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Footprint Center Guide

NBA · Phoenix · 19,023 capacity

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

With an event ticket that often serves as a free light rail pass from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Footprint Center’s downtown location is exceptionally easy to access. Stay in any downtown hotel to be within walking distance of the arena, Chase Field, and numerous pregame bars and restaurants, eliminating the need for a car.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry is generally not permitted at Footprint Center…
Gates open
Gates open 2h before
Outside food
Sealed water only
Getting here
The Valley Metro Light Rail is a recommended option, with the 3rd Street/Washington Station (westbound) and 3rd Street/Jefferson Station (eastbound) located near the arena.
Family friendly
The Footprint Center offers a $2 value menu at Phoenix Suns home games, which includes hot dogs, bottled water, fountain soda, chips, and popcorn.
Capacity
19,023
Home team:Phoenix Suns

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Footprint Center on the calendar. See Phoenix home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Footprint Center

Downtown Phoenix is the ideal neighborhood, with hotels such as Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown (132 S. Central Ave.), Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Westin Phoenix Downtown, and Sheraton Phoenix Downtown within walking distance of the arena.

Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a diverse array of restaurants, museums, pubs, art events, and nightlife. It's the center of the city's sports scene and provides a walkable environment for visitors.

Downtown Phoenix boasts a high transit score, ranking as the second-highest in the city. It is well-served by 29 bus routes and the Valley Metro Light Rail. The 3rd St/Jefferson station is particularly convenient, offering direct access to Chase Field and Footprint Center. The Downtown Phoenix Hub allows for easy interchange between light rail lines.

Willo Historic District

The Willo Historic District is one of Phoenix's cherished neighborhoods, known for its beautifully preserved homes, tree-lined streets, and a peaceful, residential atmosphere. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, with excellent walkability and proximity to downtown.

Willo has a good Transit Score of 55/100, which is among the highest in Phoenix. Multiple bus lines run through the neighborhood, and its central location provides easy access to downtown Phoenix via public transit.

Arcadia

Arcadia offers a picturesque and popular urban setting with a rural feel, less than 15 minutes from downtown Scottsdale and about 10 miles from Downtown Phoenix. It's known for its sense of safety, diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment choices, including upscale boutiques and trendy cocktail bars, making it ideal for balancing work and play.

While not directly on the light rail, Arcadia's central location provides good access to major freeways for easy driving to various sports venues across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

See full Phoenix stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

The Valley Metro Light Rail is a recommended option, with the 3rd Street/Washington Station (westbound) and 3rd Street/Jefferson Station (eastbound) located near the arena. Tickets to events at Footprint Center often serve as free light rail passes on event days through the Rail Ride Event program. Several Valley Metro bus routes, including 1, 3, 7, and 84, also serve downtown Phoenix with stops near the Footprint Center.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are located at the Footprint Center Plaza (corner of First Street and Jefferson Street). Additional zones include the Southwest Corner (Jefferson Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets) and the Northwest Corner (1st Street, between Washington and Jefferson Streets).

Parking: The Footprint Center is connected to a five-story parking garage (700 spots), primarily for suite holders and premium seat owners, with limited public access. The adjacent Jefferson Street Garage offers over 1,400 spaces for the general public. Pre-purchasing parking passes online through sites like SpotHero or ABM Parking is recommended. Utilizing ride-sharing services or the light rail (where event tickets can act as passes) is also advised to avoid traffic and parking costs.

After the event

Downtown Phoenix offers several late-night options. The Whining Pig (201 E. Washington St., #104) is open late with a large beer and wine menu. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (1 W. Jefferson St.) offers a late-night menu until 1 AM. Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails (2 E. Jefferson St.) has a bar menu until midnight. Other options include Valley Bar (130 N. Central Ave.) for live music and cocktails, and Cornish Pasty Co. (7 W. Monroe St.) for food and pool. Gracie's Tax Bar is open until 2 AM.

Works well with these Phoenix venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Footprint Center is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, surrounded by the city's vibrant urban core. It is one block from Chase Field and is near other attractions such as the Arizona Center, CityScape, Heritage Square, Phoenix Convention Center, and Roosevelt Row Arts District.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is prohibited in the Footprint Center parking garage.
  • Signature food: Signature food options include items from 'larder + the delta' (local farm-to-table with various chicken offerings, po'boy sandwiches, and snacks), Benihana (hibachi and poke bowls), Spinatos Pizzeria, Wetzel's Pretzels, Uncle Jerome's Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, and Big Chicken Dunks.
  • Pregame institution: The Whining Pig (201 E. Washington St., #104, Phoenix, AZ)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Tom's Watch Bar - Phoenix Chase Field
    20 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Downtown Phoenix

    The ultimate sports fan destination with an unparalleled view, offering an incredible number of screens for all major sporting events. It's the official pregame, postgame, and away-game headquarters for Phoenix Suns basketball and a prime location for Diamondbacks fans.

    What to order: Extensive drink menu and elevated pub fare.

  • Majerle's Sports Grill
    24 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Downtown Phoenix

    Owned by former Phoenix Suns standout Dan Majerle, this downtown sports bar has been a fan favorite since it opened in 1992. It's an original downtown sports bar, known as a pre-game destination and a game-day stop for sports enthusiasts.

    What to order: Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees like Sir Charles Southwest Chicken Pasta.

  • Crown Public House
    333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Downtown Phoenix

    A downtown Phoenix staple with a British-style pub atmosphere, offering 19 beers on draft and multiple TVs. It's a perfect pre- or post-game destination, especially popular with soccer fans but also buzzing with baseball and basketball crowds on game days.

    What to order: Elevated pub fare including loaded nachos, juicy burgers, and craft beer on tap.