Phoenix Suns
Updated: Aug 30
Phoenix Suns Travel Guide: Mortgage Matchup Center
How to Get There
Flying In: You will fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). It is located incredibly close to the downtown core and is a massive hub for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, making direct flights highly accessible.
Airport Transit: Because the airport is just four miles away, a quick rideshare is very efficient. You can also take the PHX Sky Train from the terminals to the 44th St/Washington station and transfer directly to the Valley Metro Rail, which will take you straight into downtown.
Where to Stay
Mortgage Matchup Center is located right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Staying in the immediate downtown footprint gives you fantastic, traffic-free walkability to the arena, Chase Field, and the CityScape entertainment complex.
Budget/Mid-Range Options
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Downtown: Located just a short walk from the arena, this modern property provides a free hot breakfast and a very comfortable stay right in the city center. It typically requires 9,000 to 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown: Situated slightly further north near the Arizona State University downtown campus, this is a highly reliable option that includes complimentary breakfast and easy walkability. Redemptions generally range from 30,000 to 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Higher-End Options
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix: You cannot beat this location. This luxury boutique hotel is located directly in the CityScape complex, literally steps from the Mortgage Matchup Center plaza. It features the fantastic Eden Rooftop Bar and upscale, desert-chic design. Expect to use 40,000 to 60,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel: Located just a few blocks away, this 4-star hotel blends the amenities of a large convention hotel with the stylish feel of a boutique property. It features excellent on-site dining (Dust Cutter) and generally requires 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Nearby Activities
Roosevelt Row: Located just a short walk or light rail ride north of the arena, this highly walkable arts district is packed with incredible street art, local boutiques, and excellent craft breweries.
Heritage Square: Visit the only remaining group of residential structures from the original townsite of Phoenix. It features stunning Victorian architecture and is home to Pizzeria Bianco, widely considered one of the best pizza spots in the United States.
Pregame Food and Drink
Majerle's Sports Grill: Established in 1992 by Suns legend Dan Majerle, this massive sports bar is the absolute undisputed epicenter of the Suns pregame scene. Located just a few blocks from the arena, it gets packed with jerseys and offers classic American pub food.
Crown Public House: Nestled directly between Chase Field and Mortgage Matchup Center, this British-style pub is perfectly positioned for a pregame stop. It features a large draft list, plenty of screens, and a fantastic outdoor patio.
The Arrogant Butcher: Located right in the CityScape complex across from the arena, this is the premier high-end pregame spot. It features an excellent raw bar, great steaks, and perfectly crafted cocktails.
Getting to the Event
Walking: If you secure a hotel in the downtown core, walking is absolutely the best way to get to the game. Downtown Phoenix features wide sidewalks and fantastic winter weather during the NBA season.
Valley Metro Rail: The light rail runs straight through downtown on Washington and Jefferson Streets. The 3rd St/Washington and 3rd St/Jefferson stations drop you off directly in front of the Mortgage Matchup Center plaza.
Driving: If you choose to drive from the suburbs, you will want to pre-purchase a parking pass for the massive Jefferson Street Garage, which is located directly adjacent to the arena and connects to the plaza.
Where to Sit at Mortgage Matchup Center
The Suns Bench: The home team sits in front of Section 101.
Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Section 103, which sits directly behind the visitor's bench.
The Premium Club Experience: Look for seats in the lower sideline sections that grant access to the Annexus Social Club or the Dos Equis Beer Garden. These exclusive spaces offer high-end, all-inclusive culinary stations and premium bars right off the lower concourse.
The Sweet Spot: To get great lower-bowl energy without the massive center-court premium club prices, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 105, 111, 117, or 123.
The Budget Seats: The 200-level provides the most affordable tickets. To ensure the best value and a perfect center-court perspective while avoiding the highest rows, aim for the lower rows of Sections 201, 202, 216, or 217.
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