Footprint Center
4.6(14K)google
3.5(487)yelp
SportsConcertDowntown
Overview
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Footprint Center is a premier, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena. Serving as the roaring home venue for the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, this energetic arena hosts thrilling professional basketball games year-round. Beyond sporting events, the venue is a major stop for global concert tours, family ice shows, and world-class entertainment events. Boasting modernized seating, exceptional local culinary concessions, and immersive high-tech video screens, the arena delivers a high-octane, electric atmosphere, making it a central pillar of the city's nightlife and contemporary urban spectator culture.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2.5-3.5 hours
Best TimeEntirely dependent on event schedules, but arriving 1 to 1.5 hours before tip-off during the NBA season (October to April) for a Phoenix Suns game or prior to a major concert is best. This gives you plenty of time to clear security, buy merchandise, and enjoy stadium concessions.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned in the core of downtown Phoenix. Taking the Valley Metro Rail is highly recommended: exit at 3rd St/Washington or 3rd St/Jefferson, right outside the arena gates (transit is often free with a valid event ticket). If driving, expect heavy traffic and expensive commercial parking garages nearby.
Travel Tips
- Strict Bag Policy & Security: The arena enforces a strict no-bag policy; only small clutches smaller than 4x6x1.5 inches are permitted. Backpacks, camera bags, and laptop cases are banned, and on-site lockers are not guaranteed. Leave large items in your vehicle.
- 100% Cashless Venue: Footprint Center operates as an entirely cashless facility. All concessions, merchandise stands, and vending options require a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay to complete transactions.
- Free Light Rail Transit Perk: Ticket holders for Phoenix Suns games, Phoenix Mercury games, and select concerts can ride the Valley Metro Light Rail for free on the event day. Simply show your digital event ticket as valid transit fare.
Reviews
Positive
- As the home of the Phoenix Suns, the arena offers fantastic sightlines and well-arranged seating, so even upper-level seats get a clear view of the action.
- The sound system and the giant center-hung video board are spectacular, delivering a world-class audio-visual experience for both NBA games and concerts.
- The location is fantastic right downtown, immediately adjacent to the light rail station and surrounded by endless bars, restaurants, and nightlife options.
- The internal management is highly efficient, with fast security and ticket lines, keeping wait times surprisingly short despite tens of thousands attending.
Heads up
- Concessions and beer prices inside are outrageously high; buying a simple hot dog and a soda easily drains dozens of dollars—typical arena pricing markup.
- If driving, parking fees at the venue structure and nearby private lots skyrocket on event days; it is costly and exiting the garages is a gridlock bottleneck.
- The concourses and corridors feel narrow and claustrophobic when a game is sold out, requiring shoulder-to-shoulder jostling during halftime to reach restrooms.
- The seating space in the upper decks is very cramped with tight legroom, making tall adults feel uncomfortable with their knees rubbing the back of the front seat.