ACU Soccer Field - Arizona Christian Firestorm

Richard Smith
14 hours ago
3 min read

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71

ACU Soccer Field

1 W Firestorn Way

Phoenix, AZ 85306

ACU Soccer Field website

Arizona Christian Firestorm website

Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 500

A Desert Gem

The ACU Soccer Field is the home pitch for the Arizona Christian University Firestorm soccer programs, nestled in the heart of Glendale, Arizona.

The university was founded in 1960 as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College before ultimately becoming Arizona Christian University in 2011.

The university moved to its Glendale campus, which holds the unique historical distinction of being the former Thunderbird Field, a World War II pilot training base.

This move allowed for the development of quality athletic facilities. The Firestorm are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily compete within the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC).

The ACU Soccer Field itself is a relatively new addition, built as part of the new campus's athletic complex construction, which took place in the years following the campus's move.

Food & Beverage 2

There are no concessions at the venue, but there are many campus dining options literally a few paces away, so we will give them some credit there.

Atmosphere 2

There is one small grandstand next to the playing field and a very simple scoreboard, so the atmosphere is fairly basic. It is a purist's soccer experience.

Neighborhood 4

For travelers looking to dine outside of the campus's quick-service options, the surrounding area offers several appealing choices, with a strong recommendation going to the nearby Someburros restaurant for its popular Mexican food offerings.

Beyond dining, the city of Peoria is close by, providing plenty of additional activities and entertainment to explore before or after a game.

Fans 3

The typical attendance, comprising mainly family, friends, and a solid base of local students, creates a close-knit and supportive environment. It is basic, but the fan support is decent.

Access 3

Getting to the ACU Soccer Field is straightforward, as the venue is conveniently located on the Arizona Christian University campus in Glendale. The school’s position offers relatively easy access from major roadways in the area, which is a significant plus in the expansive Phoenix metropolitan area.

Parking is generally available on the campus itself, making the arrival process painless and quick, a luxury not always afforded to travelers visiting larger venues.

Since the stadium is part of the overall campus facility, navigating to the field is simple, often aided by campus signage and the clear layout of the athletic complex.

For those relying on public transport, options may be more limited, but for the typical driving sports traveler, the access is good. The simplicity of getting in and out of the game, paired with the proximity of the small grandstands to the field, makes for a stress-free experience from the moment of arrival until departure, allowing you to focus completely on the match.

Return on Investment 3

While the games sometimes feature a small charge for entry, this cost remains negligible, and I've also found some games where entry is simply complimentary, which is fantastic. For a few dollars, or even for free, you get to witness authentic collegiate competition, making this an ideal, high-value stop.

Extras 2

The overall school spirit is embodied by the official mascot: The Firestorm, a mythical phoenix bird.

The most compelling 'extra' is the sheer historical significance of the campus itself. The land was formerly Thunderbird Field, a World War II pilot training base, which adds a profound layer of history to every match played here.