Sports and Recreation

Phoenix is one of only 13 cities that fields teams in all four professional sports leagues, so whether your day planner reads January or December--or anywhere in between--you can almost always catch a game somewhere.

From the most popular tournament on the PGA tour to the fastest cars in NASCAR, Phoenix is sure to deliver what you're wanting from the sports scene. The annual FBR Open is the friendliest and loudest stop on the PGA Tour, thanks to huge galleries that have redefined the term "golf clap." In addition to the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Greater Phoenix also provides two NASCAR Nextel Cup races (every April and November). Thoroughbred racing, arena football and the WNBA are also big draws in the desert, and Arizona State University provides its own share of exciting sports action with competitive Pac-10 teams in numerous sports.

The Greater Phoenix area provides incredible, state-of-the-art facilities in which to enjoy professional sports and other major events, including Chase Field, US Airways Center, University of Phoenix Stadium, Jobing.com Arena and the Dodge Theatre.

Arizona Cardinals
One Cardinals Drive; Glendale, AZ 85305
(800) 999-1402 | (602) 379-0102 | Fax (602) 379-1773
The Cardinals, founded in 1898 and a charter member of the National Football League, hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the nation. The University of Phoenix Stadium opened in 2006 and will host the 2008 Super Bowl. The unique facility features the only U.S. playing surface that is capable of being completely removed from the actual stadium. This multi-purpose venue is unlike any in the world, as it features a retractable roof as well as a shading mechanism that will allow a predetermined amount of light to enter the stadium, while still providing shade. Join the Arizona Cardinals Football Club for exciting NFL action.

Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Club
401 E. Jefferson St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 541-8400 | Fax (602) 462-4141
The Arizona Diamondbacks entered Major League Baseball on March 31, 1998 and quickly secured their place in baseball history, winning the 2001 World Series against the NY Yankees in a thrilling come-from-behind victory. Since the team's inaugural season, over 25 million fans have enjoyed watching the D-backs at Chase Field. A wide variety of D-backs ticket options give fans the ability to choose their baseball experience, ranging from an affordable family outing with tickets starting at just $5 to all-inclusive VIP treatment that includes a seat right beside the dugout. Special group rates are available any day of the week, including half-price discounts on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information about seeing a D-backs game, contact the ticketing department at (602) 514-8400.

Fiesta Bowl
120 S. Ash Ave.; Tempe, AZ 85281
(800) 635-5748 | (480) 350-0900
A festival of more than 50 year-round events highlighted by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Football Classic on Jan. 3, 2003 and the Fiesta Bowl Parade on Dec. 31, 2002.

Phoenix Coyotes
6751 N. White Out Way, Ste. 200; Glendale, AZ 85305
Office/Rink (480) 473-5600 | Fax (480) 473-5699
The Phoenix Coyotes have played hockey in the desert since moving from Winnipeg before the 1996 season. After the team registered a few postseason appearances, hockey great Wayne Gretzky joined the team as Managing Partner in 2000. Now, with a new hockey arena that debuted in nearby Glendale in 2003, the Coyotes have Gretzky's expertise behind the bench. Although hockey fans might rather see Gretzky return to the ice as a player, this is the next best thing, and many fans around the globe are thrilled that the greatest player in the history of the game is taking on a more active role with the Coyotes. No professional coaches can boast the resume that Phoenix's current bench boss can. Gretzky's job is to get the Coyotes back to the postseason, thereby re-establishing the "White Outs" that are very popular celebrations among Greater Phoenix sports fans. The tradition, started in Winnipeg, involves all fans dressing in white for the postseason. With stars such as forward Shane Doan and goaltender Curtis Joseph, the Coyotes are poised for a strong season under Gretzky's leadership. The Coyotes have also announced the name of their brand-new mascot: "Howler." The name received an overwhelming majority of fan votes submitted through the "Name the Mascot" contest held on www.phoenixcoyotes.com. This will be the first time the Coyotes have had an official mascot since debuting in Arizona. Office/Practice Rink: (623) 772-3200, FAX: (623) 772-3201. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations, or by phone: (480) 784.4444 or (480) 563-PUCK. Games played at Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, AZ. 85305.
Group tickets call (623) 463-8844 or (480) 563-PUCK

Phoenix International Raceway
125 S. Avondale Blvd., Ste. 200; Avondale, AZ 85323
(866) 408-7223 | (623) 463-5400 | Fax (623) 463-5501
With an annual NASCAR weekend in November and now another every April, Phoenix International Raceway is the place to be for race fans. The track's high-speed excitement includes NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch, Craftsman Trucks and Featherlite Southwest Series races, along with the Indy cars. PIR has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing.

Phoenix Suns
201 E. Jefferson St.; Phoenix, AZ 85004
(800) 4-NBA-TIX | (602) 379-7900 | Fax (602) 379-7922
The NBA's Phoenix Suns draw a loyal legion of fans to the US Airways Center (UAC), in downtown Phoenix. Stars like Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire lead the Suns, who have reached the postseason for 19 of the last 21 seasons. The Suns are consistently among the best teams in the NBA's Western Conference. US Airways Center (UAC), the home of the Suns in downtown Phoenix, opened in 1992 and has been nominated by Pollstar Magazine six times for the "Arena of the Year." In 2003, the arena underwent a nearly $70 million renovation and expansion project. In excess of 2 million guests come to US Airways Center each year for entertainment and sports events, and to enjoy the food and fun in Downtown Phoenix. For group ticket information call (602) 379-7878

Spring Training Tours, Inc.
Cactus League Spring Training
1453 1st St.; Livermore, CA 94550
(800) 8-WARM-UP | (925) 373-4627 | Fax (925) 373-1302
The Official Spring Training travel partner of Major League Baseball and the following Cactus League Teams: Angels, Cubs, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, Royals and White Sox. Fans of all ages will enjoy complete baseball vacation packages featuring preferred game tickets, hotel accommodations, custom merchandise, transportation and best of all...you'll attend exclusive events with your favorite team's players and coaches! With one call or click, you'll receive everything you need for the most memorable baseball vacation of a lifetime! We welcome corporate and incentive groups ranging from 15 to 150 participants, and specially customized programs are available. Space sells out early each year so call or click today!