Faith Arena - Ottawa University Arizona Spirit

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and OUAZ Athletics

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57

Faith Arena

14470 W Tierra Buena Ln

Surprise, AZ 85374

Faith Arena website

OUAZ Spirit website

Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000

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A Surprise Spirit

Faith Arena is the home of Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit Women's Volleyball. A visit here is a fantastic dive into the energetic heart of NAIA competition in the West Valley of Phoenix. The university is a private Baptist university that was founded in 1865 and is affiliated with the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and the American Baptist Churches USA.

Ottawa University was founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas, and carries a long, rich history, though the Arizona residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, is a much newer venture, opening its doors in 2017.

OUAZ's athletic program is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), fielding an impressive number of varsity teams, from football to golf.

Faith Arena opened in November 2019.

Food & Beverage 3

The venue features a dedicated, nice concession stand situated in the fairly large entrance and concourse area. Prices are decent.

Atmosphere 4

The design incorporates a beautiful custom paint scheme on the hardwood maple surface that subtly references the nearby White Tank Mountains, giving the court a distinct local flavor.

The atmosphere inside Faith Arena during a women's volleyball match is nothing short of electric, punching well above its weight class for a relatively new and smaller NAIA venue. The compact nature of the arena design naturally amplifies the sound and energy, creating a boisterous and intensely loud environment.

A state-of-the-art video board adds a layer of professionalism often reserved for larger schools, displaying customizable scores, statistics, and live video that enhances the overall event presentation.

On a night like Senior Night, the energy is particularly palpable, with the venue packed full of players' families and dedicated students, resulting in a feeling that the Spirit is truly playing in a major college facility.

Neighborhood 4

The Ottawa University Arizona campus is located in Surprise, a rapidly expanding city in the West Valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The campus is notably situated near the Surprise Civic Center and Recreation Campus, putting it in a hub of community and entertainment.

One of the most unique aspects of the location is its proximity to Spring Training facilities, as Surprise Stadium, home to OUAZ Baseball, is also the Cactus League home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.

In terms of local food, the surrounding Surprise area has numerous options, from fast-casual chains to local eateries that cater to the community.

Fans 4

The Spirit faithful are remarkably supportive and contribute immensely to the venue's boisterous reputation. They are loud, present, and actively engaged with the women's volleyball team, demonstrating a palpable pride in the young, growing athletic program. This fan base is characterized by a strong mix of students, local community members, and highly invested family members, especially evident on occasions like Senior Night when the stands are overflowing with enthusiastic, supportive families.

What is particularly noteworthy is how many fans are willing to travel just a few miles for the match; the attendance of many opposing fans from a rival school located nearby speaks to a burgeoning, healthy local rivalry.

This mix of dedicated home support and a strong contingent of visiting supporters adds a layer of competitive intensity, forcing the OUAZ fans to be even louder to defend their home court. Their energy is a critical component of the arena’s intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.

Access 4

Access to Faith Arena is straightforward, benefiting greatly from its location in the relatively newer, well-planned city of Surprise. Situated just off major arterial roads in the West Valley, finding the facility is a simple task.

Being adjacent to the Surprise Civic Center and Recreation Campus ensures the area is easy to navigate, with organized parking usually available nearby, which is a major convenience compared to the congested lots of older, inner-city campuses.

The main entrance, leading into the spacious lobby that also houses the ticket booths and concession stand, provides a clean and orderly flow for entering and exiting the venue. The venue itself is physically accessible, featuring a lobby that is generous in size, multiple restrooms, and seating that accommodates all fans.

For those traveling from outside the Phoenix metro area, the proximity to various lodging options in the West Valley is a clear advantage for the sports traveler.

Return on Investment 4

The convenience of the clean, accessible facility, ample parking, and the generally simple cost structure of NAIA events means the out-of-pocket expenses are kept low. When you factor in the chance to see high-level collegiate volleyball in a truly electric and intimate environment, the value proposition for a sports traveler is exceptionally high, providing the excitement of a big-time game without the big-time price tag.

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Extras 2

The hardwood maple surface of the arena court features a custom paint scheme that incorporates the nearby White Tank Mountains, visually tying the facility to its unique Arizona desert environment and providing a beautiful, distinct backdrop to the game.

Faith Arena's design allows it to convert into four full 94-foot basketball courts or up to nine total volleyball courts, highlighting its impressive and flexible functionality as a multi-sport training and competition hub for the Spirit's extensive athletic program.

Final Thoughts

Faith Arena is a hidden gem for the college sports traveler, offering an incredibly loud and passionate NAIA volleyball experience in a modern, well-designed facility. It delivers a big-time atmosphere and excellent value, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of collegiate sports in the Southwest.