Phoenix is hot. That’s not a secret. But inside a specific glass-and-steel oasis in the heart of downtown, things get even more intense when the purple and orange lights hit the hardwood. If you’re asking where do the suns play basketball, the short answer is Footprint Center.
It hasn't always been called that. Not even close. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the Valley, you might still accidentally call it America West Arena or US Airways Center. Some locals still slip up and say Talking Stick Resort Arena. Honestly, the naming rights change so often it feels like a seasonal rotation, but the location remains the same: 201 East Jefferson Street. This is the epicenter of Arizona hoops, a place where Charles Barkley once dominated and where Kevin Durant now pulls up from the elbow.
The Heart of Downtown: Footprint Center
The Suns play their home games at Footprint Center, a multipurpose arena that sits right in the middle of a revitalized downtown Phoenix. It’s right across the street from Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks play, making that few-block radius the undisputed headquarters for Arizona sports fans.
Walking into the arena today feels vastly different than it did even five years ago. A massive $230 million renovation—often dubbed the "Project 201" transformation—wrapped up recently, and it basically gutted the old, dark interior to create something that feels way more "Phoenix." Think open air, massive LED screens, and a bar that literally looks out onto the street.
The Suns aren't the only ones there, though. You’ve got the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA sharing the court, which is why the building is often referred to as "The Madhouse on Central." It’s got a personality. It isn't just a corporate box.
A Quick History of the Venue Names
It's kinda confusing to keep track, so let's look at the timeline of what this place has been called since it opened in 1992:
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- America West Arena (1992–2006): The classic era. This is where the 1993 Finals happened.
- US Airways Center (2006–2015): The "Seven Seconds or Less" era with Steve Nash.
- Talking Stick Resort Arena (2015–2020): A bridge period before the big makeover.
- PHX Arena / Phoenix Suns Arena (2020–2021): The weird COVID-19 gap where naming rights were in limbo.
- Footprint Center (2021–Present): Named after a local material science company focused on sustainability.
What It’s Like Inside During a Game
The atmosphere is electric, especially now that the team is a perennial contender. When the house lights go down and the fire-shooting pillars on the baskets ignite during player introductions, the heat is literal.
The seating capacity for basketball is around 17,071. That’s actually a bit smaller than some of the newer "megaliths" in the NBA, but that’s a good thing. It feels tighter. Louder. You’re closer to the action than you would be at the United Center in Chicago or Crypto.com Arena in LA.
If you're heading there, you should know about the Footprint Center’s "Sustainability Pavilion." Since Footprint is a company that makes plant-based alternatives to plastic, the arena tries to be the greenest in the world. You won’t find a lot of single-use plastics. It’s all compostable stuff. It’s a bit weird eating nachos out of a refined fiber boat at first, but you get used to it.
How to Get to Where the Suns Play
Parking in downtown Phoenix is, frankly, a bit of a nightmare if you don't have a plan. Because the arena is so central, the traffic on Jefferson and Washington Streets becomes a parking lot about an hour before tip-off.
- The Light Rail: This is the pro move. If you have a ticket to the game, your ride on the Valley Metro Light Rail is usually free. There’s a station literally steps from the front door.
- Parking Garages: There’s a dedicated garage attached to the arena, but it’s usually reserved for suite holders and VIPs. You’ll likely end up in the Jefferson Street Garage or one of the private lots nearby. Be prepared to drop $20 to $50 depending on who the Suns are playing.
- Rideshare: There is a designated zone for Uber and Lyft, but good luck finding your driver in the post-game swarm. Walk a few blocks north toward Monroe Street before calling your car; you'll save twenty minutes of idling.
Where Did They Play Before?
You can't talk about where do the suns play basketball without mentioning the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. That’s the "Original" Madhouse on Central.
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The Suns played there from their inception in 1968 until 1992. It’s located on the state fairgrounds. If you’ve ever been to the Arizona State Fair, you’ve seen it—the building with the saddle-shaped roof. It didn't have air conditioning that could keep up with the Phoenix heat in the early days, and legends tell stories of the floors getting slippery from the humidity. It was gritty. It was iconic. But compared to the luxury of Footprint Center, it was a different world entirely.
The move downtown in '92 changed the franchise. It turned the Suns from a local attraction into a major NBA powerhouse.
Best Places to Eat Near the Arena
Honestly, stadium food is stadium food. It’s expensive. But because of where the Suns play, you have some of the best food in the Southwest within a ten-minute walk.
Pizzeria Bianco is a few blocks away at Heritage Square. Chris Bianco is a legend, and his pizza is often cited as the best in America. You’ll need a reservation weeks in advance, though. If you want something faster, Chico Malo or Blanco Cocina + Cantina are right there for tacos and margaritas.
Inside the arena, the "Fan Fuel" stations are the go-to for standard fare, but they also have local favorites like Wetzel’s Pretzels and various artisanal taco stands. Just remember: it’s a cashless venue. Don’t show up with a pocket full of twenties expecting to buy a jersey. Bring your card or use your phone.
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Security and Bag Policy
Don't bring a backpack. Seriously. Footprint Center has a very strict bag policy.
Only very small clutches (about the size of your hand) are allowed. If you bring a big bag, you’ll have to pay to put it in a locker outside the arena, which is a hassle you don't want. They use those high-tech scanners where you don't have to take everything out of your pockets, which makes the line move fast, but they are sticklers for the bag size.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to see the Suns play in person, don't just wing it.
- Download the Suns App: Your tickets will be digital. The app also has a map of the arena which is helpful because the layout can be a bit of a maze after the renovations.
- Arrive 60 Minutes Early: If you want to see the players warm up, this is the window. Watching Kevin Durant go through his shooting routine is worth the price of admission alone.
- Check the Weather: Even though the arena is indoors, the plaza outside is where a lot of the pre-game festivities happen. If it’s July and you're seeing the Mercury, it's 110 degrees. If it’s January for the Suns, it can actually get chilly once the sun goes down.
- Book Your Ride Early: If you're using the Light Rail, check the schedule for the last train. It usually runs late enough for games, but if a game goes into double overtime, you’ll want to be sure.
The Footprint Center is more than just a gym. It’s the heart of the city’s sports culture. Whether you’re there for the high-octane offense or just the vibe of downtown Phoenix, knowing the ins and outs of the venue makes the experience a whole lot better.