Welcome To The Snake Pit

Official Review by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

The Arizona Rattlers are a team in the Arena Football League and have played in the US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ since its inception in 1992.  Other tenants of the arena are the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA).

The Rattlers have played in five ArenaBowls, winning the championship in both 1994 and 1997.  They have also won six division titles.

“Less Field; More Football” is the Rattlers motto.

US Airways Center has a majestic grand entranceway.  There is a wide open space to congregate in the entranceway with plenty of ticket windows; there are many banners and a huge video display promoting upcoming events.  When using this entrance, you can definitely tell the NBA Suns are the more popular team that plays in this arena.

Food & Beverage    4

You'll find many more food options on level one than on level two in the US Airways Arena and there are diverse options including, but not limited to: Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill, GreatSteak (cheesesteak sandwiches), Wetzel's Pretzels, and Brew Masters Pub.

There is, of course, traditional arena fare: hotdogs, hamburgers, nachos, pizza, popcorn, candy, etc.

While I always like to go to a local eating/drinking establishment before a game; there really is no need to that with the variety of options offered at the US Airways Arena.

Atmosphere    3

There are the two Arena Football League championship banners hanging from the rafters at this arena as well as two retired player numbers - #17 Randy Gatewood and # 14 Hunkie Cooper.

I attended the home opener for the Ratters this 2012 season. Introduction events included:

• Jessie McGwire (famous trumpeter) playing the National Anthem
• Motorcycle on the field
• Lights outs with fire pyrotechnics (it gets dark so be in your seat before this starts)
• A new mascot for the 2012 season (naming contest to be held over the next few weeks)

There is a snake's hiss and rattle noise provided throughout the game to remind fans this is Rattlers' territory.

Expect the music volume in the stadium to be loud. The voice sound system (announcer and refs) are very unclear - all this music and fans can't understand the announcement of who scored a goal or the reason there was a flag on the play and the penalty results. Speakers are added for the Rattlers game but they block the center scoreboard/video which is a shame. There are the same video displays on smaller screens on the sides of arena but those are difficult to see.

At the game I attended, there were lots of giveaways on the concourse: beads, thunder sticks, seat cushion. A game day program was handed out upon entry to the venue. This program includes the roster, photos of the Rattlers, Arena Football Rules, Arena Football News, and advertisements. It's worth browsing through (especially if you are new to Arena Football).

The seats are cushioned and have enough leg and arm room to make them comfortable.

Neighborhood    5

The US Airways Center is in the southern part of downtown Phoenix. It is adjacent to Chase Field where the Arizona Diamondbacks play.

There are a multitude of restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels within walking distance of the arena.

Restaurants: Hard Rock Café, Alice Cooperstown, Coach and Willies, Kincaid's Restaurant to name a few within a couple blocks walk.

Tourist Attractions: Arizona Science Center, Herberger Theater Center, Copper Square/Downtown Phoenix

Hotels: Hyatt Regency, Sheraton, Renaissance, Westin (most over $150 a night); Hotel San Carlos is a less expensive hotel in the downtown area.

If you're making a weekend of visiting the Phoenix downtown area, I would recommend staying at a downtown hotel and walking to the different restaurants, attractions, and the US Airways Center.

Fans    3

The Golden Grannies performed at this Rattlers game. The Golden Grannies are a dance team in Phoenix comprised of highly energetic grandmothers who perform choreographed dance routines between quarters at games. They mainly perform at Suns games but this time they performed at the Rattlers game. I have lots of admiration for those ladies.

The fans stood and cheered during the introductions and with each touchdown. The thunder sticks giveaway helped increase the noise level. There were many Rattlers jerseys seen in the arena and on the concourse. The arena wasn't full; most fans were on the first level with very few on the second level.

The ushers were just okay - nothing special. They didn't go out of their way to make me feel welcome. One shooed me when trying to take a photo of center field during halftime.

The National Guard is a strong supporter of the Arena Football League and at the game I attended a hometown hero was announced and recognized. All fans stood up and applauded that individual.

Access    4

There is plenty of parking close by for $10.

One can take the Valley Metro's Light Rail to the US Airways Center. I continue to have difficulty finding information on their website.

Concourses are nice and wide with plenty of walking room. There are plenty of restrooms with no lines at half time.

Leaving after the game was over was without traffic issues.

Return on Investment    3

Ticket prices range from $6.25 - $120.25, with the majority of the seats in the $25 - $35 price range.

Do check their website for specials like buy one game; get another game free. There is no need to order via Ticketmaster; you can get tickets at the door on game day.

I am not a football fan (NFL or AFL) at all. That said, after attending this Rattlers game, I realized that if, in the future, anyone asked me if I wanted to go to one of these games, the answer would probably be yes.

Extras    2

From what I've been told, most arena football players have regular jobs, e.g., teachers, etc. and I admire their ability to do both a 'day' job as well as an athletic job.

The game itself was a very exciting, close, back and forth event. The Arizona Rattlers did end up winning against the Milwaukee Mustangs 71 - 65.