Final Four, spring training put Phoenix high on Forbes list of 2017 top destinations
Mar 27, 2017, 9:39 AM | Updated: 11:27 am
(AP photos)
PHOENIX — As all Valley residents know, Phoenix is a popular travel destination each year, particularly in the winter and spring.
But thanks to a combination of great weather, Major League Baseball spring training, the upcoming Final Four tournament and a few other factors, Forbes has put Phoenix at No. 6 on its list of the top travel destinations for 2017.
Being the host city of college basketball’s biggest event, the men’s Final Four (March 31-April 3), warrants Phoenix’s inclusion on this list alone.
The sizzling Arizona metropolis confirms its place on our roster with a year’s worth of other sports (MLB spring training, February 24-April 1), new dining opportunities (Scott Conant’s Mora Italian, Matt Carter’s Fat Ox) and luxury hotel fun (Scottsdale’s Four-Star The Phoenician’s I.Fly trapeze activity, through April 30).
The frenzy around the NCAA tournament is expected to overtake the Phoenix area this weekend. In addition to the games, there are a slew of events going on in the Valley, including a huge fan fest and free concerts in downtown Phoenix.
Though spring training is scheduled to come to an end this week — the Arizona Diamondbacks open their season Sunday afternoon against the San Francisco Giants — there is still time to catch a game or two.
As far as Forbes writing Phoenix has some pretty tasty dining opportunities, well, who are we to spurn a compliment? The Valley is home to the nation’s best diner along with a host of exciting new restaurants.