Phoenix Mercury
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
City
Phoenix
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
AZ
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
Mortgage Matchup Center
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
85004
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Farther downtown surface lots/garages booked early on ParkWhiz/SpotHero; or use Valley Metro Rail to avoid parking entirely
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://mortgagematchupcenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation-parking/ ; prepaid via ParkWhiz (https://www.parkwhiz.com/mortgage-matchup-center-parking/)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Accessible spaces on all floors of the Mortgage Matchup Center Garage (entrance 1st St & Madison) and floors 1–5 of the Jefferson Garage near elevators; first-come, first-served (passes sold as general, not reserved accessible)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Hours
Public downtown garages are generally open throughout the day; event parking is typically available beginning ~30 minutes before doors open
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Prepaid online via ParkWhiz/SpotHero; arena is cashless, so card/mobile payment expected on-site
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Valet available only for select ticketed guests and membership-based areas (Ra Ra Room, Annexus, Jefferson Street Garage 2nd floor); not open to general public
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — encouraged in advance via ParkWhiz for the easiest arrival
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Multiple parking garages serve Mortgage Matchup Center, including the Jefferson Street Garage (directly across from the arena at 333 E Jefferson), the East Garage (500 E Washington), and various surface lots in downtown Phoenix. Pre-paid parking is available through ParkWhiz. Event rates range from $10-$30. ADA parking available in all garages on levels closest to skybridges. The Jefferson Street Garage is the closest option.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
Valley Metro Rail to 3rd St/Jefferson (eastbound) or 3rd St/Washington (westbound), ~1 block walk; RailRide program gives valid ticketholders free light rail on event day
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor downtown arena with garage parking; no tailgating
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
I-10 / Loop 202 interchanges and Washington/Jefferson exits near downtown; 7th St and 7th Ave corridors congest pre-game. Shared with Chase Field events one block away (potential overlap with Diamondbacks games)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
On-site arena garage (Mortgage Matchup Center Garage), Jefferson Street Garage, plus numerous nearby downtown garages and surface lots; 700+ on-site spaces. Valet for select ticketed/membership guests only
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, take the free PHX Sky Train to 44th St/Washington, then Valley Metro Rail westbound to 3rd St/Washington
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
Valley Metro app; Moovit also provides arena trip planning
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
Valley Metro Rail to 3rd St/Jefferson — closest, accessible, and free for event ticketholders
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
Multiple Valley Metro bus routes serve downtown Phoenix stops on accessible routes to the arena; specific route numbers via valleymetro.org
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
Standard Valley Metro fares (single ride / 1-day pass) via Valley Metro app or ticket machines; arena ticketholders ride free on event day (RailRide)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — no waterway service in Phoenix
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
3rd St/Jefferson (eastbound) and 3rd St/Washington (westbound) Valley Metro Rail stations, ~1 block away
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Valley Metro light rail stops at 3rd Street/Jefferson and 3rd Street/Washington stations, both within a 2-minute walk of the arena. Multiple Valley Metro bus routes serve downtown Phoenix. Light rail fare: $2.00 for a single ride, $4.00 for an all-day pass. The light rail connects to Tempe, Mesa, and northwest Phoenix.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
Valley Metro Rail (Phoenix/Tempe/Mesa light rail line) via the Downtown Phoenix Hub
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Use RailRide free fare with your event ticket; the light rail avoids downtown parking and traffic entirely
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
No more than about one block from either 3rd St station
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Accessibility
N/A — no venue shuttle; accessible light rail/bus routes serve the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Cost
N/A — no official venue shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
N/A — no official venue shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notes
Free light rail rides for ticketholders on event day via RailRide effectively substitute for a shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Operator
N/A — Valley Metro provides rail/bus instead
Source statement; not independently verified.
Park ride
Valley Metro park-and-ride lots along the light-rail line (e.g., along the Phoenix corridor) feed the 3rd St stops; specific lots vary — see valleymetro.org
Source statement; not independently verified.
Pickup
N/A — no official venue shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated arena shuttle. Valley Metro light rail serves the arena area with stations within walking distance. Downtown Phoenix is compact and walkable.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Schedule
N/A — no official venue shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Grid Bike Share stations are located near the arena in downtown Phoenix. Bike racks are available on the plaza surrounding Mortgage Matchup Center. Dedicated bike lanes on 3rd Street provide access to the arena area.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Confirm current Phoenix bike-share availability before relying on it; downtown is flat and bikeable from nearby neighborhoods
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Accessible spaces in the Mortgage Matchup Center Garage (all floors; entrance 1st St & Madison) and Jefferson Garage floors 1–5 near elevators; first-come, first-served
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
ALDs checkout free from Guest Services Office (transmit local radio broadcast at Suns/Mercury games; event sound at concerts). Captioning shown on display ribbon in all four corners and via the Suns & Mercury app
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
accessibility@suns.com or (602) 379-7800
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
3rd St just south of Jefferson at the green curb (event drop-off); 1st St just north of Madison for will-call/ticket office. Vehicles may not be left unattended
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevators
Elevators serve all garage floors and arena concourse levels; accessible parking spaces are positioned near garage elevators
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Partners with Ticketmaster on OneCourt haptic feedback devices that let blind/low-vision fans feel live game action through fingertip vibrations
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Mortgage Matchup Center is fully ADA-compliant with accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every concourse. Accessible parking is available in all official garages on levels near skybridges/elevators. Assistive listening devices, sensory inclusion kits, and wheelchair escort services available at Guest Services. Service animals welcome.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
All restrooms on all levels are accessible; gender-neutral/family restrooms on all levels (Main Concourse 105/111/117; Upper Concourse 210/211/222); pavilion family restroom has an adult-sized changing station
Source statement; not independently verified.
Sensory
KultureCity-certified sensory-inclusive venue; sensory room in the Guest Services Office (Pavilion, main north entrance); free sensory bags (ear protection, fidget toys, cue cards, weighted lap pads)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
Trained service dogs (and sometimes miniature horses) welcome at all events; emotional support/therapy/comfort animals are not permitted
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Wheelchair-accessible seating at all price points, first-come, first-served; purchase via (602) 379-7800. Step-free options at row 20 (100 level) and row 2 (200 level)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — the venue operates cashless (card/mobile payment)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Concession prices are among the higher end in the WNBA (e.g., sodas ~$7.50–$10, water ~$7.50) per fan guides
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Local/regional concepts noted by guides include larder + the delta and Benihana bowls; rotating Arizona vendors
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Benihana, larder + the delta, plus premium club/bar areas (e.g., Jim Beam Barrel Bar, Hideaway Bar in suite levels)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
ParkWhiz (official prepaid partner); SpotHero also lists nearby parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Mortgage Matchup Center features a diverse food and beverage program including local Phoenix restaurants, Sonoran-inspired fare, craft beer from Arizona breweries, and traditional arena concessions. The Mercury Team Shop is on the main concourse. Cashless payment accepted throughout the venue. Mobile ordering available.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Ellerbe Becket (architect); general contractor Perini Building Company; project manager Huber, Hunt & Nichols
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
~$89 million original (1992); ~$67 million 2003 atrium renovation; ~$230 million 2019–2021 renovation (Suns paying up to $80M plus overruns)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Hosted 1993 NBA Finals (3 games) and 2021 NBA Finals (3 games); Mercury WNBA Finals games in 1998, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2021, and 2025; 1995 & 2009 NBA All-Star Games; 2000 & 2024 WNBA All-Star Games; will host 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four and 2027 NBA All-Star Game
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Nicknamed "The Purple Palace" (and "The Snake Pit" during Arizona Rattlers indoor-football seasons)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
19,023 for basketball at opening (later reduced to 18,422, then 18,055)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
America West Arena (1992–2006); later US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix Suns Arena, Footprint Center, and PHX Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened in 1992 as America West Arena, later renamed US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix Suns Arena, Footprint Center, and now Mortgage Matchup Center. The Phoenix Mercury have called this arena home since their inaugural 1997 season. Won WNBA Championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. The arena underwent a $230 million renovation completed in 2021, modernizing concourses, adding premium spaces, and upgrading fan amenities.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
2003 (glass-enclosed atrium added); 2019–2021 major renovation (largely completed by 2020–21, finished during 2021 NBA Finals run)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena (important given Phoenix summer heat during the WNBA season)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevation
~1,086 ft (downtown Phoenix elevation)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Two main seating bowls (100/Main Concourse and 200/Upper Concourse) plus suite levels (A-Suites, B-Suites) and courtside
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Multiple suite levels and clubs (e.g., Jim Beam Barrel Bar, Hideaway Bar, courtside suites with private family restrooms); valet-served membership areas
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Basketball seating capacity: approximately 18,422. Standard 94-foot basketball court. The 2021 renovation transformed the arena with modern premium seating, wider concourses, and enhanced technology throughout.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Phoenix Suns (NBA); historically Arizona Rattlers (IFL), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL, 1996–2003), Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
Hardwood basketball court (indoor); also configurable for hockey, indoor football, and concerts
Source statement; not independently verified.