Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey.
Stadium Info
Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
19593 South 48th St
Chandler, AZ 85226
Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000
Rising As One
Phoenix Rising FC is a soccer club in the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States, one step below MLS (Major League Soccer). The club began operation in 2014 as the Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017. The team has been quite successful the last few years clinching the USL Championship regular season title in 2019. They made it to the Championship playoff finals in 2108 and 2020 (which unfortunately got cancelled because of COVID) and the playoff quarterfinals in 2021.
The club moved from its former home in Scottsdale to a brand-new stadium at Wild Horse Pass in the Gila River Indian Community in Chandler, AZ. The first match played there was April 30, 2021. Fans had mixed reactions to the move, largely due to their location in the Valley. Some find getting to the new stadium easier; others not so much. Regardless of where you live in the Valley, attending a match is an enjoyable evening out, so we encourage you to check one out. We recommend in the early spring or fall as temperatures are more comfortable during those times of the year in Metro Phoenix.
Food & Beverage 5
Concession offerings of food trucks and concession kiosks have plenty for soccer fans to treat themselves. The food points of sale are on the grounds outside the stadium seating area (except VIP sections) with stalls on the east, south, and west sides. A large picnic area called The Park is on the south lawn (near the entrance) that provides lots of picnic tables and a row of tempting food and drink choices.
The complex has plenty of additional choices on the west side, with a few more on the east side. Fans won’t go hungry or thirsty. Expect queues at the concessions, especially before the match and halftime.
Several stands offer tacos ($3 each), burritos, nachos, quesadillas, fries, guacamole and chips, wings ($3 – $15). Maya’s Cajun Kitchen sells vegan food. Hot dog and sausage choices run $8 – $12. Sonoran Grillz sells cheeseburger varieties, chicken tenders and sandwiches, and shrimp baskets ($12 – $18). Mobile Pizza even has wood fired pizza (from cheese and pepperoni to Hawaiian and everything in between) for $14.
Shaved ice, funnel cake, kettle corn and soft pretzels are just some of the snacks available.
Soda and water generally run $3 or $4. Adult drinks cost $10 for cocktails to $11 for 24 oz premium beer.
Stands sell a variety of beer choices in cans, not just domestic brands.
Our recommendation is to walk around the stadium first to see all the choices before deciding what to get.
Atmosphere 4
Phoenix Rising FC soccer games are fun! The organization does a great job at providing a family friendly environment with passionate but not unruly fans, a field for the young ones to run around, and an entertaining game.
The PA announcer is fantastic. Absolutely outstanding. He calls the lineup clearly and slowly in English; it’s easy to hear and understand. The music volume is fine; it is easy to have a conversation with your neighbor without having to yell over the music. Even better, they turn the music off when announcing the starting lineup. Some baseball organizations should take note of this.
Inside the stadium, seating is on all four sides of the pitch. VIP and premium seating consists of a second level terrace on the east side, cushioned field level seats, and field level seats with hi-top tables. These field level seats allow fans to be up close and personal.
The rest of the seats are grey fold-down seats raised above the ground level, with no arms or cupholders. These seats are more comfortable than they look. The east side stand offers rows A through K and above those are suites and the premium terrace. This stand provides dramatic views of stunning sunsets. The rows are long (28 seats across), so if you’re a fan who needs to get up often during the match, choose seats closer to the aisles (1-4 or 24-28) to prevent disrupting other fans.
The west side stand has two levels and goes up 28 rows or so. Lots of steps on that side. The raised seats behind the goals are general admission (bleachers with no backs).
The club installed a huge scoreboard on the south end. It shows the score, half, and time with some videos and advertisements. A cool thing about the scoreboard is it broadcasts on both sides. Fans hanging out in The Park area can also see what’s displayed on it and keep up with the game score.
The Park is across from the entrance. It is a large grass berm with picnic tables, surrounded by food kiosks and games for kids (and adults) to participate in. It’s a very popular place before and even during the match.
Four light stanchions illuminate the field. Phoenix Rising FC only hosts evening matches.
Neighborhood 2
Phoenix Rising Stadium is in the Wild Horse Pass entertainment area. While not in the hustle-bustle of a downtown area, a few things are available for other forms of entertainment within a few miles.
A mile and a half from the stadium is Gila River Resort and Casino. Just north of that is Phoenix Premium Outlet Mall for all your shopping needs. For those who like the outdoors, visit the South Mountain Park and Nature Preserve for some hiking. The Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is just a little over a mile away.
Downtown Chandler, a vibrant community with plenty of bars, restaurants, and breweries is 11+ miles from the stadium and is certainly worth a visit. Check out San Tan Brewing or The Perch Brewery (it features tropical rescue birds) for beers, Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup, The Hidden House (American cuisine), or The Brickyard Downtown (gastropub).
For hotels, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass or the Gila River Resort are the closest though pricey. A Best Western is right across I-10 and there are plenty of lower-priced lodging choices three miles north two exits off I-10.
Other sports to see nearby might include Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, a local drag racing track. Other than that, it is 12+ miles to other sporting events like ASU and some spring training ballparks. Chase Field (Diamondbacks) and Footprint Center (Suns, Mercury, Rattlers) are eighteen miles away in downtown Phoenix.
Fans 4
Phoenix Rising FC has two strong supporters groups, Los Banditos and Union 602, both welcome all fans. Drums, flags waving, colored smoke, singing, clapping, jumping up and down – they have it all. Most supporters sit in the south end zone under the scoreboard but you’ll find patches of the groups’ supporters throughout the seating area.
Lots and lots of kids and youth soccer clubs attend matches. You’ll see a whole host of families and friends in attendance. The fans are engaged in the play on the pitch. And, you certainly know when the crowd disagrees with the umpire’s calls.
The fans make it a comfortable sporting event to attend where all visitors are accepted.
Phoenix Rising fans have an active presence on social media. The club posts ‘the team is wearing red for tonight’s match,’ per se, and fans dress in red when attending the match. And, if in and around the Phoenix metro area, you will see a Phoenix Rising FC sticker or decal on a car in almost any parking lot.
Attendance is strong at Phoenix Rising FC matches with the club ranking in the USL-C top five to ten in attendance the last few seasons with an average of 6,600 – 6,800 fans. And, crowds in 2022 have increased to over 7,000 so far.
Access 3
Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex is in Chandler AZ, a southern suburb of Phoenix. The stadium is right off Interstate 10 and the southern part of the 202 Loop. Expect considerable traffic before and after the match. The complex is 14 miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
No noticeable public transportation is available. However, Phoenix Rising FC has a Pub2Pitch transport shuttle where fans go to select bars and buses take them to/from the matches. That’s a pretty slick service.
Upon entering the complex, parking is free. The stadium has three entrances: one for media and vendors, another for VIPs and another for other visitors. Security wands all fans at the entrances. Clear bags are allowed. There are a lot of steps to get in and around the venue, though ramps and ADA lifts, and wheelchair seating are available for those who need it.
The complex has multiple sets of restrooms around the perimeter in what look like semi-trailers. But don’t fret, they are plenty clean and nice looking on the inside (at least for the ladies room).
Return on Investment 4
Single game tickets run $22 – $41 and are comparable, if a little higher than other USL-C teams. The price increases $4 or $5 if purchased on game day. Be sure to check their website or social media pages for any specials. The club offers ticket discounts for groups or mini-plan (4 or 8 matches) purchases. Phoenix Rising introduced digital-only tickets this 2022 season.
Parking is free, which is a bonus. The stadium’s food and drink prices are less than the other professional sports venues in the area. Visitors can bring in two sealed bottles of water per person. Fans definitely need those at matches in warmer months.
Extras 5
Phoenix Rising has many additional items worth noting.
The organization provides roster sheets at the entrance. A nice-looking merchandise tent with a vast supply of Phoenix Rising gear is near the entry. The lawn area is a handy feature for fans to eat their refreshments and play before heading into the seating area. Having the scoreboard broadcast the game towards the lawn area shows the organization’s appreciation for the fans.
The Phoenix Rising FC organization and the complex offer a wealth of youth camps and training programs. And, I must commend the PA announcer again.
Final Thoughts
Going to and watching professional soccer matches is on the rise in Arizona. The club is currently an applicant for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise expansion. Time will tell whether that comes to fruition or not.
Phoenix Rising FC does a remarkable job at providing an enjoyable, crowd pleasing, and safe sports entertainment evening. The new soccer stadium is an excellent place for fans across Arizona to visit and watch a winning soccer club!
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