When In Phoenix, A Mercury Game Is A Must For Any Basketball Fan!

Basketball fans unite! If you ever get the chance to go to a live Phoenix Mercury game, DO IT!

During a recent visit to Phoenix, me and my 17-year-old basketball loving son went to a Mercury vs. Chicago Sky game, and it was by far one of the best parts of our visit to the Valley of the Sun!

From the moment we arrived at the arena, the excitement began. When we first got there, the Mercury's brand communications team gave us a personal tour so we could experience all the venue has to offer. They were amazing and shared so much great information about the renovated arena.

A little background - I lived in Phoenix in the early 90s and went to Phoenix Suns games often so while I don't remember specifics of the arena from back then, I instantly realized that it's completely renovated and looking very different and upgraded.

Back when I lived in the area, the arena was called the America West Arena. The venue originally opened in 1992 and is home to the Suns, Mercury, and Arizona Rattlers (indoor football), as well as doubles as a concert venue.

The arena's renovation began during the pandemic and was completed in late 2021.

It included a multifaceted renovation adding clubs, suites, themed bars, new social spaces, and much more. The new main entry and lobby, called the Casino Arizona Pavilion, includes a video wall, huge bar, and lots of space for the many visitors who come to the arena for an exciting experience.

After touring the arena and all the amazing spaces, including the gift shop that is a must visit for any Mercury or Suns fan, it was time to find our seats and get ready for the game.

I can honestly say that even though we were seated in the sixth row, there isn't a bad seat in the house. And even when you go out onto the concourse to grab a drink or snack, you get a great view of the court.

We arrived at the arena about an hour and a half before the game began. We go to a lot of NBA games throughout the season and always arrive early so we can watch warmups, and this was no different. We got the chance to watch the Mercury and the Sky shooting around getting ready for the game. You could just tell they really love what they do and have fun from the second their feet hit the court. That kind of energy is contagious!

The game itself was very similar to a live NBA game format with dancers, t-shirt tossing, entertainment and fun around every corner. There wasn't a single dull moment the entire night!

And to make the experience even better, we just happened to attend on Native American Night. The teams played on the Originativ Court to honor Arizona's 22 tribes and to celebrate more tribes represented by the Native youth teams who were in attendance for the game. There was some great added entertainment in honor of the themed night.

For any basketball, or even just sports fan, the game was filled with excitement and is a must see for yourself. Mercury fans are diehards and really made the experience that much more exciting for everyone in attendance.

It was a great game, and the Mercury ultimately beat the Sky 80-62. After the game, getting close to the players as they left the court was just one more exciting moment my son won't soon forget. He got to high five all the players as they passed by to go to the locker room, and so did many other fans.

Many of the players took time to sign autographs, take photos and chat with fans throughout the night, and those are the memories that really live on forever for fans, especially the younger ones.

During the game we attended, star player Brittney Griner moved into second all-time in Mercury franchise history with 4,821 points! Another amazing moment for us being there live to see.

Want to experience all the fun for yourself at a live Mercury game this season? Be sure to check out the schedule on their website.

It was just recently announced that the Mercury will host the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game next July. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the news last week.

"The WNBA is excited to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star back to Phoenix for the third time in our nearly three-decade history," Engelbert said in a statement.

"Having an inaugural WNBA franchise in the Mercury host this two-day celebration is perfect as the basketball world focuses its eyes on the WNBA and today's greatest stars."

Fans are excited to say the least, and shared that excitement in comments on the Mercury's Instagram post.

"I got chills watching this! Let’s Goooo! #XFactor," one person wrote. "Yeees ??? I'm already ready to watch #wnbaallstar 2024 ?," wrote another.