Downtown Phoenix Vitality: Weekly Events
8/30/10 • by Yuri ArtibiseHere are a few of the less heralded activities that are occurring in Downtown Phoenix on an almost daily basis.
Sports and Rec
D-backs Digest | Back in a Slump(full article)
8/19/10
Just when things are looking up, back down go the D-backs.
D-backs Digest | Gonzo Honored and Cancer in the Clubhouse Removed(full article)
8/13/10
Are things looking up? The D-backs won five games last week, registered their first sell-out home game in months and reached some notable player milestones.
D-backs Digest | Gonzo to be Honored This Weekend(full article)
8/06/10
Luis Gonzalez is the first D-back to have his number retired. See it live at Chase Field on Saturday.
D-backs Digest | Struggling D-backs Acquire Pitching(full article)
7/29/10
Will three new pitchers on staff help generate some Ws?
Meet Downtown Advocate and Phoenix Mercury COO Amber Cox(full article)
7/26/10
Cox, the team’s newly appointed COO, lives Downtown and is hoping to convince her neighbors that the Mercury are an affordable neighborhood entertainment option.
D-backs Digest | Let the Second Half Begin(full article)
7/22/10
The D-backs start the second half of the season with some pretty cool promos for the whole family this weekend.
Suns Spot (Special Edition) | New Faces on Planet Orange(full article)
7/15/10
Come October, the Suns lineup will look quite a bit different.
D-backs Digest | Arizona’s Half-Season Winds Down(full article)
7/08/10
The D-backs have some time to recalibrate during the All-Star break as trade rumors swirl.
Suns Spot (Special Edition) | Amar’e Leaving Impacts Downtown Phoenix(full article)
7/08/10
Amar’e Stoudemire is out of Phoenix, and it impacts both the Suns and our Downtown neighborhoods.
D-backs Digest | Management Rattled Before the All-Star Break(full article)
7/01/10
A change in D-backs personnel may spark the D-backs to some inspiring victories in the coming days during the Fourth of July celebrations at Chase Field.
D-backs Digest | Arizona’s Roster Move May Help Relief(full article)
6/24/10
The D-backs will hit the road this week, but can they string together a few wins?
D-backs Digest | Arizona Showing Signs of Life(full article)
6/11/10
A good start to the home stand has given the team a boost in confidence.
Suns Spot | What a Ride(full article)
6/11/10
The Suns’ season has come to a close, and what an enjoyable trip it’s been.
D-backs Digest | June Home Stand(full article)
6/04/10
The D-backs are at Chase Field for a while. Let’s get back to those winning ways.
D-backs Digest | California Rivals on Tap(full article)
5/27/10
The D-backs continue to struggle as they head out on a California road trip.
Suns Spot | Momentum Shifts, Doubters Remain(full article)
5/27/10
The Suns’ series with the Lakers is knotted at two games apiece.
D-backs Digest | Snakes Showing Signs of Life(full article)
5/20/10
A couple of big wins against the Giants have the D-backs full of confidence entering interleague play.
DPJ Wagers with LA Downtown News on Suns/Lakers(full article)
5/14/10
We’re so sure the Suns will stick it to the Lakers that we proposed a bet with our friends in LA.
D-backs Digest | Diamondbacks Look to Bounce Back After Rough Week(full article)
5/13/10
After a winless week, the team will try to refocus on the road.
Suns Spot | Western Conference Finals Preview(full article)
5/13/10
The Suns and Lakers tip off on Monday, but the heat of the rivalry is already rising high.
D-backs Digest | Tough Teams Welcome Diamondbacks Home(full article)
5/06/10
The D-backs are home at Chase Field after a long road trip, and there is a whole week of exciting baseball and promotions at the ballpark to look forward to.
Suns Spot | Unfamiliar Territory(full article)
5/06/10
With the Suns taking a 2-0 lead in their series against the Spurs, they are now in command heading to San Antonio for games three and four.
D-backs Digest | Arizona on Venomous Run Rampage(full article)
4/29/10
Faced with a couple of tough road series, the D-backs have stepped up their game.
Suns Spot | What to Expect in Game Six(full article)
4/29/10
The Suns look to advance to the Western Conference semifinals tonight.
D-backs Digest | Challenges Ahead and Weekend of Promos(full article)
4/23/10
Despite some recent setbacks, the D-backs are gearing up for a weekend of good competition and some nifty fan promotions.
Suns Spot | Three Keys to a Game Three Victory(full article)
4/22/10
Can the Suns win game three in their series against the Blazers? Here are three keys to the game.
D-backs Digest | Snakes Preparing for a Challenging Homestand(full article)
4/16/10
The D-backs will return to Phoenix to begin the week, and steep challenges await.
Suns Spot | Bring on the Blazers(full article)
4/15/10
With the Suns facing the Blazers in the first round of the playoffs, let’s have an “ORNG out” in the stands. Come on, fans!
The Pulse | 3rd St./Washington Destinations(full article)
4/15/10
Our next stop with Light Rail Blogger is the 3rd Street and Washington Light Rail station. Which nearby destination do YOU recommend?
Frye Gives Back(full article)
4/12/10
The Suns’ Channing Frye, a local talent from St. Mary’s High School, has focused on Central Phoenix youth with his CFrye Foundation.
D-backs Digest | Arizona Gets Rolling in Opening Week(full article)
4/09/10
So far, so good in the first week of the D-backs season.
Suns Spot | Catching Up With Looooooou(full article)
4/08/10
Suns forward Lou Amundson appreciates the character Downtown Phoenix offers.
D-backs Digest | Sedona Red Means New Blood for D-backs(full article)
4/02/10
The opening pitch of the D-backs season is right around the corner. Head down to Chase Field to take in a game!
Suns Spot | The Forces Invades Planet Orange(full article)
4/01/10
The Suns go galactic on April 11 with the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars Night” at US Airways Center.
D-backs Digest | Uptown Meets Downtown(full article)
3/26/10
Chase Field’s newly designed “Uptown” section will have fans cheering for star outfielder Justin Upton and the rebuilt D-backs team.
Suns Spot | Top Five Amar’e Dunks of All Time(full article)
3/25/10
Amar’e Stoudemire laid down a massive dunk this week. Suns Spot looks back on Stoudemire’s all-time top five dunks.
Suns Spot | Suns and Stars Gala(full article)
3/18/10
This past Saturday, the Phoenix Suns held the Suns and Stars Gala at the Sheraton. I was fortunate enough to attend the event, and it was quite a swanky affair.
Suns Spot | Social Media Nights Invade the Purple Palace(full article)
3/11/10
Back in December, the Phoenix Suns held their second annual Tweetup for Suns fans to much success. In March, the Suns will host two more social media events.
Suns Spot | The First-Ever Sunsies(full article)
3/04/10
With the 82nd annual Academy Awards just a few days away, I decided to give out the Sunsies for the Phoenix Suns’ season thus far.
Suns Spot | Biggest Win of the Year(full article)
2/25/10
This week, the Suns did something they’ve rarely done in the past five-plus years: Win a game without two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash.
Suns Spot | STAT Leaving Town Could Change Phoenix as We Know It(full article)
2/18/10
I was all set to write about what may happen in the city of Phoenix if STAT leaves town. After much eternal debate, I’ve decided to write that blog anyway.
A Whole Lotta Love for Downtown(full article)
2/12/10
Happy Valentine’s Day! We’re showing our love for Downtown Phoenix by sharing our 14 favorite places and experiences.
Suns Spot | A Few Things to Look Forward to After the Break(full article)
2/11/10
As the Suns prepare for a break from NBA action, ‘Suns Spot’ decided to take a look at what we expect to see happen over the last few months of the NBA season.
Suns Spot | One-on-One with El Dragón(full article)
2/04/10
DPJ caught up with Suns guard Goran Dragic after practice, and he was beaming with positivity before heading out on the Suns’ current road trip.
Suns Spot | Should He Stay or Should He Go?(full article)
1/28/10
If I had to guess now, I’d say the Suns will move Stoudemire before the February 18th trade deadline. Is this what I want? Not really.
Suns Spot | Relax, Planet Orange(full article)
1/21/10
I’m just trying to say, relax, Planet Orange. We’re going to be just fine.
Suns Spot | Suns Hit the Road, You Hit the Bars(full article)
1/14/10
The Suns are on the road for a few games, so Suns Spot decided to take a look at spots around Downtown Phoenix where Suns fans can still enjoy the away games.
Suns Spot | Trade Season is Upon Us(full article)
1/07/10
With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, Suns Spot has decided to take a look at what moves, if any, the Phoenix Suns should make.
Suns Spot | A Nice Way to End the Decade(full article)
12/31/09
After a rough first 27 days of December in which the Suns let some games get away, Phoenix finished the month off with two of its most impressive wins of the season.
DPJ Yelper of the Week: Brad E. on AmenZone Primal Fitness Training(full article)
12/29/09
Amen, the trainer, does a great job of keeping you motivated while you are testing your mental fitness about as much as your physical.
Suns Spot | LB, Oh How We Miss Thee(full article)
12/24/09
When Leandro Barbosa is healthy he gives the Suns a whole other element. With him on the bench, the second string has a lot more firepower to work with.
Suns Spot | A New Hope(full article)
12/17/09
The evil, hated, dirty, flopping, no good, trouble-causing, Empire was back. On this night, though, the dark side fell victim to the light speed attack of the Rebel Alliance.
Suns Spot | Second Annual @PhoenixSuns Tweet-Up(full article)
12/10/09
Next Tuesday, December 15, the Phoenix Suns will be hosting their second annual @Phoenix Suns Tweet-Up as they face the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center.
Suns Spot | How Will the Suns Handle Adversity?(full article)
12/03/09
The Suns needed some adversity. All teams face it. The good ones overcome it. Now the Suns have their chance.
Suns Spot | Three Things Suns Fans Have to be Thankful for(full article)
11/26/09
Suns fans have lots to be thankful for this holiday season, and it’s no wonder why their team currently sits atop the NBA with a 12-3 record.
Suns Spot | First Ones to 10(full article)
11/19/09
Five times this year the Suns have won games after overcoming double-digit deficits. Last year, they did this a total of seven times over the 82-game season.
Suns Spot | Road Warriors(full article)
11/12/09
There’s no doubt in my mind that if the Suns continue to play with the effort that they have been, they can take the Lakers.
Suns Spot | 4-1, Not too Shabby(full article)
11/05/09
As a Suns fan, I can’t complain about being 4-1 at this point in the season. There are a lot of positives to look at early in the season.
Suns Spot | Clearly, Steve Nash is Too Old(full article)
10/29/09
Steve Nash is clearly too old and lost a step. In the Suns’ season opener against the Clippers on Wednesday night, he scored 15 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to rally the Suns to a victory.
Suns Spot | 2009-2010 Suns Season Preview(full article)
10/22/09
As the new season of Phoenix Suns season rapidly approaches, I feel it’s only fitting to give my prediction on where I expect the Suns to finish out West this year.
This is Your Call to Action, Suns Fans(full article)
10/15/09
As fans, we complain when players only show up half the time. We demand better of them, but shouldn’t we also demand better of ourselves?
See the Suns, Ride the Rail(full article)
9/18/09
Starting October 1, US Airways Center tickets displaying the Rail Ride Event logo will be good for the event and rides on the light rail.
Bowling is Coming to Downtown Phoenix(full article)
9/07/09
A 12-lane bowling alley is coming to Downtown Phoenix in 2010 in what would seem to be an unlikely spot.
Flag Lady Cindy McBride(full article)
7/15/09
During the day, Cindy McBride works in a dental office, but off hours, she is the Diamondbacks’ biggest fan. McBride has hand-made flags for almost every Diamondbacks player and pom-pom routines for various moments in the games. She waves the banners enthusiastically as each player steps up to bat, dances between innings and yells encouragingly [...]
D-backs Split Series with Sunday Loss(full article)
7/12/09
The Arizona Diamondbacks faced the Florida Marlins for their final game of the series on Sunday after coming off of two back-to-back victories. Florida would start the game with a bang, knocking in three runs in the first inning. The D-backs were unable to get anything going offensively as they tried to help earn another [...]
Haren Baffles Marlins Throws Complete Game Shutout(full article)
7/10/09
Coming into the game with an 8 and 5 record, Dan Haren would remind the Marlins why he has been selected as an All-Star for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Haren would go the distance, allowing no runs on singles night at Chase Field. Haren’s performance was shadowed by all of the spectacular play in the MLB [...]
‘Movie Mondays’ At Heard Museum In Full Swing(full article)
7/10/09
On Monday, July 13, the Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., is showing the 2002 film, Lady Warriors.
This film follows the Tuba City High School girl’s cross-country running team, the Lady Warriors, during their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Arizona State Cross-Country Championship in 2000.
D-backs Pummeled in Eighth Inning(full article)
7/09/09
In what looked to be another victory for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Florida Marlins vanished in the eighth inning when the Marlins scored ten runs in the catastrophic inning. The Diamondbacks were able to score seven runs in the first five innings of play while holding the Marlins to no runs through five. Yusmeiro [...]
Join DPJ And AZHardball At DBacks Singles Night(full article)
7/09/09
July 10, 2009. Chase Field. $15.
Tickets are still available for Singles Night, hosted by Catherine Herman and the AZDBacks.
Singles Night With The DBacks(full article)
7/07/09
Monday may be singles night at the grocery store but this Friday, July 10, is Singles Night at Chase Field. As Phoenix heats up, so are the Diamondbacks as they have been playing some solid baseball as of late. (edit – vote for Mark Reynolds) What better way to cool off than to chill with [...]
SuTRA Midtown Yoga Introduces Yoga Fusion(full article)
6/24/09
Bob Marley and yoga? What about throwing in a little Jackie Chan? Or maybe a dose of Barishnicoff? There’s a whole new way to practice yoga in Downtown Phoenix – or make that a host of new ways – and they’re all under one funky roof at SuTRA Midtown Yoga, 2317 N. 7th St. Think: Ballet Yoga, Kung Fu Yoga, Rhythmic Funk, Reggae Fridays, the Nooner, and the Community Jukebox.
One Really Cool Weekend(full article)
6/21/09
Okay, so it was almost 100 degrees but, still in the double digits in Downtown Phoenix which is a bit odd for this time of year. So, by now some of you may have read that I am a bit of a baseball geek. I know that I am not the only one but I do spend a ton of time scoping out what is going on in and around Chase Field. This weekend was no exception.
D-Backs Staying Home for the Spring(full article)
6/21/09
Diamondbacks, who call Phoenix their regular season baseball home, are looking for a new location to hold their Spring Training. According to multiple sources, the management has narrowed the prospective locations to a few different places. Although all three of the locations have not been officially confirmed, one of which is a parcel of land on the Salt River Reservation. It is not news that Spring Training brings monumental amounts of tourism to the Valley of the Sun and the City of Scottsdale appears to be backing the D-Backs move to the reservation.
Meet Paul “AZHardball” Martinez(full article)
6/10/09
Paul Martinez transformed his childhood affinity for America’s favorite pastime into a prominent Phoenix baseball blog. A self-employed project manager for web projects, Martinez’s passion for baseball began with weekend games with his father. During the week, his Martinez’s dad had a long commute to and from work, so going to baseball games became their [...]
“Snake, Rattle and Vote”(full article)
4/27/09
The Arizona Diamondbacks will officially launch their 2009 All-Star Game balloting campaign tonight prior to the 6:40pm game versus the Chicago Cubs.
Dubbed “Snake, Rattle and Vote,” fans can cast their vote for any of the eight D-backs players on the ballot during the next 25 home games until June 25. The team will once again encourage fans to visit the “All-Star Game Ballot Headquarters” behind the Picnic Pavilion on the main concourse in left field to be eligible for great prizes.
First “Third Friday Concert Series” at Civic Space this Friday(full article)
4/17/09
Come celebrate Phoenix’s first “Third Friday Concert Series” on Friday, April 17 at the new Downtown Civic Space park. The free concert will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will feature Turn Back, O Man and The Matthew Reveles Band.
D-Back’s Return Expected To Boost Downtown(full article)
4/06/09
Monday marks the return of Major League Baseball to downtown Phoenix with the Arizona Diamondbacks opening the 2009 season against the Colorado Rockies.
Opening Day and the subsequent 81 home games at Chase Field are expected to give a much needed economic boost to bars and restaurants surrounding the stadium.
Diamondbacks Open Season Monday(full article)
4/03/09
Baseball is important. At least to me.
Monday marks the start of the 11th season of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the first full season that the light rail will be running.
Businesses Get On Light Rail Bandwagon(full article)
3/06/09
When light-rail construction scared off scores of shoppers, many struggling downtown merchants considered the $1.4 billion line more of a curse than a blessing. Light rail began running in December, and what a difference a few months has made. Last week, several downtown business owners lobbied a transit agency to make sure that their shops would sit near a future light-rail route.
Roadrunners Vs. Thunder(full article)
3/03/09
The Phoenix Roadrunners play the Stockton Thunder tonight at the US Airways Center on 2nd Street and Jefferson. The game starts at 7PM, and tickets start at just $8!
International Women’s Day Luncheon(full article)
3/02/09
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Ann Meyers Drysdale, General Manager for the World-Champion Phoenix Mercury and basketball Hall-of-Famer. The luncheon will take place from 12PM – 1:30PM at the South Building of the Phoenix Convention Center. Tickets are $75 ($45 for students and seniors).
SoDo coming to life during All Star Week(full article)
2/09/09
The vintage warehouses in the Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District aka SoDo will be springing into action this week, hosting NBA All Star parties, fashion shows, probably a little comedy thrown in and if you are in need of some casual, vintage clothing you will be able to pick that up as well.
Downtown Phoenix on International Stage this week(full article)
2/09/09
Just a few weeks ago, Arizona captured the international sports spotlight with the Cardinals Superbowl appearance and now this coming week we get to be in the spotlight again, this time by hosting the NBA All-Star Game and associated events.
The Arizona National Boat Show(full article)
1/21/09
Big boat show happening at the Phoenix Convention Center. Why not forget about all the depressing newspaper headlines and go dream about buying a new boat or if you have the bucks, buy one. In addition to boats, Pro Riders will be demonstrating the newest gear and latest tricks on a 170 ft. lake on [...]
Where to watch the Cardinals beat the Eagles this Sunday(full article)
1/16/09
If you’re not planning on going to Glendale to see the game, you can certainly find a Sports Bar in Downtown Phoenix where you can cheer on the Cards with some fellow fans, This list is not exhaustive, just the first ones that come to mind.’ Majerle’s Sports Grill – 24 N 2nd St Coach [...]
Rock “n” Roll Marathon Fitness Expo(full article)
1/15/09
January 16 - 17. One of the events leading up to the P.F. Chang’s Rock ”n” Roll Marathon on Sunday is the Fitness Expo happening at the Phoenix Convention Center. Check out the latest Health & Fitness Stuff, attend free clinics. 10am-7pm Friday; 9am-5pm Saturday. get info online
We still have our Dbacks(full article)
4/30/08
So our Suns playoffs dreams are squashed again, again by the evil aliens, known as Spurs, from planet Hoopenite. But look on the bright side. We have a red hot baseball team in town. Switch the orange to red and come on down. -Mark
I do not like the San Antonio Spurs(full article)
4/22/08
And I hate how long it takes to drive across Texas, even just the pan handle. May all the Spurs be forced to drive across Texas and back after they blow their two game lead and lose the series. Shniffff Shniffff Shnifff. (I don’t believe in curses, but just in case.) -Mark
Can’t help myself(full article)
4/20/08
I’ll try to refrain myself in the future from posting after every game as if I’m some sort of sports writer but my oh my, these Dbacks sure are playing some nifty baseball. Did anyone see them shred the Padres again tonight? The Padres’ 6’10” pitcher, Chris Young held his own against the Dbacks’ speedy [...]
Sports update(full article)
4/18/08
Welcome to the weekend folks! Dbacks crushed the Padres 9 zip at home. The Suns take on the Spurs Saturday at Noon in San Antonio. This is the first game of the playoffs and the game will be shown on ABC. -Mark
Dbacks are looking good(full article)
4/09/08
Not only did they sweep the Rockies in Colorado, who knocked us out of the play offs last year and made it to the world series, but they came home with brooms in hand and swept the Dodgers, another tough team. This was the home opener series. This was awesome. This was six wins in [...]
Dbacks take early lead in season opener!(full article)
3/31/08
It’s two nothing Dbacks in Cincinati – top of the third. Their home opener is not until Monday Apr 7th against the Dodgers. See ya there Dbacks fans. -Mark
March Madness is downtown tonight at U.S. Airways Center(full article)
3/27/08
From http://www.usairwayscenter.com: “NCAA March Madness comes to Phoenix in 2008, and there’s no better place for college basketball than US Airways Center! Phoenix will be the site for four of the 16 teams in the regional sessions of the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. One of these teams will advance to the Final [...]
I Think I Smell Hot Dogs(full article)
3/27/08
Who is getting excited for the baseball season to start? I’d like to hear from some of our readers. Do you think the Dbacks will win more games this year than last? I think so. What do you think and why?




