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Love the Phoenix Suns? Plan Your Visit to Footprint Center 

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  • Celine Jerly
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Could it be this season – will the Suns make a bid for the title? If they do, we’ll watch history unfold on the court. So, let’s help you get ready for the next Phoenix Suns game at home. Take a quick look at the team’s record, upcoming schedule, tickets, and Footprint Center parking tips.  

Phoenix is home to four major league teams. While the other three – Diamondbacks, Cardinals, and Cayotes – represent the state, Phoenix Suns is the only team to carry the city in their name. Arizona NBA franchise was founded as an expansion team in 1968 and is entering its 55th season in the league. 

Also read: All You Need to Know About NBA 2022-23 Season

The Suns are the only Western Conference Pacific Division team not based in California. While it complicates travel plans, their recent road record is better than any other team’s home record. Meanwhile, the home court advantage remains strong with a 32-9 finish last season. But what’s more exciting is the growing fanbase! Though they are yet to win a championship title, the Phoenix Suns are seeing a steady uptick in social media followers, and the trend translates into fans on the stands too. 

Check out the latest Phoenix Suns news and updates here 

get affordable gameday parking near Phoenix Suns arena on Way.com Book now

Just getting to know the Phoenix Suns? Before heading to your first home game at Footprint center, here’s all you must know: 

Phoenix Suns in the NBA: 1968 – Present 

After failing to make their mark during the early days, Phoenix Suns’ first breakthrough came only in 1976 with a finals berth. However, the team’s Game 5 loss to the Celtics (128-126) was one of the biggest upsets in league history. Scandals marred the following seasons, and the Suns mostly remained in the shadows until the 90s. 

In 1992, the team moved to its current downtown arena. Phoenix Suns advanced to the ’93 NBA Finals with Charles Barkley on the roster. Although they set a franchise record of 62 wins, the Suns eventually lost to the Bulls. From regular title contenders with back-to-back playoff appearances, the team fell into an “average era” before bouncing back with their renowned dynamic offense in the mid-2000s.  

via GIPHY

In the last two decades, the ups and downs continued. While they managed to clinch top two conference placements twice, the Suns also failed to make it to the playoffs ten seasons in a row. The tide started turning once the Devin Booker era began in 2015, but not without struggle. 2020 brought in a playoff berth and the second-best record in the league (51-21). However, the Phoenix Suns lost their way in the NBA Finals Series again, with 2-4 in favor of the Milwaukee Bucks.  

Last season, the Suns made it to the top of the conference table and set a franchise record for most wins. But their championships hopes were quashed once again after a semi-final loss to the Mavericks. The Phoenix Suns currently have the second highest winning percentage among teams yet to win the championship. Meanwhile, they have racked up eight Division titles and three conference titles. 

When is the next game on the Phoenix Suns schedule? 

Pre-season begins at Footprint Center on October 02, 2022, with a game against Adelaide 36ers. Then, the Lakers will host the Suns on October 05, followed by the Denver Nuggets on Oct 10. Finally, the Sacramento Kings arrive in Phoenix on October 12. 

Phoenix Suns’ 2022-23 regular season begins on October 19 with a home game against the Dallas Mavericks. They’ll then face the defending champions, Golden State Warriors, at the Footprint Center on October 25. Five more home games follow, until the next away game on November 7, against the Philadelphia 76ers.  

See the full schedule for upcoming Phoenix Suns games here. 

Who are the most notable Phoenix Suns players? 

The Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor has ten players: 

  • Dick Van Arsdale 
  • Walter Davis 
  • Kevin Johnson 
  • Steve Nash 
  • Tom Chambers 
  • Dan Majerle 
  • Charles Barkley 
  • Alvan Adams 
  • Connie Hawkins 
  • Paul Westphal 

Arsdale, Adams, and Westphal brought the Suns’ initial success in the 70s. Meanwhile, Johnson, Chambers, Majerle, and Barkley are the franchise’s most-accomplished players from the 90s. Next, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, and Amar’e Stoudemire took the reins. And finally, the Suns have Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson on the roster to continue their championship pursuit.  

Click here for the Phoenix Suns Roster for the 2022-23 season  

via GIPHY

Who is the Phoenix Suns’ coach this season? 

Former NBA player Monty Williams is the Phoenix Suns’ current head coach. He led them to their first finals appearance since 1993 and was recently named “NBA Coach of the Year” after the Suns set their 64-wins franchise record in 2022. Williams formerly coached the New Orleans Pelicans from 2010 to 2015.  

James “Champ” Jones is the Suns’ General Manager. As a former player, he has played 14 NBA seasons and won three championships – two with Miami Heat and one with Cleveland Cavaliers.  

What was the Phoenix Suns’ record in the last season? 

Phoenix Suns finished their 2022-22 NBA season with a 64-18 (.780) win-loss record from 82 games. It is also a franchise record, beating their 62 wins in the 1992-93 and 2004-05 seasons.  

The Suns began the season as defending Conference champions, vying for a finals berth for a second consecutive year. They beat the Pelicans in six playoff games in the first round but later lost seven to the Mavericks and bowed out of the contest before the finals.  

Do the Suns have a new uniform? 

Phoenix Suns have brought back their classic rising sunburst unis to mark the 30th anniversary of their historic 1992-93 season in the NBA. They’ll wear it throughout the 2022-23 season and host “90s nights” for the fans. In addition, the upcoming season is the franchise’s 30th anniversary at the Footprint Center. Find out more about the new uniforms here. 

Purple, Orange, Yellow, Black, and Gray are the official colors of the Phoenix Suns. The team has four uniforms, apart from the new 30th-Anniversary kit. 

  • The white Association uniforms have an orange sun logo and purple numbers 
  • Icon uniforms are primarily purple with orange numbers and “Phoenix” in grey 
  • Suns’ secondary color – orange – is used for the Statement uniforms. It also has a ‘Streaking Sun’; logo on the front, the numbers are white, and the beltline has “PHX.” 
  • The beltline of all three uniforms has the ‘Streaking Sun’ logo 
  • Additionally, the team also introduces a City uniform annually 

You can shop for the team merchandise online or visit the Phoenix Suns store at Footprint Center. It is open from Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The store closes five hours before the tip-off during Suns games and other events at the arena.  

via GIPHY

Why is the Phoenix Suns mascot a gorilla? 

Suns fans weren’t thrilled about a Sunflower mascot, while the gorilla was instantly accepted when he first appeared in 1979. It wasn’t the team’s idea, but Go became one of the most famous NBA mascots. 

Phoenix Suns did not have an official mascot for 11 seasons until Go happened purely by chance. So, the story goes: Henry Rojas, who worked part-time for a singing telegram service, came to a Suns game dressed in a gorilla costume. During a timeout, the arena security requested him to show off his moves under the basket, and he did. The fans loved it, and Rojas kept returning in the same costume until he received an official invitation to join the team.  

Where did the Suns play before 1992? 

Before the Footprint Center opened in 1992, the Phoenix Suns played their home games at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. It was called the ‘Madhouse on McDowell’ by fans and media, after the street outside the arena.  

The multi-purpose indoor arena, located northwest of downtown Phoenix, hosted the Suns for 24 seasons. The Coliseum was the 1975 NBA All-Star Game venue, and the Celtics won their 1976 NBA championships under this roof.  

Why is it called the Footprint Center? 

Phoenix Suns arena wasn’t always called the Footprint Center. It opened as the America West Arena in 1992. Since then, it has also been called US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, and Phoenix Suns Arena, with changes in naming rights.  

The Purple Palace is another popular name, referring to the arena’s purple seats that reflect the Suns’ official color. In July 2021, Phoenix Suns announced that Footprint – a Gilbert-based material science company – has secured their arena’s naming rights. 

via GIPHY

How much do Phoenix Suns tickets cost? 

According to SeatGeek, on average, Phoenix Suns tickets for the 2022-23 season cost $72. You’ll find tickets for as low as $13 – $16, but not for all games. Remember, NBA ticket rates vary as per the popularity of the team and other factors. For example, the cheapest tickets for the upcoming Suns vs. Warriors game at Footprint Center are $120. Of course, you’ll have to pay more for premium seating and add-ons like on-site parking.  

Check out single-game ticket rates here and find out more about Phoenix Suns season tickets here.  

How to reach Footprint Center for Suns games

Phoenix Suns’ arena is only one block away from Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, at the corner of E Jefferson and 1st Street. You can drive, rideshare, or take the Valley Metro light rail to the arena on game days.  

Take the I-10 or I-17 to reach the Footprint Center. Then, use the map below to plan your route to the next Phoenix Suns game: 

The closest Valley Metro Rail stations are 3rd Street/Jefferson station and 3rd Street/Washington station – together known as the Convention Center/Ballpark/Arena. It’s less than a five-minute walk from both stations to the arena. In addition, game/event ticket holders can ride the metro for free on gameday under the Rail Ride Event program. Driving in from another city? Find cheaper parking in Phoenix for the day and take the metro to the arena for a hassle-free experience. 

Get more details about public transit and driving directions here. 

Remember that the Phoenix Suns’ arena is in a busy neighborhood, with another major event venue within walking distance. If there are simultaneous events at Chase Field and Footprint Center, traffic and parking could get hectic. Footprint Center gates open 1.5 hours before the game begins; plan your arrival accordingly to avoid last-minute hassles.  

Is there on-site parking at the Footprint Center? 

The Footprint Center garage has around 700 parking spaces, including 31 ADA spots. The garage is to the arena’s west side; you can use the Madison and 1st Street entrance. However, this facility’s day-of-game parking is extremely limited, as most spots are pre-sold to premium seat and suite ticket holders. If available, all general parking spots – both standard and ADA – are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Additional gameday parking is at nearby parking facilities like the Jefferson Street Garage and Chase Field Garage. There are 1450 parking spaces at the six-story Jefferson Street garage. However, these spots are also pre-bookable online, and there’s no guarantee you’ll find a Phoenix Suns parking spot just before the game. There are plenty of other garages around the arena, but due to the surging demand, your best option is to book a spot in advance to save time and money.  

How much does Suns game parking cost? 

Prices vary from game to game. However, it costs around $25 at the Footprint Center garage and $15-$35 at other parking facilities nearby when you pre-book your spot online.  

The on-site Footprint Center garage typically opens only a few hours before the game. So, book an all-day parking space if you plan to arrive early and explore the neighborhood before or after the game. Downtown Phoenix has plenty of affordable garages nearby, and it will cost only $20 (up to 24 hours) using a parking app.  

Check out the best deals on Way.com for Phoenix Suns game day parking for as low as $5/day! 


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