Basketball season is back in Arizona! With the Phoenix Suns and ASU Sun Devils hitting the court this fall, it’s time to start planning your next game day. Catch the action, check out nearby spots to eat and drink, and find a GoodNight Stay to make a weekend of it. With games running through early spring, there are plenty of opportunities to cheer on your team and experience the best of Arizona along the way.
Phoenix Suns Basketball Season 2026–27
Nothing beats a Suns night in downtown Phoenix. The arena sits in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, rooftop bars, and sports pubs, so the energy starts well before tip-off and lasts long after the final buzzer. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or catching your first NBA game, a night at Mortgage Matchup Center (formerly known as Footprint Center) is one of the best ways to experience the city.
Home Games
Best games are the home opener (Oct 24), the Lakers matinee (Nov 15), the Thanksgiving-weekend Mavericks game (Nov 27), and the New Year’s Eve Knicks game (Dec 31), all of which line up naturally with a weekend or holiday trip.
- Oct 24, 2026: Golden State Warriors, 7:00 PM (home opener)
- Oct 30, 2026: Denver Nuggets, 7:00 PM (NBA Cup group stage)
- Nov 4, 2026: Portland Trail Blazers, 7:00 PM (Día de los Muertos night)
- Nov 5, 2026: Orlando Magic, 7:00 PM
- Nov 7, 2026: Houston Rockets, 7:00 PM
- Nov 9, 2026: San Antonio Spurs, 7:00 PM
- Nov 10, 2026: LA Clippers, 7:00 PM
- Nov 12, 2026: Charlotte Hornets, 7:00 PM
- Nov 15, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers, 2:00 PM (afternoon game)
- Nov 27, 2026: Dallas Mavericks, 7:00 PM (NBA Cup group stage, Thanksgiving weekend)
- Dec 1, 2026: LA Clippers, 7:00 PM
- Dec 2, 2026: Sacramento Kings, 7:00 PM
- Dec 12, 2026: Minnesota Timberwolves, 7:00 PM
- Dec 14, 2026: Atlanta Hawks, 7:00 PM
- Dec 23, 2026: Indiana Pacers, 7:00 PM (holiday week)
- Dec 28, 2026: Golden State Warriors, 7:00 PM
- Dec 30, 2026: Philadelphia 76ers, 7:00 PM
- Dec 31, 2026: New York Knicks, 7:00 PM (New Year’s Eve)
- Jan 2, 2027: Sacramento Kings, 7:00 PM
- Jan 4, 2027: Boston Celtics, 7:00 PM
Cheap Suns Tickets and Food: Suns Night Out and the $2 Value Menu
One of the best-value ways to see the Suns is the Suns Night Out package, which includes a ticket, arena credit, and Lyft credit. Packages are offered for Friday and select weeknight games.
Suns Night Out packages include:
- Upper-level seats: Starting at $50 per ticket
- Lower-level seats: Starting at $115 per ticket
- $20 arena credit: Included with both levels, good for concessions or merchandise
- $20 Lyft credit: Included with both levels, while supplies last
Save on Food With the $2 Value Menu
Once you’re inside, the arena’s value menu offers seven food and drink items at $2 each at concession stands during Suns home games. A hot dog, chips, popcorn, soda, and water add up to just $10, while all seven items total $14.
Pair a Suns Night Out ticket with the value menu, and a family of four can eat, drink, and get a ride for far less than a typical NBA night out.
What to Know Before a Suns Game: Parking, Bags, and Timing
A little planning goes a long way toward making your Suns game night run smoothly. Knowing the easiest way to get to the arena, what you can bring inside, and when to arrive helps you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time getting ready for tip-off.
Getting There by Light Rail: The Valley Metro Light Rail is the easiest way to skip traffic and pricey parking. Get off at the 3rd St. and Washington or 3rd St. and Jefferson stations, which drop you right at the arena. An all-day pass costs about $4.
Driving & Parking: Parking garages sit north of the arena, some connected by pedestrian bridges, with fenced surface lots to the south. Book ahead on apps like ParkWhiz, or park at CityScape, where nearby restaurants offer parking validation.
When to Arrive: Doors open 1.5 hours before tip-off. Arriving 1.5 to 2 hours early gives you time to park, eat nearby, and watch warm-ups from the lower bowl.
Bag Policy: The arena enforces a strict bag policy. Bring a single-compartment bag or a small purse. Large backpacks and multi-compartment bags are generally not allowed, so leave them in the car or your room.
Best Bars to Watch the Suns in Downtown Phoenix
For the full Suns experience, start at Majerle’s Sports Grill, the downtown bar founded by Suns Ring of Honor legend Dan Majerle. Every spot below is within walking distance of the arena, so you can grab a pre-game drink and stroll to your seat, or keep celebrating after the final buzzer.
24 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ
Opened in 1992 by “Thunder Dan” himself, this is the closest thing downtown has to a Suns landmark. The walls are covered in basketball memorabilia, and it has been the pre- and post-game hangout for Suns fans for more than three decades.
333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ
Right next to the arena, Crown fills up fast before tip-off. It’s the easiest place to grab a drink and walk straight to the doors.
3 S 2nd St, Suite 117, Phoenix, AZ
No ticket? No problem. Across the street from the arena, this massive sports bar shows every Suns game on a wall of screens with big sound, and it hosts special fan-club events during the season.
FanDuel / PHX Lounge and Hornito’s Tequila Bar (inside the arena)
201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ
These lounges and corner bars are built right into the arena concourses. You’ll need a game ticket or season membership to get in, but they’re a great way to upgrade your night without leaving the building. The arena also has ultra-private, member-only dining clubs for fans who want a VIP night out.
Arizona State Sun Devils 2026–27 Season
College basketball in Tempe has a feel all its own. Game nights start on Mill Avenue, where fans fill the patios and sports bars in maroon and gold, then make their way to Desert Financial Arena for a loud, close-to-the-court atmosphere. It’s an affordable, high-energy night out, whether you’re an ASU alum, a local, or a visitor who just wants to catch a game.
Home Games
The biggest date to circle is ASU’s rivalry game against Arizona on February 13.
- Nov 2, 2026: East Tennessee State, 8:00 PM
- Nov 6, 2026: Northern Colorado, 7:00 PM
- Nov 10, 2026: Hofstra, 7:00 PM
- Nov 13, 2026: ULM, 7:00 PM
- Nov 18, 2026: Oakland, 7:00 PM
- Nov 30, 2026: Montana, 7:00 PM
- Dec 8, 2026: Mercer, 8:00 PM
- Dec 20, 2026: San Diego, 5:00 PM
- Dec 23, 2026: Idaho, 6:00 PM
- Dec 29, 2026: Southern Illinois, 7:00 PM
- Jan 2, 2027: BYU, 8:00 PM, Big 12
- Jan 9, 2027: UCF, 2:00 PM, Big 12
- Jan 19, 2027: Kansas State, 6:00 PM, Big 12
- Jan 23, 2027: Houston, 6:00 PM, Big 12
- Feb 6, 2027: TCU, 5:00 PM, Big 12
- Feb 13, 2027: Arizona, 6:00 PM, Big 12
- Feb 19, 2027: Iowa State, 8:00 PM, Big 12
- Feb 23, 2027: Utah, 9:00 PM, Big 12
- Mar 2, 2027: Baylor, 8:30 PM, Big 12
A New Era for the Sun Devils
This could be a turning-point season for Arizona State, with a new head coach, a top-15 transfer class, and early projections putting the Sun Devils on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
- New head coach Randy Bennett: The Randy Bennett era brings a reputation for disciplined teams that execute in conference play.
- A top transfer portal class: ASU’s transfer class ranks 11th nationally and is the best in the Big 12 among teams with new coaches. Names to know include Paulius Murauskas (from Saint Mary’s), Emmanuel Innocenti (from Gonzaga), and Bryce Ford (from Toledo).
What to Know Before an ASU Game: Transit, Bags, and Traditions
Public transit is the least stressful way to reach Desert Financial Arena, because traffic around campus backs up fast on game nights.
Valley Metro Light Rail: Get off at the Veterans Way/College Ave station and walk about 6 minutes north to the arena. A single ride is $2, and an all-day pass is $4.
Free Park-and-Ride lots: Many locals park for free at a Valley Metro Park-and-Ride lot, such as Apache Blvd & Loop 101 or Priest Dr & Washington St, and take the light rail the rest of the way.
Driving: Pay-by-day lots sit right next to the arena, and attendants start directing traffic 3 hours before tip-off. Pay on your phone with ParkMobile or AMP Park.
Clear Bag Policy: Clutch purses must be smaller than 4.5″ x 6.5″, and clear bags can’t be bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
Cashless Arena: Desert Financial Arena doesn’t take cash for food, drinks, or merchandise, so bring a card or phone wallet.
Wear the Right Colors: Join the tradition: wear maroon for Monday games and gold for Friday games.
Best Bars to Watch ASU Basketball on Mill Avenue
Pedal Haus Brewery is the official watch-party spot for Sun Devil basketball, and two more fan favorites sit a block away on Mill Avenue. All three are a short walk or light rail ride from Desert Financial Arena.
730 S Mill Ave, #H102, Tempe, AZ
An official Sun Devil basketball watch-party location in downtown Tempe, with a lively game-day crowd and locally brewed craft beer right on Mill Avenue.
740 S Mill Ave, Suite D-130, Tempe, AZ
Family-owned and known as a true ASU sports hub. Expect a revamped TV setup, big wings, and wallet-friendly deals like $10 pitchers.
690 S Mill Ave, Bldg C, Suite 103, Tempe, AZ
A longtime local favorite for ASU game days, with TVs everywhere, a high-energy crowd, spacious patios, Golden-Style wings, pizza, and beer steins.
Make It a Game Weekend
The best basketball weekends leave room for more than the game. Stay close to the action with a GoodNight Stay, where you can pregame with your crew, head out to cheer on your team, and unwind at your own place afterward. Sleep in the next morning, grab brunch, catch another game, or spend the day out in the Arizona sunshine. Check out the schedules above, pick your matchup, and book your stay for a weekend of basketball and time well spent.
