There are so many things to do and see throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix as a whole. Well known for top-notch golf courses, spas, and resorts, the areas surrounding the Arizona foothills are a magical place to live and visit.
From fantastic restaurants, the quaintness of Old Scottsdale, hosting outdoor barbecues, and catching all the best college and professional sports, living in the foothills of Arizona is a fantastic experience.
Residents of the Arizona foothills know that the extreme temperatures aren’t as bad as the thermometer reads, whether winter or summer.
Outdoor patios often have heaters or misters to alleviate the heat; there are plenty of indoor spaces to share and enjoy regardless of the temperatures outside.
If you’re about to head to a game but are hungry, into trying new locations and spots to dine out, especially if you’re hosting friends from out of town, be sure to check out shopping and restaurants in Old Scottsdale they have to offer.
If you’re looking for some history, Old Scottsdale with its 1920’s style architecture, or Taliesin West, home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, is just around the bend.
For art lovers, checking out some of the talented artists spotlighted in the Phoenix Art Museum is an excellent way to feel inspired and pass the time.
And for the sports lover, the Valley of the Sun offers all the professional and collegiate action you could ask for, from NBA to NHL, NFL, and more.
The Sports Fan's Guide
Living in the foothills of Arizona, specifically around Phoenix and Scottsdale, has plenty of things to do. There are award-winning restaurants, museums, and sports of all stripes to catch.
That said, if you’re looking for things to do in and around Scottsdale, here’s a list of some of our favorite events.
The Arizona Diamondbacks
No, we’re not talking about the rattlesnake predominant throughout the American Southwest. Instead, the reference is to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a Major League Baseball team.
Catching a game at the “BOB,” as some locals continue to call Chase Field is an actual event.
Home to the National League Diamondbacks, the stadium offers a retractable roof that covers a natural grass field, seats over 48,000 fans, has a built-in pool located in the center field and available to be rented out, and boasts of hosting more events than just Major League Baseball.
The Phoenix Suns
One of the perennial contenders in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association is located right here in the foothills of Arizona. The Phoenix Suns began as an expansion team in 1968, having reached the NBA finals in 1976, 1993 (led by NBA MVP and Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley), and 2021 falling short of a championship on all three visits.
Located at the Footprint arena (formerly America West Arena), the Phoenix Suns possess the 7th best win percentage of any franchise in the NBA.
The Phoenix Coyotes
Hockey, in the desert? I’m sure you think that can’t be possible. But it is 100% true that there is a professional NHL team in Arizona.
In 1996, the Winnipeg Jets moved south of the Canadian border to post-up a new home as the Phoenix Coyotes. Initially, the Coyotes shared homes with the Phoenix Suns at America West Arena, but since 2003 have been calling the Gila River Arena in Glendale as home.
The proximity to Las Vegas notwithstanding, you can catch a game or play daily fantasy with some of your favorite NHL players. You can even find ways to bet NHL games online without traveling to a casino. However you want to enjoy NHL action, Phoenix has you covered.
The Arizona Cardinals
Established in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club, the Cardinals began their franchise as a team in Chicago before moving to Saint Louis until relocating to the basin in 1988. Playing home games at the State Farm Stadium and have had an up-and-down history in the NFL. In 2009, the Cardinals played in their lone Super Bowl, dramatically losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Arizona State University Athletics
Arizona State University, or ASU, is the flagship of the State University system of Arizona. Competing in the Pac-12, ASU boasts over 24 National Champions headlined by 8x championships in Women’s Golf and 5x champions in Baseball.
For the casual and serious fan of sports, the Valley of the Sun is a hard place to beat. But, it’s just a matter of time until another team elevates itself into a championship and carries with it the hopes and dreams of the residents that call the area home.
