Mortgage Matchup Center – Phoenix Mercury
Updated: Sep 25
Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Mortgage Matchup Center 201 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004
Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 18,422
X-Factor
The Phoenix Mercury are one of the WNBA's most iconic franchises, representing Phoenix, Arizona. As one of the eight original teams when the WNBA launched in 1997, the Mercury have played an important role in the league's growth and success over the past three decades.
Success has long been part of the franchise's identity. The Mercury have captured three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, and 2014) while building a passionate fan base along the way. Attending a Mercury game is about more than basketball. Between the action on the court, fans enjoy interactive contests, energetic dance performances, booming music, t-shirt launches, and one of the more enthusiastic crowds in women's professional sports.
The team's name complements its NBA counterpart, the Phoenix Suns. While the Suns name draws inspiration from Arizona's intense sunshine, the Mercury take their name from the planet closest to the sun, a fitting tribute to one of America's hottest major cities.
The Mercury play their home games at Mortgage Matchup Center in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The venue serves as the home of both the Mercury and the Suns while also hosting concerts, WWE shows, boxing, the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, and more.
Since opening in 1992 as America West Arena, the facility has hosted numerous professional sports teams, including the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, the ECHL's Phoenix RoadRunners, the IFL's Arizona Rattlers, and professional indoor soccer clubs. The arena has undergone several name changes and major renovations, most notably in 2003 and 2020, helping it remain one of Arizona's premier sports and entertainment destinations.
Food & Beverage 4
Mortgage Matchup Center offers an extensive selection of food and beverage options, though fans should be prepared for higher-than-average prices.
The arena's signature concession stands, the 480 Grill, 520 Grill, 602 Grill, and 623 Grill, are named after Arizona area codes and serve traditional stadium fare such as hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, French fries, pretzels, and popcorn. Fans looking for local favorites can stop by Spinato's Pizzeria for pizza, while Wetzel's Pretzels remains one of the arena's most popular destinations.
Other notable options include Big Chicken, featuring its signature chicken sandwich and Uncle Jerome's Nashville Hot Sandwich; Tostitos Cantina, known for its Walking Tacos; Gorilla Grill for burgers and grilled classics; Los Soles Taqueria for tacos, tamales, and nachos; and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, a well-known Arizona-based burger chain.
Several Grab & Go stations are located throughout the concourse for fans seeking a quick purchase. In addition to beverages and snacks, these kiosks feature a $2 Value Menu with items such as hot dogs, chips, bottled water, and ice cream sandwiches, one of the building's best bargains.
The concourse is also lined with bars and alcohol kiosks, including the Grey Goose Bar, Footprint Champions Bar, and Hornitos Bar. These gathering spots are especially popular before tip-off.
Concession stands offer Coca-Cola products and a selection of domestic and craft beers, though prices remain steep. One money-saving tip: the main entrance lobby includes a hydration station where guests can refill an empty water bottle free of charge.
Atmosphere 4
The Phoenix Mercury provide a fan-friendly game-day experience highlighted by strong fan engagement and excellent sportsmanship on the court.
Fans can view the seating bowl from the entry area behind a huge lobby bar. The open concourse includes two corner bar areas with drink rails and stools overlooking the court.
The arena features two seating levels separated by suites and a club level. Most lower-bowl sections extend to Row 28, with fans entering around Row 19 and walking either up or down to their seats. Sightlines are excellent throughout the venue, with center-court Sections 114 and 115 offering some of the best views. For most Mercury games, only one side of the upper deck is open, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Attendance surges for marquee matchups, particularly when the Indiana Fever come to town, often resulting in the entire upper level being used.
A high-definition center-hung scoreboard hangs above center court, providing clear replays, statistics, and game information without distracting from the action. Additional video boards above the baskets and along the sidelines ensure game information is always visible, while player statistics are displayed throughout the contest. The arena also deserves credit for providing closed captioning on all four ribbon-board corners.
Entertainment remains constant from tip-off to the final buzzer. The Mercury's Hip Hop Squad energizes the crowd with cheerleading and on-court performances during breaks in play. Fans can also expect t-shirt tosses, interactive contests, dance cam appearances, and the popular "Who's in the House?" segment highlighting notable guests.
One aspect visitors should be prepared for is the volume. Music and sound effects are played at a consistently high level, which helps create energy but may overwhelm some guests. Those sensitive to loud noise may want ear protection or noise-canceling headphones. The arena's temperature is refreshingly cool, but fans who chill easily may want to bring a light jacket or sweater.
Neighborhood 5
Downtown Phoenix has a plethora of places to eat, drink, visit, and sleep. Two relatively new dining restaurants nearby are Blanco Cocina + Cantina (Mexican) and The Ainsworth (upscale American restaurant and lounge), and a Tom’s Watch Bar recently popped up near the MM Center. Old favorites like Majerle’s Sports Grill, The Arrogant Butcher, Crown Public House, and The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub are still excellent selections.
If you just want a beer pre or post-game, visit the Whining Pig. Craft beers in cans, bottles, and on draft, mead, wine, and cider are much more affordable here than in the arena.
Other things to visit near the arena are the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Police Museum, Heritage & Science Park/Historic Heritage Square. The Phoenix Convention Center is just two blocks from the Footprint Center.
The MLB Arizona D-backs is another sports team to visit in downtown Phoenix during the WNBA season. Occasionally, you can attend a D-backs and Mercury doubleheader.
Several places to stay within walking distance of the arena include the Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown. The Hampton Inn and Suites is about five blocks away and may be more affordable than the others.
Fans 4
X-Factor is the official name of the Mercury's fan base and supports group, and they help create an energetic atmosphere from start to finish. Fans are welcoming, friendly, and respectful, while providing enthusiastic support throughout the game. One of the team's traditions has supporters standing until the Mercury score their first basket, and dedicated fans often begin lining up outside the arena more than 30 minutes before the doors open. Once the game starts, most spectators remain engaged in the action and stay through the final buzzer.
The Mercury have consistently drawn strong crowds by WNBA standards, averaging around 11,000 fans per game over the past decade and routinely ranking among the league's better-supported franchises.
Access 5
Getting to and around Mortgage Matchup Center is relatively easy. The best option is the Valley Metro Light Rail, with game tickets including free rides. Use the Washington/3rd Street or Jefferson/3rd Street stations, depending on your direction of travel. The light rail even stops at Sky Harbor Airport.
Drivers will find the arena conveniently located near I-10 and I-17. Parking is available in numerous nearby garages, though event rates can be expensive. Expect to pay roughly $15 to $30, with premium locations costing more. The Jefferson Street Garage, adjacent to the arena, typically charges about $20.
The plaza outside the main entrance offers ample seating, making it an ideal gathering place before the game, a feature more venues should emulate.
Upon entering, fans pass through walk-through security scanners, and bags may be inspected. Security staff are friendly yet thorough. The arena follows standard NBA bag policies, permitting bags up to 14" x 14" x 6" without requiring them to be clear.
The concourse was widened during the 2020 renovation, creating a comfortable flow of pedestrian traffic. Restrooms are plentiful and remain clean throughout the game.
Return on Investment 3
Single-game tickets start at around $28, though Ticketmaster fees can push the total cost to more than $40 for an entry-level seat. Premium seats can exceed $150. Tickets are mobile-only and accessible through the Phoenix Mercury app, which links directly to Ticketmaster. A nice perk is that game tickets include access to Valley Metro Light Rail service, allowing fans to avoid downtown parking costs.
While ticket prices are slightly higher than those at other WNBA venues, the included transit benefit helps offset the expense. Fans who choose to drive should expect to pay approximately $15 to $30 for parking in nearby garages and lots.
The Mercury enhance the game-day experience with a variety of ticket packages, giveaways, and theme nights throughout the season. Promotions include Buy One Get One Free offers, specialty jersey packages, fan sweepstakes, cultural celebration nights, and Fan Appreciation events. Be sure to check the Mercury website before purchasing tickets.
Concessions are plentiful but carry premium arena pricing, with food and beverage costs generally running higher than at many WNBA venues.
Extras 2
Easy access via Valley Metro Light Rail is a major plus and helps distinguish the Mercury game-day experience from many other WNBA venues. Fans are also reminded of the franchise's rich history by the three championship banners (2007, 2009, 2014) hanging overhead, along with Diana Taurasi's retired No. 3 jersey, the first in team history.
Final Thoughts
Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.
