Phoenix on Sports

As one of just eight U.S. cities to field teams in all four major professional sports, Greater Phoenix is a sports lover's dream. The Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and Phoenix Suns (NBA) all share the city's sports entertainment market, combining to offer thrills and chills all year. In addition, Phoenix hosts NASCAR every November, the Indy Racing League in March, and the PGA's illustrious FBR Open each January, as well as great year-round college athletics courtesy of Arizona State University.

Two incredible new athletic facilities are heating up fan interest in Greater Phoenix these days, particularly in Glen-dale where construction is already under way. The Coyotes' new digs, scheduled to open in December 2003, will seat 17,600 spectators and offer 85 suites, six outside terraces and comfortable seating with extra space between rows.

The Cardinals, scheduled for a 2006 move-in to their new stadium, will play directly south of the Coyotes arena. The chic, new facility will take its basic form from the native barrel cactus, resulting in dramatic vertical slots that contrast with smooth metallic panels. The fabric canopy will allow some light inside the stadium to help maintain an airy feel, while at the same time providing ample shade for fans. The stadium's moveable, natural grass playing field, the first such surface in the U.S., will actually roll outside for optimal sun and growth; it will also hide a concrete slab underneath it, providing flexibility for other events and conventions. This remarkable multipurpose facility will seat more than 63,000 fans and include 88 suites. An impressive new development called Westgate will provide a festive atmosphere for pre- or post-game activities near the Coyotes' and Cardinals' new homes.

The Cardinals currently share Tempe's Sun Devil Stadium, home of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (late December/early January), with the Arizona State football team. Downtown Tempe provides something for everyone before and after games, whether you're looking for quiet restaurants to escape the hoopla, or for sports bars to revel in it. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, Tempe also boasts collegiate sports action of all kinds, thanks to ASU athletics.
Having reached the playoffs 14 times in the last 15 years, the Phoenix Suns, headquartered in Downtown Phoenix's America West Arena, are one of the NBAs most successful teams. In 1968, Phoenix welcomed the Suns as its first major professional sports team, and they continue to draw loyal, local fans and interested out-of-town visitors. The Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football League, February-May) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, May-August) also play their home games at America West.

In the spring, Greater Phoenix plays host to nine Major League Baseball teams during Cactus League Spring Training. Three additional teams prepare in Tucson, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, for a total of 12 teams. More than a million fans attend Spring Training games every year, and some stick around to catch a few regular-season Diamondbacks games in Downtown Phoenix's Bank One Ballpark come early April. (A behind-the-scenes, 75-minute tour of Bank One Ballpark is available by calling (602) 462-6799.

In 2001, the Diamondbacks won the World Series over the New York Yankees in spectacular fashion, sending Phoenix into a frenzy. With that win, Arizona captured the title faster than any expansion franchiseafter just four seasons. Star pitchers Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, both Cy Young award winners, have been key to the team's success, though an exciting roster of younger talent ensures the D-Backs will contend for years to come.

ARENAS

America West Arena (602) 379-7878, FAX: (602) 379-7836, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.americawestarena.com E-mail: cmontgomery@awarena.com. The America West Arena is home to the NBA's Phoenix Suns, AFL's Arizona Rattlers, WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, concerts and a variety of family entertainment.

CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING

Spring Training Tours, Inc. (800) 8-WARM-UP, (925) 373-4627, FAX: (925) 373-1302, 1453 First St., Livermore, CA 94550, www.springtrainingtours.com E-mail: info@springtrainingtours.com. Representing the Colorado Rockies, Oakland As, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners. Spring training baseball travel packages featuring preferred game tickets, exclusive events with players, hotel accommodations and more.

COMMISSIONS

Maricopa County Sports Commission
(602) 258-MCSC, (602) 258-6272, FAX: (602) 254-6773, 400 E. Van Buren St., Ste. 600, Phoenix, AZ 85004,
www.azsportsfan.com.

EQUESTRIAN & DOG RACING

Phoenix Greyhound Park (602) 273-7181, FAX: (602) 273-6176, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034, www.phoenixgreyhoundpark.com. "Your best bet in the Valley." Racing nightly, year-round at 7:30pm. Beautiful facility offering fine dining, lounges and fast food. Group discounts.

Turf Paradise Race Course (602} 375-6478, FAX: (602) 942-8659, 1501 W. Bell Rd., east off 1-17 and 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023, www.turfparadise.com E-mail: mlambie@turfparadise.net. Enjoy live and simulcast racing in a paradise setting. Features: casual and fine dining, family picnic park, sports bar. Live racing Fri.-Tues. Post time 12:30pm. Call for more information.

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Fiesta Bowl (800) 635-5748, (480) 350-0900, 120 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281, www.tostitosfiestabowl.com. Ticket Info: (480) 350-0911. The annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl produces the most extensive festival of events nationwide.

MAJOR LEAGUE TEAMS

Arizona Cardinals
(800) 999-1402, (602) 379-0102, FAX: (602) 379-1773, P.O. Box 888, Phoenix, AZ 85001, www.azcardinals.com. Season and single-game tickets available. Please call to order and receive information for the upcoming season

Arizona Diamondbacks
(888) 777-4664, (602) 514-8400, FAX: (602) 462-4141, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.azdiamondbacks.com E-mail: diamondbacksgroupsales@awarena.com. Hit a home run with your group by arranging an outing to beautiful Bank One Ballpark to enjoy exciting Arizona Diamondbacks baseball. Group ticket rates, private suites, meeting facilities, catering and merchandise services available.

Phoenix Coyotes (National Hockey League)
Office/Rink {480)473-5600, FAX: (480)473-5699, ALLTEL Ice Den, 9375 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260, www.phoenixcoyotes.com. Tickets available at ail Ticketmaster locations, or by phone (480) 784-4444 or (480) 563-PUCK. Games played at America West Arena, 201 E, Jefferson, Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns
(602) 379-7900, FAX: (602) 379-7922, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.suns.com. National Basketball Association, America West Arena. Tickets available at Ticketmaster 1-800 4 NBA TIX, America West Arena Ticket Office (602) 379-SUNS and on-line on web site.

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Aaron's Team One Tickets & Sports Tours
(800) 800-9494, (480) 894-9494, FAX: (480) 894-3265, 3115 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282, www.teamonetickets.com. Provides premium seating for all concerts, theater and sporting events locally, nationally and worldwide. Also discount travel and major events/sports tours.

Phoenix Int'l Raceway Race Shop & Ticket Office
(602) 744-5600, 455 N. 3rd St. #268, Phoenix, AZ. Ticket Office, Mon.-Fri. 9am-5:30pm: (602) 252-2227. Mon.-Thurs. 1Qam-9pm; Fri.-Sat. 10am-10pm: Sun. 11am-5pm.

Ticket Exchange, Inc.
(800) 800-9811, (602) 254-4444, 130 N. Central Ave., Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85004. We specialize in the supply and procurement of quality seating to local, national and international sporting, concert and theatrical events.

Tickets Unlimited, Inc.
(800) 289-8497, (602) 840-2340, FAX: (602) 840-2346, 4350 E.
Camelback Rd. #115B, Phoenix, AZ 85018, www.ticketsunlimitedinc.com E-mail: requests@ticketsunlimitedinc.com. Specializing in preferred seating for all local, national, international concerts, theater and sporting events. NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, ASU, U of A, Super Bowl, NCAA Bowl games, All-Star games, spring training.

Western States Ticket Service
(602) 254-3300, FAX: (602) 254-3387, 143 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85003, www.wstickets.com. Specializing in excellent seats for sporting events, concerts, theater. Local/nationwide. Including Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix International Raceway, Las Vegas shows and more.