You’ve seen the blurry "arena 23 chandler photos" floating around social media—the neon lights, the weirdly high basketball hoops, and people swinging at thin air. It looks like a typical arcade from a distance, right? Well, honestly, it’s not. If you walk into this place expecting a glorified Chuck E. Cheese or a quiet training facility for varsity athletes, you’re going to be pretty surprised.
Arena 23 is basically what happens when a former NBA player, Casey Jacobsen, decides that sports have become way too serious and boring for the average person. It’s a 22,000-square-foot indoor "sports amusement park" tucked away at 2031 N. Arizona Ave in Chandler. It’s loud, it’s sweaty, and it’s arguably the best way to hide from the Arizona sun while actually moving your body.
The Reality Behind Those Arena 23 Chandler Photos
When you scroll through the photos online, you see a lot of people wearing glowing wristbands. Those aren't just for show. They’re RFID bands that hold your points. Think of it like a digital currency for sweat. You scan in at a station, the machine wakes up, and suddenly you’re trying to not look ridiculous while a computer tracks your every move.
One of the big things people miss in the photos is the QB1 Football simulator. Most "virtual" football games are just you pressing buttons on a controller. Here, you’re actually hilling real footballs into infrared-sensored rings that shift around. It's way harder than it looks. You might think you have a cannon for an arm until the leaderboard tells you that a ten-year-old just beat your velocity and accuracy. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least.
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Then there's the basketball court. If you look closely at photos of the court, the floor looks... different. That’s because it’s a soft-surface court designed to give you extra "boing." It’s basically built so that people who have never touched the rim in their lives can finally feel what it’s like to throw down a dunk.
It's Not a VR Arcade (Stop Calling it That)
A common misconception—and I see this in the reviews all the time—is that this is a VR spot. It's not. You don't put on those heavy, sweaty goggles that make you feel like you're going to puke.
Instead, it’s "technology-aided" play. You’re using real gear. Real bats. Real tennis rackets. Real soccer balls. The tech just tracks the ball or the person and projects the result onto massive screens.
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What You’ll Actually Find Inside
- Botboxer: This thing is a smart sparring partner. It uses motion sensors to dodge your punches. It’s sort of like fighting a ghost that’s better at boxing than you are.
- The Combine Obstacle Course: This is where the competitive families lose their minds. You run against a friend in a side-by-side race. The photos of this area usually just show a blur of legs because people go full "American Ninja Warrior" mode.
- Human Foosball: It sounds weird, and it looks even weirder. You’re basically strapped to a bar with three other people, trying to kick a ball into a goal without being able to move forward or backward. It’s a chaotic mess of laughter and accidental shin-kicking.
- Skiing and Tennis: The ski simulator is a favorite for kids who have never seen real snow. You’re carving on a physical platform while watching the "slopes" on a screen.
The Logistics: Points, Shoes, and the Age Limit
Let’s talk about the stuff that ruins a trip if you don't know it beforehand. First off, you have to be at least 7 years old to even step onto the arena floor. This isn't a "toddler-friendly" zone. The machines are calibrated for bigger bodies, and frankly, a flying football from the QB1 station would probably take a toddler out.
Also, for the love of everything holy, wear close-toed shoes. If you show up in flip-flops or Crocs, you’re going to be a spectator. They are strict about this because, again, you’re actually playing sports. You wouldn't play soccer in slides, so don't try it here.
The pricing works on a point system. You don't pay by the hour; you pay for what you play.
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- Amateur Pass: Around 25 points (Good for a quick 30-minute taste).
- Pro Pass: 36 points (The sweet spot for most people, lasts about an hour).
- All-Star Pass: 60 points (If you're planning on staying for 2 hours and really competing).
One insider tip: If you go on a Saturday night, they usually have a deal where you can get unlimited points for a flat fee (around $25) for the last two hours of the night. It’s the best value if you want to spam the boxing simulator until your arms fall off.
Why This Place Actually Works
The East Valley is full of "fun centers," but Arena 23 feels different because of the ownership. Casey Jacobsen didn't just slap his name on this; he spent years trying to figure out how to make sports "fun" again without the pressure of coaches screaming at you.
When you look at the photos of the lobby, you'll see a cereal and soda bar. It’s such a random, nostalgic touch. You can grab a bowl of Froot Loops after burning 500 calories trying to beat a robotic goalie in soccer. It’s that mix of "high-tech athlete" and "eight-year-old on a Saturday morning" that makes the vibe work.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head down to the Arizona Ave and Warner Road area to check it out, do these three things first:
- Sign the waiver online. Seriously. Don't be that person standing at the kiosks for twenty minutes while your kids vibrate with excitement. Do it on your phone before you park the car.
- Check the "Live Leaderboards" immediately. When you walk in, look at the screens. If there’s a record that looks breakable, claim your territory early. The competitive energy in the building is infectious.
- Aim for the "Dunk Jam" early. The basketball area gets crowded fast because everyone wants that "flying through the air" photo. Hit that first, then move to the simulators like tennis or skiing which have a more predictable rotation.
Arena 23 isn't a training camp, and it isn't a video game. It's a weird, high-energy middle ground that actually gets you moving. Just make sure your phone battery is charged—you're going to want your own "arena 23 chandler photos" to prove you actually landed that dunk.