Desert Diamond Arena | Glendale

Desert Diamond Arena, located in Glendale, Arizona, is a premier indoor multipurpose venue known for hosting a wide variety of sports, concerts, and entertainment events. Opened in December 2003, it has played a pivotal role in the development of Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District, becoming a central hub for cultural and sporting activities in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Architectural and Facility Features

Designed by HOK Sport, the arena was constructed at a cost of approximately $220 million. It was built to accommodate large crowds with flexibility to host different types of events, ranging from ice hockey and basketball games to concerts and family shows. The arena has a seating capacity that varies depending on the event type: it can hold up to 19,000 attendees for concerts, around 17,125 for ice hockey, and approximately 18,300 for basketball events.

The venue boasts 87 luxury suites, 12 party suites, and over 3,000 club seats, providing premium experiences for guests who desire enhanced amenities, privacy, and exclusive services. The seating arrangement is designed to offer excellent sightlines from virtually all areas, ensuring an engaging experience regardless of the event.

Sporting History and Usage

Desert Diamond Arena was the longtime home of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes from 2003 until 2022. During this period, it hosted countless professional ice hockey games, playoff matches, and NHL-related events, cementing its reputation as a major sports venue in the Southwest.

In recent years, the arena became home to other professional sports teams, including the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League, who relocated there in 2024. It also serves as the venue for Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events, attracting fans of rodeo and extreme sports.

The arena has also hosted major wrestling events such as WWE SmackDown and MMA fights including UFC bouts, broadening its appeal to diverse sports audiences.

Entertainment and Concert Venue

Beyond sports, Desert Diamond Arena is a prominent concert venue, regularly attracting top-tier artists from around the world. Renowned performers such as U2, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran have held concerts here, leveraging the arena’s excellent acoustics, large capacity, and modern production capabilities.

The venue also hosts family-oriented shows like Cirque du Soleil, Sesame Street Live, and the Harlem Globetrotters, making it a family-friendly entertainment destination for all ages.

Recent Renovations and Future Vision

In 2024, Desert Diamond Arena began a significant $42 million renovation project designed to modernize the facility and enhance the guest experience. This transformation includes redesigning 25 key spaces within the arena, upgrading amenities, and integrating new technology to improve comfort, accessibility, and event production quality.

The renovation is a collaborative effort led by ASM Global (the arena’s management company), Forward Associates (experience design firm), and HOK (architects), with over 500 local tradespeople involved in the project. Set to be completed in spring 2025, these upgrades aim to position Desert Diamond Arena as one of the West’s top-tier entertainment venues and a “music mecca” in Arizona.

Location and Accessibility

Desert Diamond Arena is situated at 9400 W Maryland Avenue in Glendale, within the vibrant Westgate Entertainment District. This district is a bustling area filled with shopping, dining, hotels, and other entertainment venues, including nearby State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Casino.

The arena benefits from excellent accessibility, with over 26,000 parking spaces available across the district and nearly 4,000 hotel rooms within walking distance or a short drive, making it convenient for local residents and tourists alike. Public transit options, rideshare zones, and shuttle services support easy access during large events.

Visitor Amenities and Experience

Visitors to Desert Diamond Arena enjoy a broad range of amenities designed to enhance their event experience. These include:

Numerous concession stands offering diverse food and beverage options, including local and gourmet selections.

Multiple merchandise outlets selling team gear, artist merchandise, and event memorabilia.

Comfortable lounges, club areas, and luxury suites providing premium seating and hospitality services.

Modern audiovisual technology and large video screens delivering immersive viewing.

High-speed wireless internet coverage throughout the facility.

Family zones and accessibility features ensuring an inclusive environment for all guests.

Dedicated security, medical services, and clear signage contributing to guest safety and convenience.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Desert Diamond Arena has been instrumental in Glendale’s economic growth, generating significant tourism revenue, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses. Its presence has helped transform the Westgate area into a dynamic entertainment and hospitality district.

Culturally, the arena serves as a community gathering space, hosting diverse events that cater to a wide range of interests, from major league sports and international music tours to local community celebrations and educational programs.

Desert Diamond Arena stands out as a versatile and modern venue combining large capacity, premium amenities, and a prime location. Its ongoing renovation reflects a commitment to maintaining its status as a leading destination for sports and entertainment in Arizona, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.