Thriving Sports and Attractions in Tempe, Arizona

From high-stakes competitions to vibrant community events, discover how Tempe’s dynamic venues and welcoming spirit make it the perfect destination for athletes and fans alike

Tempe is a vibrant, urban destination, located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, and just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

By hosting high-level competition — from IRONMAN to Cactus League Spring Training — our convenient location and sunny skies create a winning game plan for your next tournament. We’re geared up to select the perfect venues, work with city services and find accommodations for your next sporting event.

With breathtaking desert landscapes and an ever-evolving urban skyline, Tempe is on the rise as one of the hottest destinations in the country. From outdoor attractions and sightseeing ventures to excellent retail and dining opportunities, this Tempe is ideal for all types of visiting athletes.

Home to a diverse portfolio of events, ranging from youth amateur competitions and professional sports to concerts and festivals, Tempe is an active community that celebrates hosting opportunities to gather, connect and complete. Notable events and groups that have selected Tempe as their host city include, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Gay Flag Football, Dive into Diversity, Legends Masters Championships, and Team USA Paradragons.

The City of Tempe and Tempe Tourism’s commitment to growth and inclusivity truly aims to welcome all. We celebrate authenticity and uniqueness and believe in the power of providing spaces and opportunities for all communities.

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Throughout the year, Tempe invites visitors to experience the spirit of the city off the court. The roster of things to do include:

Outdoor Activities in Tempe

Boat, kayak or SUP at Tempe Town Lake; attend an outdoor festival or event, including Oktoberfest and Innings Festival; the Sonoran Desert invites you to hike and bike the many paths and trails in and around town; pay a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden.

Tempe Sporting Events

Catch an ASU Sun Devils game, match, meet (football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, etc.); get up-close and personal to Major League Baseball at a Cactus League Spring Training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium; or check out the NBA G League’s Valley Suns at Mullett Arena.

Explore the Arts in Arizona

Experience a live performance at ASU Gammage or Tempe Center for the Arts; take in various works at the Tempe Festival of the Arts (spring and fall), one of the longest-running juried arts festivals in the state. In addition, a roster of stages — from concert venues and nightclubs to comedy spots and even a piano bar. This city is buzzing after sunset, making it a popular destination for team outings, reunions and entertainment for a wide variety of groups.

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Dining & Shopping in Tempe

Tempe is known for its craft breweries and globally inspired dining scene. From award-winning brews and globally inspired fare to innovative Southwestern cuisine, the culinary landscape is as diverse as those who call this city home.

In Tempe, retail therapy includes two major shopping hubs: Tempe Marketplace, an open-air experience known for great shopping at local and internationally known retailers and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Arizona Mills features a mile of outlets, shops and entertainment venues, including SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona and Arizona’s only 70mm IMAX screen.

To plan your next sporting event or tournament, please contact Luchie Javelosa, Senior Sports Sales Manager, at luchie@tempetourism.com.

Tempe, AZ Quick Facts:

Tempe is 42 square miles
Population of 185,000+ and a median age of 28 years old
Home to Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities in the United States
4 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and is the most walkable and bikeable city in the Valley
17,000+ businesses are in Tempe
330 days of sunshine with an average temperature of 87.3 degrees
100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Annual Municipal Equality Index since 2014

Tempe Sports Facilities

Tempe Sports Complex: Built in 2005, Tempe Sports Complex is a 60-acre multi-purpose facility for sports tournaments and recreational activities. The complex includes seven multi-use fields, four lighted softball fields, 8 lighted pickleball courts – including two of the first ADA-accessible courts in the state. The skate park features two bowls and multiple street style ramps, open to skaters of all experience levels.

Kiwanis Tennis Center: Home to 15 championship-level courts, each equipped with PlaySight video streaming technology.

Mullett Arena: Open since 2022, this 5,000-seat multipurpose arena is home to the NBA G League’s Valley Suns, ASU Sun Devil Hockey, ASU Women’s Volleyball and ASU Men’s Wrestling.

Sun Devil Fitness Complex: This 234,000 square-foot, multi-purpose space can host both indoor and outdoor events. With five large gymnasiums, an Olympic size swimming pool and 6.5

acres of outdoor field space, this facility is designed to be a center of recreational and intramural sports, and overall physical wellness.

Tempe Diablo Stadium: Spring Training home to the Los Angeles Angels, this facility can accommodate a variety of events across five lighted soccer fields, two lighted softball fields, two lighted baseball practice fields and one lighted stadium.

For a complete list of Tempe facilities, please check out our Tempe Sports Facility Guide.