Anyone who has visited the USA or even watched a few Hollywood movies will know just how big sports are across this sprawling country. From basketball to ice hockey, American football to baseball and more, these events grab worldwide attention – the Superbowl LI in 2017 tops the list of the most watched TV broadcast in history – and so it’s no surprise that any visit to this vast and varied country will include a sporting event of some kind.
Visiting Arizona
The southwestern US state attracts travellers from the world over who rush to visit the astounding Grand Canyon – a mile-deep chasm carved over centuries by the Colorado River. Whether it’s a hike around the vast area, a helicopter ride over the top or a rafting experience over the rapids of the river, there’s a lot to explore in and around this geological wonder.
Sedona, Scottsdale, Flagstaff and Tuscon are popular places to add to any travel list when exploring this beautiful state, as are the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Montezuma Castle National Monument and Lake Havasu, but it’s capital city Phoenix that attracts the sports fans especially.
Major sports teams in Arizona
All four major professional sports leagues are represented in the sun-filled city of Phoenix, so you can be sure that a stay here will offer you plenty of opportunities to take in some live sporting action. And if you’re looking for ways to take your sports events to another, hopefully lucrative, level, take a look at BetArizona.com, the number one online destination for Arizona sports betting, for the best sportsbooks when you fancy a flutter.
Phoenix is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, who play at the Footprint Center and are considered one of the most successful teams in the NBA, with a huge following, while the Arizona Cardinals – the oldest team in the NFL – can be found at State Farm Stadium.
World Series winners in 2001, the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field, and NHL’s Arizona Coyotes can be watched at Mullett Arena, which sits outside of the city centre in the Phoenix metropolitan area. In addition to these major sports teams, women’s basketball fans can take in a game from WNBA team Phoenix Mercury at the Footprint Center, which is also home to the Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers.
Golf fans will be in heaven here with the many Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses to enjoy a round on, but if you prefer to watch rather than play, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is one to view and it also happens to be the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event. Every spring and autumn sees NASCAR events take place – just head to Phoenix Raceway in Avondale to take in the action, while baseball fans will be in heaven in springtime when 15 MLB teams train and play as part of the Cactus League Spring Training.
Where to stay
When you’ve exhausted all of your sporting events for the day, you’ll need a luxurious place to rest your head and get yourself geared up for another day exploring and cheering on your teams and sporting greats.
With Phoenix holding most of the major sports action, we’ll focus on the surrounding area, so you don’t have to miss out, and one thing this place does really well is spa resorts. You’ll certainly need an escape from the heat, no matter what time of year you visit and a luxury hotel will provide you with plenty of amenities, including spa facilities, top restaurants and great rooms and suites to reside in.
A number of five-star resorts can be found in the area with The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale being one of the most highly-rated. Amenities abound here, from eight dining and drinking options (including a Jean-Georges Vongerichten steakhouse) to a 27-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa, nine pools, free wine tastings and contemporary rooms to reside in.
Modern and luxurious suites with balconies or terraces can be found at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which also boasts a spa, cocktail lounge, outdoor pool, and sophisticated restaurants offering up some delightful Mexican, Latin and American cuisine. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides its guests with cool, modern and spacious rooms, suites and villas, some of which boast full kitchens and wet bars and fireplaces. Outside you’ll find eight pools, a swim-up bar, two golf courses, seven tennis courts and five dining options to keep you well entertained throughout your stay.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa is another great option, but on a smaller scale. With spacious rooms and suites, the resort is set in a Spanish Colonial home, which was built in 1929. There’s an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and spa here, so you can relax in style.
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