Suns to welcome 40 millionth Talking Stick Resort Arena guest Wednesday
Nov 13, 2018, 4:00 PM
(Talking Stick Resort Arena Photo)
(Talking Stick Resort Arena Photo)
PHOENIX – The venue now known as Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix welcomed its first customer on June 6, 1992, for a George Strait concert.
On Wednesday night, the 40 millionth guest will enter the arena to watch the Phoenix Suns play the San Antonio Spurs.
The Suns are planning a celebration for the occasion, and lucky No. 40 million will go home with a $4,000 prize and a year’s worth of tickets to the arena’s sporting events and concerts.
“It’s been exciting to be at the center of the exponential growth and development that has taken place in the city’s urban core and we can’t wait to mark this memorable milestone with a special celebration,” Suns president and CEO Jason Rowley said in a press release.
The venue opened as America West Arena, a name that lasted until 2006. It then became US Airways Center until 2015, when it was rechristened to its current name.
While the airlines that held naming rights for more than two decades no longer exist, the building continues to host more than 150 events a year.
The arena is home to the Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Rattlers and hosts numerous big-name concerts.
Wednesday’s 40 millionth guest will win tickets to see Justin Timberlake, Michael Bublé and Ariana Grande, among others.
The Charles Barkley-led Suns played their first game there on Nov. 7, 1992, kicking off a season that ended with an NBA Finals loss to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
Tickets are still available for Wednesday’s game, which is also APS Military Appreciation Night. Retired and active military personnel can get half-price seats plus discounts on food and merchandise.
