Posts Tagged ‘US Airways Center’

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.

And 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: Arena Football League, Arizona Rattlers, downtown phoenix, Jacksonville Sharks, US Airways Center
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Mercury Celebrating 15 Seasons

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

The Phoenix Mercury are celebrating 15 years in Downtown Phoenix and they are bringing in a special guest for Friday’s Season 15 game at US Airways Center.

3901571P WNBA FINALS-GAME 1 Former Mercury head coach and current TNT broadcaster Cheryl Miller will return to the court as the Mercury hosts Washington at 7 p.m. to celebrate the team’s 15th season in Phoenix.

Now is a perfect time to become a part of the Mercury’s quest for a third WNBA Championship. Lead by All-Stars Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor, the Mercury have won 7 of their last 8 games and look to continue the dominance Friday against Washington.

The Mercury are one of the best entertainment values in the Valley and tickets start at just $10 at phoenixmercury.com.

Tags: Cheryl Miller, downtown phoenix, Phoenix Mercury, US Airways Center, WNBA
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Mercury Rising Downtown

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Mercury Start your holiday weekend off right with explosive MNBA basketball Friday, July 1st as the Mercury host Sylvia Fowles and the Chicago Sky at 7 p.m. at US Airways Center.

Continue the fast-paced action on Tuesday, July 5th as Diana Taurasi and the Mercury host Candace Parker and the LA Sparks at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this clash of two Western Conference powerhouses that will air nationally on ESPN2.

Plus, fans who attend the Sparks game will receive orange Mercury thundersticks AND it is $1 concession night! Enjoy popcorn, soda, hot dogs and corn dogs for only a dollar at select concession stands at US Airways Center.

The Mercury need your help to BEAT LA! Tickets start at just $10! Go to PhoenixMercury.com to purchase or click this link!

Tags: downtown phoenix, Phoenix Mercury, phoenix sports, US Airways Center, WNBA
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Symphony Closes Season with McCartney Tribute

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

The Phoenix Symphony is about to shut down for the summer but not before staging a megawatt tribute to the most successful composer in pop music history.

Kishman This Friday and Saturday, the Symphony enlists Tucson singer-songwriter Tony Kishman for “Live & Let Die: A Paul McCartney Tribute,” with a pair of 8 p.m. concerts at Symphony Hall.

The concert features tribute artist Tony Kishman performing hits from Sir Paul through the Beatles and Wings eras, with songs like “Eleanor Rigby”, “Live and Let Die”, and “Let it Be” alongside The Phoenix Symphony. Pre-concert lobby activities will transport patrons back to the 1960s and 70s with a groovy mood of peace, love and music.

Tucson native and singer-songwriter Tony Kishman began his musical career in the early 1970s. Starting in 1979, Kishman played bass and guitar for six years as Paul McCartney in both the national and international tours of Beatlemania. He joined the classic supergroup, Wishbone Ash for a tour of Europe and the recording of the group’s 18th album.

Kishman will perform hits from Sir Paul through the Beatles and Wings eras, with songs like “Eleanor Rigby,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Let it Be” with orchestral support from the Symphony.

Starting in 1979, Kishman played bass and guitar for six years as Paul McCartney in both the national and international tours of Beatlemania. He later joined the supergroup Wishbone Ash.

These concerts will be a celebration of an artist who has written or co-written over 188 charted records, with 91 Top 10 singles and 33 No. 1s. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at (602) 495-1991 or by visiting their web site.

June 10 / Jethro Tull

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their seminal release, Aqualung, Ian Anderson and company play an 8 p.m. show at Comerica Theatre. Tickets are $40-$65, call (800) 745-3000 or visit livenation.com

June 15 / Bruno Mars

The Hooligans In Wonderland Tour featuring Janelle Monae visits Comerica Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $32 to $45, call (800) 745-3000 or visit livenation.com

June 16 / RUSH

Arguably Canada’s greatest gift to rock music, RUSH’s legendary lineup of Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson visit US Airways Center for a 7:30 p.m. show that will include the band performing its entire Moving Pictures album. Tickets are $59.25 to $105.25, call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com

June 19 / Luis Miguel

The legendary Mexican singer and winner of four Latin Grammy Awards visits Comerica Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. show presented by Ranch Markets. Tickets are $32 to $89.75, call (800) 745-3000 or visit livenation.com

June 21 / Alison Krauss

One of the most influential bluegrass-country artists of the modern era (and at the time of her first Grammy win in 1991, the youngest to ever do so), Krauss and her amazing band visit Comerica Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $56.50 to $74, call (800) 745-3000 or visit livenation.com

June 30 / NKOTBSB

We saved the best for last, ladies. The most powerful boy bands of the last 25 years, New Kids On the Block and Backstreet Boys, share one stage at US Airways Center for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $69.50 to $89.50, call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com

Tags: Bruno Mars, Comerica Theater, downtown phoenix, Jethro Tull, Paul McCartney, Phoenix Symphony, rush, Symphony Hall, US Airways Center
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Downtown Goes Gaga

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

To call Lady Gaga a “singer” would be like calling Wolfgang Puck a “cook.”

Lady-Gaga-Singapore-Concert-520x447 No, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, who will turn 25 two days after her show at U.S. Airways Center this Saturday, is a bonafide global icon.

And the reception her Monster Ball Tour will receive here in Downtown Phoenix this weekend will be fit for entertainment royalty.

There’s plenty going on before and after the show. Here’s a quick primer:

Are tickets available?

Surprisingly, yes. On Tuesday morning there were about 300 tickets remaining on StubHub starting at $86. Of course, if you’d rather go to the show for FREE you can sign up to win a free pair at any CityScape retailer. Then, on Saturday, visit the Mix 96.9 or KISS FM booth on the US Airways Center plaza to win $1,000 in CityScape shopping/dining.

Where do I park?

CityScape has a great deal for Gaganians. Spend $75 at CityScape retailers and receive a voucher to park for free Saturday night. So, buy a new outfit at Designer District, West of SoHo, Charming Charlie, or Urban Outfitters, and you’ll have prime parking for the show. That’s a bargain that will make you want to “Just Dance.”

What’s going on before the concert?

* Grab a bite to eat at one of Downtown’s newest restaurants, The Arrogant Butcher or Province at the Westin, or maybe check out Hanny’s, which was the hotness before Gaga’s show here last July.

* Kobalt on Central is hosting a Gagalicious event billed as the “ultimate pre-party for fans with tickets and the next best thing for fans without seats.” There will be Gaga-inspired drinks, costume contest, shuttle to US Airways Center plus a ticket giveaway.

And what about after?

* Across the street from US Airways Center, Hard Rock Cafe will host a Gaga after party complete with DJs spinning and drink specials.

* With The Pink Floyd Experience playing over at Comerica Theater, the two fan bases could rondezvous at Lucky Strike for a late night bowling throwdown.

* Ghost Lounge at the Hotel San Carlos hosts Comedy Slam and DJ Saturdays with reverse happy hour until midnight and no cover charge 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

* Plus, Club Row on Washington Street offers a wide variety of post-show dancing options: Bar Smith hosts Solstice Saturdays with DJ Element and Benjamin Cutswell, DJ Senbad adn Pete Salaz until 3 a.m.; Sky Lounge has Ladies Night with Latin, Hip Hop and Reggaeton all night long and gals get in free before 10:30 p.m.; Club Silver will be playing Musica Latina Latin Top 40, and with Salsa, Rock en Espanol, with no cover if you show your Downtown parking slip; and PHX has the upscale club scene covered.

What are you doing for Saturday’s big show? Let us know in the comments section!

Tags: CityScape, Coach & Willie's, downtown phoenix, Hard Rock Cafe, Lady Gaga, Monster Ball, US Airways Center
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events | 1 Comment »

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

The 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.

Hello 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: Arizona Opera, Arizona Rattlers, Arizona Science Center, Body World and the Brain, downtown phoenix, Great Bridal Expo, Herberger Theater Center, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, phoenix suns, Second City, US Airways Center
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Electronic Signage In Works for Downtown

Friday, February 18th, 2011

legends 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: Big Flashy Signs Aim to Energize Phoenix Sports District

In other Downtown signage news, RED Development announced that Elite Media will provide exterior signage and advertising throughout the two -block, multi-use project. As reported in the Phoenix Business Journal, RED plans to install “high profile LED elements throughout the property to help create a ‘Times Square’ feel”. Elite Media is based in Las Vegas and has provided outdoor signage for a number of properties along The Strip. The office tower at CityScape is more than 90 percent leased and the retail block is home to CVS Pharmacy, Urban Outfitters and Lucky Strike Lanes. CityScape welcomes the Sam Fox-created The Arrogant Butcher opening Monday, Feb. 21, and Stand-Up Live and the Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery will follow later this year. For more information please visit: CityScape To Feature LED Advertising by Elite Media.

Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field, downtown phoenix, Legends Entertainment, phoenix suns, US Airways Center
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Suns Host Celebrity Shootout January 29

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

This Saturday, Jan. 29, nearly 20 celebrities will be in Downtown Phoenix participating in the 10th Annual Jack In the Box Celebrity Shootout, presented by Robert and Carole Machiz. The game tips off at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.

common Stars from music, television and film scheduled to appear include: Entertainer Chris Brown, former MLB outfielder Jermaine Dye, Anthony Anderson (The Departed, “Law & Order,” Me, Myself & Irene), Billy Blanks (Showdown, The Last Boyscout), recording artist and actor Common (pictured), “Malcolm In the Middle” star Frankie Muniz, Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes, Michael B. Jordan (”The Wire,” “Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”), rapper/actor Romeo (Honey), BET host Terrence J, and actor Kiowa Gordan (The Twilight Saga: New Moon).

In addition to watching the celebrities ball up, fans can expect appearances by Phoenix Suns players, coaches and dancers, the Gorilla, and many contests and promotions.

Tickets for the Celebrity Shootout start at $9 and can be purchased online here, through Ticketmaster, by calling 800.745.3000, or at the US Airways Center box office.

Tags: Billy Blanks, Celebrity Shootout, Common, DJ Clue, Francia Raisa, Frankie Muniz, Jack In the Box, Kerry Rhodes, Michael Jordan, phoenix suns, Pooch Hall, Romeo, Terrence J, US Airways Center
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Music & Events, Sports, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | 2 Comments »

Downtown Concert Calendar

Monday, January 24th, 2011

gaga2 Over the last two decades Downtown Phoenix has grown up to become Arizona’s epicenter for not only business and government, but for sports, arts and culture, dining, and live entertainment.

In Comerica Theatre, US Airways Center, Orpheum Theatre, and Hard Rock Cafe, Downtown boasts the highest concentration of big-time music venues in the Valley. Don’t believe me? Well, take a gander at these acts coming into Downtown:

(Note: For ticket information please visit livenation.com)

JANUARY

1/26 – Ozzy Osbourne, Comerica Theatre

Just when you think the Prince of Darkness is going to retire to a nice dungeon in the country, he reclaims his pop culture relevance. (See current radio hit, “Let Me Hear You Scream.”)

1/29 – Jacob Tyler Lucas with Aisleview, Hard Rock Cafe

FEBRUARY

2/5 – Blessed Production Presents Donnie McClurkin, Orpheum Theatre

2/5 – Pawl, Hard Rock Cafe

2/11 – Sarah McLachlan, Comerica Theatre

Best known for songs like “Possession,” and “I Will Remember You,” not to mention her integral role in launching the Lilith Fair music festival back in the 90s, this Grammy Award-winning singer and avid animal rights activist has recently helped produce some incredibly sad TV commercials for ASPCA.

2/11 – Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Super Jam, US Airways Center

2/11 – Fight the Quiet, Hard Rock Cafe

2/12 – The Other 49: Final Show, Source Victoria, Tugboat and Factories, Hard Rock Cafe

2/19 – The Music of Led Zeppelin, Comerica Theater

Considering Zeppelin’s catalog is largely symphonic anyway, this production makes too much sense not to happen yearly. Here’s what I wrote about The Music of Led Zeppelin last year.

Linkin-Park 2/28 – Linkin Park, US Airways Center

Lead singer Chester Bennington is a Phoenix native and I find a way to listen to “Waiting for the End” at least once a day. So should you.

MARCH

3/2 – Hillsong United, US Airways Center

3/4 – Jackson Browne, Comerica Theatre

Cooler than the other side of the pillow, Jackson Browne promises to entertain the crowd with his laundry list of hits, including “Jamaica Say You Will,” “Running On Empty,” and the 80s-tastic “Lawyers In Love.”

3/26 – The Pink Floyd Experience, Comerica Theatre

Totally a must-see for any self-respecting fan of The Floyd, man.

3/26 – Lady Gaga, US Airways Center

She’s only the biggest star on the planet.

APRIL

4/8 – Janet Jackson, Comerica Theatre

We ran a Facebook poll to gauge your favorite Janet Jackson song and amazingly, 13 different tracks were submitted, none of them matching my personal favorite.

4/15 – Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks, US Airways Center

Oh, Stevie Nicks, how I love thee. Fleetwood Mac is the truth but for my money it doesn’t get any better than “Edge of Seventeen.”

JUNE

6/16 - Rush, US Airways Center

Canada’s finest export since ginger ale.

6/30 – New Kids On the Block and Backstreet Boys, US Airways Center

A perfect storm of screaming by adult women who love boy bands.

Tags: Backstreet Boys, Comerica Theatre, concert tickets, Donnie McClurkin, Downtown Music, downtown phoenix, Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix, Jackson Browne, Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, Led Zeppelin, Lewis Black, Linkin Park, New Kids On the Block, Orpheum Theatre, Ozzy Osbourne, Phoenix Symphony Hall, Pink Floyd, Rod Stewart, rush, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, US Airways Center
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11 Things To Do In 2011

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

2010 was awesome. I got to ring in the New Year with Joel McHale, listen to the Phoenix Symphony rock out to the Music of Led Zeppelin, cheer for exciting pro athletes like Justin Upton, Steve Nash and Diana Taurasi, watch contestants from Top Chef cook live at Phoenix Public Market, eat amazing food at restaurants like District American Kitchen and Thai Elephant, and sip $5 martinis at Hanny’s.

It was an unbelievable year. But I know I can do more in 2011.

With the arrival of a New Year comes a new surplus of fun and exciting things to do Downtown. Here are 11 things I plan on doing in 2011:

LMAO - Stand Up Live! debuts at CityScape March 3 with comedians Jay Mohr (personal fave), Billy Cardell, Christopher Titus and the Wayans (!!!!) already on the books.

Big Time Rush - Canada’s greatest rock export, Rush will bring their Time Machine Tour to US Airways Center on June 16. Tickets go on sale Monday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. (”Working Man” is my jam.)

Get Into the Swing – Every Monday is Savoy Night at Ghost Lounge and your chance to learn how to swing dance for the bargain basement price of $8. Ghost Lounge has quickly become one of Downtown’s hottest hangouts and Savoy Night is always hopping. Har.

Showing Some Skin: Gus von Hagens’ Body Worlds and the Brain returns to Arizona Science Center this Friday, Jan. 21, for a limited engagement. I missed this exhibit last year but won’t make that same mistake twice.

Top Shelf at Seamus – Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, recently named 2010 Best of Downtown Happy Hour, has one of the greatest selections of Irish Whiskey and Scotch in the city and this year I’m vowing to buy couple of fingers of Aberfeldy 21 just to say I drank a glass of Scotch nearly as old as Scottsdale-born actress and Valley Youth Theatre alum Emma Stone.

Get Your Geek On - Dubbed the “signature pop culture event of the Southwest” for good reason, Phoenix Comicon returns to Downtown this Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29, at Phoenix Convention Center’s North Building. Comicon is the Super Bowl of superheroes and a people-watching event like no other.

Eat at Nobuo – Did you know that Downtown Phoenix is home to two James Beard Award-winning chefs who work less than 50 yards apart? Pizzeria Bianco’s Chris Bianco and Nobuo at Teeter House’s Nobuo Fukuda are wowing diners daily over at Heritage Square and Nobuo was the recent recipient of this gushing five-star review by ace Arizona Republic food critic Howard Seftel. Insert drool here.

A Night with the Knights of Ni - Theater League Phoenix presents Monty Python’s Spamalot at historic Orpheum Theatre Feb. 17-20. I’m a sucker for Python’s comedy and Spam happens to be delicious so this is a perfect fit for me.

Race to the Finish – The Great Urban Race returns to Downtown March 12 and features costumed teams racing against one another to solve 12 clues while experiencing the essence of the Central City.

Star Gaze - Chase Field will host the 2011 MLB All-Star Game July 12, with the fan-favorite Home Run Derby scheduled for July 11 with MLB FanFest invading Downtown all week long.

Pretend That We’re (Un)Dead – In just two years the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors’ Zombie Walk (photo, left) has grown from 200 brain-eaters to well over 2,000. How many Zombies will walk, er, limp in 2011? Bring your appetite for human flesh down to Heritage Square Oct. 29 and find out for yourself. Victims are also welcome!

These are just a few of the items on my Bucket List. What’s on yours?

Tags: Arizona Science Center, body worlds and the brain, Ghost Lounge, Hanny's, Nobuo at Teeter House, Phoenix Comicon, phoenix public market, Pizzeria Bianco, rush, seamus mccaffrey's, St. Mary's Basilica, Top Chef, US Airways Center, Valley Youth Theatre, Zombie Walk
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