West Campus Gymnasium - Pima Aztecs
- Richard Smith
- Nov 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and Pima Athletics
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
West Campus Aztec Gymnasium
2202 W Anklam Road
Tucson, AZ 85709
Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,000
A Desert Gem
Pima Community College, established in 1966 when the citizens of Pima County, Arizona, approved the formation of a junior college district, has grown into a vital multi-campus institution in the greater Tucson area. The West Campus, where its athletics are centered, officially opened to students in the fall of 1971.
The college’s athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Aztecs have a strong tradition across various sports, consistently fielding competitive programs that are frequently ranked nationally.
The West Campus itself is architecturally significant, having been built between 1968 and 1970 with a bold, exposed reinforced cast-in-place concrete design. It is nationally recognized for its innovative, Brutalist-inspired aesthetic, which interacts beautifully with the desert topography.
The mascot of Pima Community College is the Aztec, which is a powerful and respected symbol across the campus, though the mascot's in-person appearance for fan interaction at smaller regular-season matches is not guaranteed.
Food & Beverage 4
There is a very small concession stand at the gym with a very large menu offering menu items at a very decent price.
Atmosphere 3
Stepping into the Aztec Gymnasium, a visitor is immediately struck by the purity of the sporting environment. This is a classic, mid-century college gymnasium design, where the court is the undisputed focus and spectator seating is kept tightly against the sidelines.
The structure is intimate, which is its greatest strength, ensuring that the visual and auditory experience is maximized for every fan. The bleacher-style seating puts you right on top of the action.
Neighborhood 4
Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live.
For those looking for local flavor, the immediate area has a variety of quick dining options. A short drive will bring you to local staples like Filiberto's Mexican Food, which is a popular regional chain for quick, satisfying Mexican fare, a must-try for travelers looking for authentic Southwestern flavors.
The entire Tucson area is rich in history and culture, offering unique attractions like the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission just a short drive from the college. This proximity to both urban amenities and untouched nature means the venue serves as a great launchpad for exploring the unique character of Tucson before or after the game.
Fans 3
The crowd is predominantly composed of players’ family members, friends, and other Pima students who are genuinely invested in the success of the Aztecs.
Access 3
Reaching the West Campus Aztec Field is straightforward and stress-free for the average visitor. The facility is easily accessible, located on the northern part of the sprawling West Campus. One of the most significant fan advantages is the plenty of parking nearby, which means the typical sports travel headache of searching for an expensive, faraway spot is eliminated.
Being located on a college campus means the infrastructure is designed to handle student and staff traffic, and this translates into an easy arrival for event attendees.
Given the venue's location near major Tucson roadways, getting to and from the site, even from downtown or other parts of the city, is a relatively simple drive. The ease of access and ample, free parking are a tremendous convenience that greatly improves the overall game-day journey.
Return on Investment 3
Costs are a bit high with general admission at $10. You need to pay with cash or Zelle, which is a unique mix of options.
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Extras 2
Pima has a history of national success, and this level of consistent excellence means you are watching a truly elite program.
Another unique fact is the prominent presence of the surrounding Brutalist-style architecture of the main West Campus buildings, which were designed by renowned architects and have been featured in national architectural journals. This architectural detail makes a trip to the Pima campus a unique cultural experience in addition to a sporting one.
Final Thoughts
Pima Community College provides an outstanding, high-value opportunity to see nationally-ranked junior college athletics in a beautiful, accessible setting. The experience is intimate, authentic, and focused on the pure love of the game, making it a highly recommended stop for any true sports enthusiast traveling through Tucson.
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