Glendale renames park after legendary Suns broadcaster Al McCoy

PHOENIX — Glendale officials unveiled a new basketball court at the recently renamed Al McCoy Memorial Park on Monday.

The SHAZAM! Court is named after the late broadcasting legend’s signature phrase he’d call out whenever the Phoenix Suns hit a three-pointer.

The new court isn’t the only addition to the community park near 51st and West Olive avenues. Other new features include:

• An expanded 8-acre park.
• New LED lighting and upgraded irrigation.
• A new playground.
• An upgraded sand volleyball court.

Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps expressed happiness at the opportunity to celebrate McCoy’s 51-year career as the voice of the Suns this way.

“Al McCoy Memorial Park and SHAZAM! Court will be enjoyed by people of all ages,” Phelps said during the event. “We are honored to continue his legacy in this special way.”

Why is it called the Al McCoy Memorial Park?

City officials partnered with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Foundation for an event celebrating the park’s renaming, as well as the court unveiling.

McCoy’s children and grandchildren attended the event, along with Go, the team’s gorilla mascot, and dancers.

Several speakers gave speeches celebrating McCoy’s career with the Phoenix Suns, which started in 1972 and ended with him calling his final game for the team in May 2023.

This marked the longest stretch for a broadcaster with a single team in NBA history.

McCoy left behind a distinguished career, winning the Curt Gowdy Media Award at the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2007.

He was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, the Iowa Hall of Pride in 2015 and the Suns’ Ring of Honor in 2017.

Last year, he joined Mike Broomhead on the Amazing Arizonans podcast to discuss the highs and lows of his illustrious career.

Months later, McCoy died on Sept. 21, 2024. He was 91.

“We’re honored to work with our partners at the Phoenix Suns and Mercury Foundation and to be able to honor Al McCoy,” Phelps said. “This park and basketball court are the core of the Foundation’s work, which is to use basketball to help bring the community together.”

Related

Amazing Arizonans: Remembering the life and career of Suns broadcasting legend Al McCoySpecial Olympics volleyball team from Arizona to represent US at World Cup in PolandAmazing Arizonans: Broadcaster Jody Jackson shares memorable sports momentsWhat they said: A week of remembering late Suns broadcaster Al McCoyWoman arrested for DUI after 4-vehicle crash in Phoenix leaves 1 critically injuredCenter Court Pickleball Club expands Valley footprint with 2nd Scottsdale venue, 4th overall