If you’re looking for the X-Factor, you’ve gotta head downtown. Seriously. But if you haven't been to a game in a while, the name on the building might throw you for a loop. Things move fast in the WNBA, especially in the Valley of the Sun.
So, where do the Phoenix Mercury play exactly?
As of right now, the Mercury call the Mortgage Matchup Center home. It’s that massive, unmistakable hub sitting at 201 East Jefferson Street in the heart of downtown Phoenix. You might still hear locals calling it the Footprint Center, or maybe even Talking Stick Resort Arena if they’re really behind the times. Honestly, the name changes so often it’s hard to keep up, but the location hasn't budged since 1992.
The Name Change Everyone Is Talking About
It happened fast. In late 2025, a massive 10-year naming rights deal worth about $115 million was inked. This shifted the identity of the arena from the Footprint Center to the Mortgage Matchup Center. It’s kind of a family affair, too. Mat Ishbia, who owns both the Suns and the Mercury, is also the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage.
Naming rights are basically just business, but for fans, it means updating your GPS. If you’re searching for "where do the Phoenix Mercury play" and seeing different names pop up on old blogs, don’t stress. It's the same iconic building on the corner of 1st Street and Jefferson.
Why This Arena Is Different for the WNBA
Most people don't realize how much the Mercury actually run this building. While they share the space with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the Mercury have a legacy here that rivals any men's team. They were one of the original eight franchises from 1997. They've hung three championship banners (2007, 2009, 2014) from these rafters.
The atmosphere? It’s electric.
The "X-Factor"—that’s what the team calls its fanbase—is notoriously loud. Because the arena was designed with a relatively tight bowl, the sound bounces off the floor and hits the ceiling in a way that makes 10,000 people sound like 50,000. It’s a literal wall of noise.
Technical Specs of the Mortgage Matchup Center
For the gearheads and stadium nerds, here’s the breakdown of what the building actually offers during a Mercury home stand:
- Basketball Capacity: It holds roughly 18,422 fans for a full-house game.
- The Modernization: A massive $230 million renovation recently wrapped up. They overhauled the telescopic seating systems (the "risers") so the transition between concerts and basketball is seamless.
- The Scoreboard: You can't miss the 7,000-square-foot LED video board. It’s one of the largest in the league, ensuring you see every Diana Taurasi three-pointer or Brittney Griner block in terrifyingly high definition.
Getting There Without the Headache
Downtown Phoenix is a bit of a maze during game nights. If you’re driving, the arena has an attached 700-space garage, but that fills up with suite holders and VIPs before you can even find your blinker.
The Jefferson Street Garage next door is a better bet. It has about 1,450 spots.
But honestly? Just take the light rail.
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The Valley Metro Light Rail has a deal called "RailRide." Basically, your Mercury game ticket acts as your transit pass. You ride for free. No fighting for $40 parking spots. No sitting in traffic on I-10. Just hop off at the 3rd Street/Washington or 3rd Street/Jefferson stops, and you’re basically at the front door.
The New $100 Million Secret
While they play their games at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Mercury actually live a few blocks away.
In 2024, the team opened a dedicated, state-of-the-art practice facility in the Warehouse District. It’s a 58,000-square-foot beast. We're talking 24/7 access for players, two full-sized courts named after Diana Taurasi, and even a private chef.
Why does this matter for fans? Because it shows the team isn't just a tenant in the Suns' building anymore. They have their own home base, which keeps the players in peak condition for those home games downtown.
Survival Tips for Your First Mercury Game
If you’ve never been, there are a few "unwritten rules" for the Mortgage Matchup Center:
- The Bag Policy is Strict: Don't bring a backpack. They’ll make you walk all the way back to your car or pay for a locker. Small clutches only.
- Arrive Early for the Plaza: The Fry’s Way plaza outside the arena usually has pre-game festivities. It’s the best place to catch the vibe before the doors open.
- Download the App: Everything is digital. Your tickets, your food orders, the map—it’s all in the Phoenix Mercury or Suns app. Paper tickets are basically fossils at this point.
The Mercury are more than just a sports team in Phoenix; they're a cornerstone of the downtown culture. Whether the building is called Footprint or Mortgage Matchup, the energy remains the same.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Schedule: Visit the official WNBA site or the Mercury team page to see the 2026 home stand dates.
- Verify the Transit: If you're using RailRide, make sure you have your digital ticket ready on your phone before you board the light rail.
- Pre-Book Parking: Use the Mortgage Matchup Center’s website to prepay for the Jefferson Street Garage if you absolutely must drive; it’s usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
- Explore the District: Plan to eat at one of the spots in CityScape or near the arena (like The Arrogant Butcher) at least two hours before tip-off to avoid the rush.