Posts Tagged ‘Arizona Rattlers’

Rattlers Host ArenaBowl Friday

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Searching for their first Arena Football League championship in 14 years, the Arizona Rattlers will host ArenaBowl XXIV Friday night at 5:30 p.m. at US Airways Center in Downtown Phoenix.

rattlersAnd to insure a sellout crowd against the Jacksonville Sharks, the Rattlers will be giving away FREE upper bowl tickets to the game during a pep rally/food drive to be held at USAC Wednesday afternoon.

Fans who bring one canned food item to the U.S. Airways Center plaza between noon and 8 p.m. on Wednesday will receive one free ticket to Friday’s game. (Fans may make additional donations to receive more tickets, limit of 6.)

The food drive will benefit S. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Rattlers posted the league’s best record at 18-2 (including a season-opening win over the Sharks) to earn the right to host Friday’s ArenaBowl.

Saturday’s semifinal game against the Chicago Rush drew 6,900 fans. Friday’s ArenaBowl will be televised live on NFL Network.

If you’re heading to Friday’s ArenaBowl be sure to check out the 2011 Downtown Dining Guide for cool places to eat and drink before and after the game.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Get Your Fun Fix Before the Fourth

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

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.

WWE Smackdown

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.

Stand Up Live Showcase

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.

NKOTBSBNKOTBSB

That’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.

Musical Mayhem Cabaret

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.

 SMDayPHXSocial Media Day PHX

The 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.

Blue Star Museum Initiative

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Things To Do Downtown May 10-15

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

With Mother Nature gifting us a few extra days of awesome weather before things take a dramatic turn for the sweaty, there’s no better time to venture Downtown for an evening of urban living.

Here’s just a taste of this week’s highlights:

Tuesday May 10 / Karaoke Tuesdays at Majerle’s

Every Tuesday from 8 p.m. to Midnight you can be the star your mom always said you were. Tonight’s recommended song: “My Own Worst Enemy,” by Lit.

Wednesday May 11 / Free Wine Tasting

Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery and Wine Bar, Arizona wines are showcased during a free tasting held in conjunction with the open-air market. This week Pilsbury Wine Company is being featured.

Wednesday May 11- Sunday May 15 / The Mystery of Irma Vep

I’ve talked to several people who attended this show’s Opening Night last weekend and every single one said the quick-change horror story is hilarious. Returning to the Herberger Theater Center by popular demand, Vep is a satire of several theatrical and film genres including Victorian melodrama, farce, and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” starring two lightning-fast actors playing over a dozen different characters (men, women, monsters) who travel from the Moors of England to the tombs of Egypt and back again, encountering several Gothic plot twists along the way. Whew, I ran short on breath just typing that description. For tickets call (602) 256-6995.

Thursday May 12 – Saturday May 14 / Rodney Carrington

Stand Up Live has entertained packed houses during its first two weeks at CityScape and this weekend’s shows star Rodney Carrington, 2009’s fourth-highest grossing touring comic, according to one trade magazine. This gifted comedian/musician is playing 18-over shows Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. for $42.50 plus the standard two-drink mimimum. For tickets call (480) 719-6100.

ChelseaHandlerFriday May 13 / Chelsea Handler

The funny girl host of “Chelsea Lately” and author of four best-selling books, including the recently released ”Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me,” visits Comerica Theatre at 8 p.m. with her comedy team of Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf and Heather McDonald. For tickets call (800) 745-300 or visit livenation.com.

Saturday May 14 / Arizona Rattlers vs. Chicago Rush

The two-time AFL champion Rattlers are off to a great start at 7-1 and sit atop the National Conference West Division. For as low as $5 you can watch the team take on the Rush at US Airways Center at 7 p.m., then after the game head over to Friday’s Front Row for the Official Rattlers Post-Game Party, where fans can meet the players and hang out with the dancers.  For game tickets call (602) 379-2333.  

Sunday May 15 / DOGA

Just Breath, A Wellness Sanctuary, has a way for you and your prize pooch to bond with a $15 yoga class that caters to the dog/master relationship. The class starts at 4 p.m. and for more information call (602) 256-1400.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »

Rattlers, Sex and the Second City Return

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Ever since last year’s The Second City Does Arizona, Or, Close But No Saguaro packed its bags and mosied on down the road, fans have been jonzing for another dose of Second City’s acerbic takes on contemporary life in America. Fortunately for us, the troupe has returned to the Herberger Theater Center for Sex and the Second City Version 2.0, which opens Thursday and runs through March 20. 

Sex and the Second City Version 2.0 is billed as a “look at the perils of love and relationships in the digital age.” No shortage of materials there, and considering this is the same group that produced some of comedy’s biggest stars of the last quarter century–giants like Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert–there promises to be a whole lot of LMAO’ing from the crowd.

To purchase tickets for Sex and the Second City Version 2.0 or other Herberger productions enter visit the venue’s web site here.

Rattlers Return

rattlersThe two-time Arena Football League champion Arizona Rattlers open up their 2011 campaign this Saturday at US Airways Center against the Jacksonville Sharks. If you’ve never attended a Rattlers game you’re missing out on one of the better entertainment values Downtown. The “Snake Pit,” as US Airways Center is affectionately called on game nights, is a mine field for the senses, with body-moving music, dancers, promotions, and non-stop, adrenaline-filled arena football action.

Call the Rattlers at 480-985-3292 for information on full season, partial season and single-game ticket pricing. Or visit the team’s web site here.

Suns In Playoff Push

It’s a big week for the Suns as they try to catch Memphis and New Orleans for one of the Western Conference’s final playoff spots. One of the other teams in that chase, the Houston Rockets, visit US Airways Center tonight and Eastern Conference power Orlando comes calling on Sunday.

Canstruction at CityScape

Downtowner and avid blogger Daisy Anderson sent us this note about Canstruction, happening March 5-12 at CityScape.

canstruction-at-cityscapeHello to my Downtown urban compatriots!  You know how it feels at about 3:00 p.m. when you’re at your desk and your stomach starts to rumble? Of course, you can just go to your favorite desk drawer and dip into a snack stash (Weight Watcher’s bars, Snickers for the “special days,” or “borrow” something from your neighbor’s desk while he or she isn’t looking) to satisfy that urge.  Or you can order pizza delivered for the office and be the big hero of the day!

But what about the people that can’t do that because of  A. Lack of money; B. Lack of money; or C. you get the point! 

Here’s your chance to change that tune and catch a little stardom!  Just go to www.phxcanstruction.com and show your talents.  A can for mankind with your can-do attitude!  Ok, I’m out of bad rhymes, but this is such a great idea and we urban types need to jump on board.  What “Can” you do? Make me proud people!

Thanks Daisy!

Wheels of Britain Car Show

Come to Heritage Square this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for one cracking car show. Jaguar, Lotus, Triumph, Jensen, and Rolls Royce–all your favourite new, vintage and restored European autos will be on display.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

What to Do with Dad

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Of all the birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other gifting occasions on the calendar, Father’s Day is by far the most challenging from a giving perspective. Dads are impossible to buy gifts for because anything they like (rifles, lawnmower blades, tools, TVs, etc.) they will just go out and buy for themselves.

DadSo this Father’s Day, show the old man how much he means to you by taking him out for a good time in Downtown Phoenix. Since men like very few things in this world outside of food and sports let’s stick to those key areas for the purposes of this particular exercise.

Food

Devour awe-inspiring views and a feast fit for a king at the Father’s Day Brunch at Compass American Grill.

Dad’s Eat FREE at 1130 The Restaurant on Sunday with customers getting one free entree with every entree purchased (limit 2 per table).

Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill is a Downtown institution. Brunch is served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a Belgian waffle station and omelettes made to order.

Sunday Brunch at Marston’s Cafe at The Wyndham is one of Downtown’s hidden gems. For $15 dad can eat fresh and local with scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon and sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, steel cut oatmeal, griddle items, pastries, fruit, coffee and juice. Buffet served until noon.

Sports

The Rose & Crown is Downtown’s World Cup headquarters all tournament long and features classic British pub fare as well as a global beer selection. GOAL!

You can take dad over to Hooters at Arizona Center to watch Friday morning’s big USA vs Slovenia match. Enjoy breakfast burritos with hash browns plus $3 Bloody Mary’s, $3 Screwdrivers, and ever-charming table service.

Experience the lightning fast, hard-hitting action of Arena League Football as the Arizona Rattlers take on the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings Friday night at US Airways Center. And I double-dog dare you to say “Boosier-Shreveport BattleWings” five times fast.

The defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury play two home games this weekend with the San Antonio Silverstars visiting US Airways Center on Friday and the upset-minded Connecticut Sun coming in on Sunday.

If dad is a golf fan,  you can take him to Majerle’s Sunday afternoon to watch the final round of the US Open. Or, if he’s more the cerebral type, bring him down to Arizona Science Center where dads get in FREE all day on Sunday. In partnership with Dixon Golf – the official golf ball of Arizona Science Center (yes, they have their own golf ball), the first 500 visitors get a voucher from Dixon Golf for more than $300 in products. Dads and families can also try their hand at a hole in one using one of the Center’s wacky putters made from copper pipes, electrical fuse boxes, thermos cups and granite countertops. Buddy, the T-Rex from PBS’s “Dinosaur Train,” will also be on hand to entertain dad.

Have a fantastic Father’s Day Weekend!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Sports | No Comments »

The Wild Weekend Ahead

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend come Downtown where there’s tons of fun to be had. Here’s a snapshot of events happening in our urban core:

ruthlaravichulesFriday will be packed with First Friday going off in all its spectacle, including what promises to be a huge party at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center [Adams/2nd St.]. The lists of guests is an impressive one with James Garcia presenting his New Carpa Theater, Ruth Vichules [photo, left] singing with guitarist Simon Ames, Ray Rivas live spray painting and Old School Barrio DJ Johnny Lazoya all performing. 

Plus, the Diamondbacks begin a weekend series with the Rockies (including fireworks after Friday’s game), the Mercury take on the Sparks at US Airways Center, and over at Symphony Hall the Phoenix Symphony will pay classical tribute to iconic singer/songwriter John Denver.

Saturday includes Game 2 of Dbacks/Rockies series at Chase Field (first 15K fans get a Diamondbacks batting helmet) while over at US Airways Center the Arizona Rattlers battle the Milwaukee Iron.  Also, extended for another two weeks is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with shows on Saturday and Sunday at Valley Youth Theater. It’s your last chance to see this great performance, so don’t miss out.

bennettThe Arizona Chinese Academy is performing a beautiful mix of spring dances from 10 different Chinese nations, and it looks fascinating. You will most likely find me at this performance. 

Sunday won’t disappoint with another Diamondbacks game and giveaway (first 5K kids get a Mark Reynolds T-shirt), another performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and to finish out the evening, Tony Bennet at the Dodge Theater.

What a great start to our summer! Have fun!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Featured, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »

Your Guide to Downtown Fun

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Although the wind was rough, the weekend was gorgeous. I hoped everyone enjoyed it. There is a great deal to enjoy this week, so let’s get started.

The Cinco De Mayo Festival came and went but there’s no reason not to continue celeberating the culture that’s so important to our Southwest identity. The Matador Mexican Restaurant and Mi Amigos have festivities sure to engage you in the revelry.

RattlersThe 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 Majerle’s or Coach & Willie’s and watch the game with your closest Orange friends.  

By the end of the week the Diamondbacks will have fans cheering at Chase Field, playing the Brewers. The Brewers have a pair of super sluggers in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder so expect some high-scoring affairs.

Need more sports? Head over to US Airways Center Friday night and watch the Rattlers take on the Spokane Shock.

The theater crowd will be happy this week with three shows at the Herberger Theater, one of which is by the famous comedy troupe Second City. With alums like Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, I was more than curious to see what they came up with, and I was laughing all the way to the end. They took cracks at all the little quirks that make Arizona unique, and it was refreshing to see what we look like from an outside point of view. Absolutely hilarious!

One last thing to take a look at. The Phoenix Public Market has been given a great opportunity to win some funds and they need your help. Follow this link to cast your vote and help the Market, as well as to benefit a great and worthwhile community cause. Please do your part and cast your vote for the Phoenix Public Market. Thank you!

Want more of What’s Happening? Download the weekly PDF here or grab a copy at the Ambassador Information Center (Adams / 1st Avenue).

Have a great week!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Sports | No Comments »

Rattlers Return, Make History in Process

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

How does an organization reestablish a connection with the marketplace after a year-long absence?

If you’re the Arizona Rattlers the answer is easy: Free stuff.

RattlersAfter taking a season off, the Arena Football League has triumphantly returned to Downtown Phoenix and to celebrate, the Rattlers gave away all 17,000 tickets to Friday’s season-opener against the Chicago Rush. The promotion is believed to be the first totally free event in the history of professional sports.

You read that correctly. Instead of selling out U.S. Airways Center they gave it out. The public response to the ticket giveaway was so overwhelming that the Rattlers had to carry some requests over to next Friday’s game against Tulsa.

We caught up with Rattlers President and Valley football icon Danny White to find out what else the team has in store for fans this season.

Q: How do the Rattlers compete with the playoff-bound Suns and Coyotes, not to mention the Diamondbacks opening their season?

“It’s a tough market for sure. The economy actually helps us. We feel that we have the most cost-effecient professional sports ticket in the Valley [starting at $10]. Our problem is getting people to experience Arena football initially. Once they do, most come back. Very few can afford to take a whole family to a Suns/Dbacks/Cardinals game.”

Q: Billboards currently feature you. What players appear poised to become the new faces of the franchise, ala Sherdrick Bonner, Bo Kelly and Hunkie Cooper?

“[Wide receiver] J.J. McKelvey, [quarterback] Nick Davila and [wide receiver] Rod Windsor are three that have that kind of potential.”

Q: For someone who has never attended an Arena Football League game, what’s your best five-word sell?

“It’s Football In Concentrate Form.”

You can follow the Rattlers on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Deal, Family, Featured, Sports | No Comments »