Happy Fourth of July Week, Downtowners!
Whether you’re looking for ways to unwind this holiday weekend or simply some diversions to make it through the rest of the work week, here are just a few of the options available here in Downtown Phoenix.
World Wrestling Entertainment returns to US Airways Center tonight with Smackdown. See all your favorite WWE Superstars, including Edge, Kofi Kingston, Kane, The Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Kelly Kelly and more! Drop-kickoff is at 6:45 p.m.
Head over to Stand Up Live’s Comedy Showcase on Wednesday to see six of the area’s hottest comedians, plus a featured headlining act. The 21-over showcase is hosted by Jill Bryan and a two-drink minimum is required. Free parking for this 8 p.m. show. Call 480-719-6100.
NKOTBSBThat’s New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, for the layperson. These boy band legends are still hanging tough and have nearly sold out US Airways Center for Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. concert. For tickets visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.
Under rehearsed and overdramatic, this live singing troupe is taking the Valley by storm (think tornado or heavy hail) and will play Herberger Theater Center Thursday – Sunday for the insanely low price of $10. Showtimes vary. For more information visit herbergertheater.org or call 602-254-0800.
Social Media Day PHXThe community that tweets together stays together. Visit District American Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown this Thursday from 6-9 p.m. for Social Media Day PHX where Phoenix’s smart phone-toting class will converge to celebrate technology and *physically* interact with one another while learning about local business. The first 500 attendees will receive a SWAG bag full of goodies from event sponsors. Where do you find out more and RSVP? Facebook, duh.
First Friday
First Friday brings a wide variety of family friendly activities to Downtown, including Target Free First Friday at Phoenix Children’s Museum, First Friday at Civic Space Park, ArtLink First Friday, First Friday Latino Style at ALAC, First Friday Artwalk at Heritage Square and Adult’s Night Out at Arizona Science Center.
Now through Sept. 5, all military personnel and their families receive FREE admission to Downtown cultural attractions like Rosson House Museum, Arizona Science Center and the Heard Museum. Click the link for details.
I can’t think of a better way to end this post. God bless America and all of those who protect our freedom and secure our borders. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Want more? You can download our handy What’s Happening guide each and every Monday.
The Diamondbacks have generously offered discounted group tickets for the 
Watch the Diamondbacks take on the Reds on Opening Day this Friday at Chase Field by purchasing special 2-for-1 tickets available only for Opening Day!
Friday, April 8
Saturday, April 9
The local media was abuzz this week with two announcements regarding Downtown signage and advertising. The Diamondbacks and Suns are partnering to form the Legends Entertainment District designed to enliven Jefferson Street in time for the MLB All-Star Game. Plans call for the installation of four and five story electronic billboards on the US Airways Center, Chase Field and the Jefferson Street Parking Garage located between Third and Fourth streets in between the two sports venues. The new signage district includes other Downtown landmarks such as the Luhrs Complex, CityScape and the Phoenix Convention Center. City officials hope the increased signage will help to engage sports fans and Downtown visitors, encouraging them to spend more time (and money) in the area. For more information please visit: 
First things first, our very own 
The Phoenix Symphony performs one of the most popular pieces of the 20th Century, 
Hot dogs and baseball
So on behalf of moms everywhere, I’d like to suggest giving her the one thing she wants most on Mother’s Day: some time and attention. You’ll find lots of options in Downtown Phoenix that will get her way more jazzed than that card you have your eye on.
The Suns continue their march to the Finals by hosting the arch-rival Spurs in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at US Airways Center. No tickets for tonight’s Game 1? No problem! Head over to 
Gonzo, All Stars On Parade July 12
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011By now you’re more than likely aware that there’s a big baseball game being played in Downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, July 12.
But did you know that your best chance to get close to your favorite players–including lone Diamondbacks representative Justin Upton–happens hours before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. first pitch?
From Noon to 1 p.m., the National League and American League All-Stars will be paraded to Chase Field during the 7th Annual All-Star Red Carpet Show that will air on MLB Network.
Locals and tourists are invited to watch the procession of All-Stars to the 82nd Midsummer Classic as they make their way down approximately 1,750 feet of red carpet, stretching one-third of a mile from the corner of First Street and Jefferson Street down Fourth Street, and ending at Chase Field. MLB All-Star Ambassador Luis Gonzalez, whose hit in Game 7 gave the D-backs a world championship 10 years ago, will ride in the lead vehicle as Grand Marshal.
To combat the heat, the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors will be passing out free bottles of water and a cooling station at 3rd Street and Washington will mist fans.
The Red Carpet Show will feature all the All-Stars riding Chevrolet Silverados. In addition, NL manager Bruce Bochy from the Giants and AL manager Ron Washington from the Rangers will lead their teams down the carpet in Chevrolet Camaro convertibles. MLB Network personalities Greg Amsinger, Hazel Mae and Harold Reynolds will host the event’s national telecast.
For a complete list of All-Star Game activities visit the game’s official site.
METRO LIGHT RAIL NOTE: During the MLB All-Star Red Carpet, from 12 – 1:30 p.m., METRO will transition from 12 to 20-minute service. Riders traveling eastbound to attend this event should disembark at the 1st Ave./Jefferson station; the 3rd St./Jefferson station will be closed. It will re-open immediately following this event. Riders are encouraged to buy an all-day or multi-day pass for unlimited rides in the purchased time period. Validate the pass with your first ride and keep the pass on you in the event of fare inspection. Riders are also advised to expect crowds on board, at park-and-rides and at fare vending machines. Please be patient and plan ahead.
Tags: All Star Game, Arizona Diamondbacks, downtown phoenix, Justin Upton, MLB Network
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