Finding the right spot to watch Kevin Durant and Devin Booker isn’t as simple as picking a row and hoping for the best. Honestly, if you haven’t stepped foot inside the Footprint Center since the massive $230 million renovation wrapped up a few years back, you’re basically walking into a different building. The old "Purple Palace" vibes are mostly gone, replaced by a layout that prioritizes high-end social spaces and sightlines that—while generally great—can be a bit tricky depending on your budget.
Phoenix Suns stadium seating is designed to keep you close to the action, but "close" is a relative term when you’re staring down the nosebleed sections in the 200 level.
The Reality of the Lower Level (100 Sections)
If you have the cash, the 100 level is where you want to be. Period. The bowl is steep enough that you aren’t staring at the back of a giant’s head, but shallow enough that you feel connected to the floor. Sections 101-103 and 113-115 are your "center court" spots. These are the gold standard. You’ll see the plays develop, you’ll hear the sneakers squeak, and you’ll probably catch Mat Ishbia sitting courtside if you look closely enough.
But here is the thing people miss: Row numbers matter more than the section itself.
In the lower bowl, the rows usually start with letters (like Row A, B, C) before moving into numbers. If you’re in the first few lettered rows, you are practically on the hardwood. It’s an incredible experience, but it’s also a workout for your neck because you're looking up at the jumbotron for replays constantly. Rows 10 through 20 in the lower level are often considered the "sweet spot" by season ticket holders. You’re high enough to see the far side of the court without losing the sense of speed that the NBA game has.
The Corner View Hack
Everyone wants center court. That’s fine. But if you want to save about 20% on the secondary market (like SeatGeek or StubHub), look at the corners. Sections 105, 111, 117, and 123 offer a diagonal perspective. It’s actually better for seeing floor spacing. You see the lanes open up for a Booker drive in a way you just can’t from the sideline.
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Plus, these seats are often closer to the tunnels where the players come out. If you’re trying to get a high-five or a Sharpie-scribbled jersey, the corners are your best bet.
Club Seats and the "All-Inclusive" Question
Let’s talk about the fancy stuff. The Footprint Center leaned hard into the "club" concept during the "Project 201" renovations. If your ticket says "Club Level," you’re usually looking at the 100-level sidelines.
Why bother?
It’s about the amenities. You get access to the Club Lounge. The food is better. The bathrooms have shorter lines—which, honestly, is worth the price of admission alone during a sold-out playoff game. You’ve got the North Club and the Ultra Club. These areas feel more like a high-end Scottsdale bar than a basketball arena. If you're entertaining a client or it’s a big anniversary, do it. If you just want to scream at the refs, save your money and sit elsewhere.
Then there’s the Annexus Social Club. This is the ultra-premium tier. We’re talking floor seats and the rows immediately behind them. It’s a subterranean club where you can see the players walking from the locker room to the court. It’s exclusive. It’s expensive. It’s very Phoenix.
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Navigating the 200 Level Without Regret
The 200 level gets a bad rap. Some people call them the "nosebleeds," and yeah, the air is a little thinner up there. But the Footprint Center is actually one of the more compact arenas in the NBA. Even at the very top, you aren't as far away as you would be at, say, the United Center in Chicago or Crypto.com Arena in LA.
The "Wall" and the Ends
Sections 201-210 and 217-224 make up the upper bowl. If you end up in the first five rows of the 200 level, you actually have a better view of the tactical side of the game than someone in the back of the 100 level. You can see the screens being set, the rotations, and the fast breaks as they happen.
Avoid the very last rows (Row 14 or 15 depending on the section) if you struggle with heights. It’s steep. Really steep.
- The Best Value: Sections 202, 203, 223, and 224. You are near center court, just higher up.
- The Budget Pick: Straight behind the baskets (Sections 207 or 219). The depth perception is a nightmare for free throws, but you can usually get in the building for under $60, even for decent matchups.
Accessibility and Special Seating
The Suns are actually pretty good about ADA seating. These spots are usually located at the top of the lower bowl or the bottom of the upper bowl. They offer great views because there is nobody standing up directly in front of you.
If you have mobility issues, avoid the 200 level if you can help it. While there are elevators, the trek from the concourse to your actual seat involves some aggressive stairs. The 100 level concourse is much more "fluid" for lack of a better word.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Footprint Center
Most fans think the "Sixthman" sections are just for rowdy kids. Not really. The "Sixthman" area is specifically designed for the loudest, most dedicated fans. If you sit here, expect to stand. A lot. If you’re the type who wants to sit down, eat your popcorn, and analyze the game in silence, stay away from the sections behind the baskets in the lower bowl. You’ll just get annoyed.
Another misconception? That the "Family Sections" are boring. They aren't. They’re just slightly more regulated. If you’re bringing kids, look for the areas near the Gorilla Playground. It gives the little ones a place to burn off energy when the game hits a long commercial break or a boring third-quarter lull.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Check the Sun: This sounds stupid because you’re indoors. But the Footprint Center entrance faces West/Southwest. If you’re arriving for a 6:00 PM tip-off in the spring or late fall, the sun will be blinding as you try to get through security. Wear shades until you’re inside.
- The Fry's Entrance: If the main entrance on Jefferson is packed, try the side entrances. There’s often a shorter line near the parking garage side.
- The Scoreboard Factor: The "Big Foot" scoreboard is massive. If you are in the lower rows of the 100 level, you might find yourself watching the screen more than the floor. It’s a bit of a distraction because it’s so crisp and bright.
- Food Logistics: The concourses are narrow. If you wait until halftime to get a burger, you’re going to miss the start of the third quarter. Go with 4 minutes left in the second. Trust me.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
Before you hit "buy" on those tickets, do these three things:
- Use a 3D Map: Go to the official Phoenix Suns website or a site like ViewFromMySeat. People upload real photos from their seats. A "Center Court" seat in the 200 level might have a glass railing partially obstructing your view of the near sideline—check the photos first.
- Factor in the Opponent: If the Lakers or Warriors are in town, prices double. If you just want to experience the stadium seating and the vibe, pick a Tuesday night game against a struggling Eastern Conference team. You’ll get 100-level seats for 200-level prices.
- Download the Suns App: The arena is largely cashless. You’ll need the app for your tickets, but also for ordering food from your seat in certain sections. It saves you from standing in a 20-minute line for a soda.
The Footprint Center has aged remarkably well thanks to the recent influx of cash and design tweaks. Whether you're in the luxury suites or the last row of the upper deck, the atmosphere in downtown Phoenix is currently one of the best in the NBA. Just pick your row wisely.