rights.

Parking and Admission at Footprint Center

Footprint Center is located at 201 East Jefferson Street in Phoenix, Arizona. A dedicated five-story parking structure is attached to the venue and offers space for suite holders and premium-seat owners, with a limited supply also available to the general public. The adjacent Jefferson Street Garage is open to the public, with pre-paid parking passes available here.

For rideshare commuters, the venue recommends setting pick up and drop off locations at either Footprint Center Plaza on 1st Street and Jefferson Street, The Ryan on South 2nd Street, the Phoenix Convention Center on South 3rd Street and Hotel Palomar on East Jefferson Street. Public transit riders can reach Footprint Center by taking the Valley Metro Rail to the 3rd Street and Jefferson Street stop or the 3rd Street and Washington Street. Any guest with a valid ticket issued by Footprint Center or Ticketmaster will have free access to the light rail on the day of the event via the RailRide program.

The Footprint Center bag policy states that any bag larger than 4” x 6” will be subject to a security screening. Backpacks are not allowed, but exceptions can be made for single-compartment bags, purses and diaper bags that measure below 14″ x 6″ x 12.” Banners and signs are allowed as long as they are constructed of flame retardant material, not attached to a pole or handle and do not block other patrons’ views or cause any disturbance to others. Professional cameras, video and recording devices are not permitted.

Other prohibited items include, but are not limited to weapons of any kind, illegal substances, noise makers such as whistles and airhorns, drones, fireworks, laser pointers, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, non-service animals, laptops and inappropriate attire. Permitted items include strollers, children items such as baby bottles and formula, and one sealed plastic water bottle for select events..

Footprint Center Capacity & Seating Options

With a capacity over 17,000 and an array of premium ticket levels, Footprint Center has plenty of seating options for all fans. The suite level packages are divided between three configurations: the Loft suites offer sideline views and space for eight to 12 guests, the Standard suites can accommodate up to 22 guests and the All-Inclusive suites feature a complimentary buffet and beverages for up to 22 guests each. All suite packages are paired with two to four VIP parking passes for the Footprint Center Garage.

There are also a number of exclusive viewing areas, clubs and lounges throughout Footprint Center. Seats can be purchased with special access to the Jim Beam Barrel Bar on the arena’s north end, the FirstBank Terrace on the suite level, and the tropical-themed Hideaway at Footprint Center section. Fans who are interested in booking premium seats or a private suite are encouraged to contact Footprint Center at premiumsales@suns.com.

View the Footprint Center seating chart on Ticketmaster.

Food & Beverage Options at Footprint Center

Footprint Center hosts a wide offering of different cuisines for casual diners and high-end foodies alike. Around the arena, take your pick between burgers at Gorilla Grill, pizza at Spinato’s, tacos at Los Soles Taqueria, southern-style cooking at Little Miss BBQ and treats or desserts at either Noble Ground Coffee or Shazam Sweets. Drinks are served at locations including Cantina Del Sol, Desert Drafts, Desert Brews, Valley Tavern, Pavilion Bar, Kona Big Wave Bar, Hornitos Bar, and Jameson Bar. Several locations specialize in both food and beverages such as Cool Beer and Cheeseburgers, Links and Lagers and the Tostitos Cantina.

Hotels Near Footprint Center

Here are some hotels within walking distance of Footprint Center in Downtown Phoenix:

1. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown
3. Best Western Downtown Phoenix
4. Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
5. Hyatt Place Phoenix