Grand Slam Stadium Meetings

Go big or small at these cheer-worthy options in the Southwest

BY BETH BUEHLER

» THERE IS SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL about going to a competition, concert, or event at a sports stadium. Game-day energy radiates in the air, sports memorabilia is an inspiring backdrop, and the meeting and event space has an extra dose of grandeur. Luckily, there is a wealth of sports facilities in the Southwest. These football, baseball, and soccer stadiums are typically among the largest in their respective communities, provide add-on experiences, have on-site catering, and can boost enthusiasm and attendance.

Arizona

The greater Phoenix area is home to several world-renowned sports venues. It seems appropriate to start with State Farm Stadium in Glendale, host of this year’s Super Bowl LVII. Located in the heart of Glendale’s entertainment district, State Farm Stadium is home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and the Fiesta Bowl and hosts international soccer matches, motor sports, trade and consumer shows, corporate and social functions, and more.

Designed with a rollout, natural grass field and retractable roof, the stadium seamlessly converts from a sports facility to a multipurpose event space. There are unobstructed views of the field for 63,400 fans, a number that expands to 73,000 for mega events like the Super Bowl or a Taylor Swift concert. The 160,000-squarefoot stadium floor is column-free, has a full utility grid, and is adjacent to 40,000 square feet of meeting space. Consider specific event spaces throughout the venue such as the Bubble Lounge, Tail Feather, AZSTA Grand, visiting team locker room, and club lounges to impress guests.

February and March marked the return of the first full Cactus League Spring Training season since 2019, with baseball fans able to watch 15 MLB teams practicing at 10 stadiums around the Phoenix area. Located in the middle of historic Old Town, Scottsdale Stadium, the spring training locale for the San Francisco Giants, is especially well-suited for meetings and events with its old-school charm. The Fieldhouse, Banyan Room, Lodge, locker room, and press level are all available for rent. The Fieldhouse is the largest space and can hold up to 900 for receptions or opt to reserve the entire facility for up to 12,000 attendees.

On a larger scale, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field is one of baseball’s most recognizable landmarks due in part to its signature swimming pool and hot tub located 415 feet from home plate. Additional features to note include the retractable roof and air conditioning.

With a capacity for over 48,600 guests, Chase Field is at the epicenter of the downtown Phoenix sports scene.

Arizona Diamondbacks Events & Entertainment manages all non-baseball special events at the property with the field, plaza, D-Backs Clubhouse, BMW Suite Lounge/BMW Club, Four Peaks Draft Room, Legends Conference Room + Suites, La Terraza, and more available for gatherings. Stadium tours, scoreboard messages, batting cages, and mascot appearances are available add-ons.

“The Greater Phoenix area continues to rise as a national sports and entertainment hub, and we’re looking forward to seeing venues such as Chase Field, State Farm Stadium, and the myriad of spring training stadiums in our region bolster our presence as a top destination for meetings and events for all-comers,” says Lorne Edwards, chief sales officer for Visit Phoenix.

In Tempe, Sun Devil Stadium, home to Arizona State University (ASU) home football games since 1958, has hosted the Super Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Arizona Cardinals home games, and other major football events. Constructed between two mountain buttes, the stadium was literally carved from the desert and serves as a picturesque venue.

Hold a banquet under the stars, build out booths for an outdoor vendor expo, or host a reception with yard games on the stadium’s Coca-Cola Sun Deck that features over 15,000 square feet of space. The new San Tan Ford Club with 12-foot dual video walls and sweeping views of Frank Kush Field will make up to 700 guests feel like VIPs. Lagunitas Lookout, Hobbs Club, Coach’s Club, and Legends’ Club are ideal for small and medium gatherings.

“Sun Devil Stadium is a great place for hosting events because this space has a rich history filled with tradition and nostalgia,” says Henry Terrazas, director of ASU 365 Community Union, which works with nonathletic events and programs held at the stadium. “Climbing the grand entrance staircase to admire a sunset while overlooking the football field can only be witnessed in our incredible venue. Plus, the look from surprised clients, guests, or sponsors who are greeted with a giant message on the video board is priceless.”

Nevada

Adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip, Allegiant Stadium—home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders—offers 10 meeting and event spaces to host small gatherings or up to as many as 65,000 for a full buyout of the stadium, which is fully enclosed and climate controlled. The field and Ford Plaza are the largest options followed by the

Allegiant Flight Deck, Coors Light Landing, Modelo Cantina Club, and Twitch Lounge. For smaller meetings and receptions, the club rooms and the Raiders Locker Room are ideal. It’s also possible to book behind-the-scenes tours and schedule appearances of current players and alumni, Rusher the mascot, and the Raiderettes cheerleading squad.

Las Vegas Ballpark opened in 2019 and is home to the Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of MLB’s Oakland Athletics. Designed to create a festivallike atmosphere in downtown Summerlin, Las Vegas Ballpark holds 8,200 fans and has 22 suites, a meeting room, party zones and decks, bars, and a swimming pool beyond the outfield wall.

The facility has a full range of technology and activities that are sure to enhance an event. “Hosting batting practice on the field, using the outfield and large concourse for company picnics, using the enormous scoreboard to show a movie, or even taking advantage of our outfield pool for a party in the ballpark is like none other,” says Charles Johnson, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing for the ballpark.

New Mexico

Aggie Memorial Stadium at New Mexico State University (NMSU in Las Cruces was n amed to honor students who have served in the armed forces. With a capacity of 30,545, the stadium hosts NMSU home football games and top artists and performers. The 33,500-square-foot Stan Fulton Athletics Center, located at the south end, has a rooftop terrace, Villanueva Victory Club, and skyboxes that can be booked. To the east of Aggie Memorial Stadium, the practice field also is available for outdoor concerts and events.

Utah

Sandy’s America First Field is the home stadium for Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and National Women’s Soccer League’s Utah Royals FC. Located 15 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, America First Field can hold up to 20,000 for games and 25,000 for concerts.

The Interform Club holds 400 guests and has access to a walk-out terrace with spectacular views of the pitch and mountains. Zagg Executive Club is slightly smaller and has advanced audiovisual capabilities and a view of the field, while the Keybank 100 Lion’s Club Room is perfect for a small business meeting or an intimate cocktail party along with 32 suites. For outdoor gatherings, the America First Pavilion has 44,000 square feet of space on two levels, a huge video board, performance stage, sound system, and concession areas. On game days, the pavilion is an all-inclusive, pre-game group entertainment experience. allegiantstadium.com americafirstfield.com thelvballpark.com mlb.com panam.nmsu.edu/facilities scottsdaleaz.gov/scottsdale-stadium statefarmstadium.com

Atan elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level, Prescott, Arizona, has 277 sunny days per year, an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and breathtaking landscapes featuring granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows filled with wildlife. The city is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of the Prescott National Forest, offering unlimited opportunities to explore nature—including four lakes and 16 parks. And not only is Prescott rife with lodging, dining, and entertainment options for out-of-towners looking for a rural respite, but it’s also a rising hot spot for hosting meetings and events on the West Coast—especially with direct flights available from Los Angeles and Denver international airports.

Thanks to over 450 miles of trails complemented by serene lakes and sprawling parks, opportunities are endless for corporate groups to enjoy some outdoor activities—from hiking, kayaking, and canoeing to stand-up paddleboarding, bird-watching, horseback riding, and much more. And for those who prefer hitting the links or simply need an outdoor space to conduct deals with clients, several different golf courses are yours for the taking.

Moreover, Prescott’s historical sites and art museums offer a refreshing respite from busy breakout sessions. The city is home to three of the state’s most coveted museums overflowing with awe-inspiring artifacts and masterpieces: Sharlot Hall Museum, The Phippen Museum of Western Art, and the Museum of Indigenous People.

Keep your group on their feet with the Prescott Heritage Trail & History Hunt. The 90-minute walking tour boasts a series of self-guided activities that reveal some of the city’s most notable historical landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Governor’s Mansion built in 1864, the Hassayampa Inn built in 1927, Elks Theater & Opera House, The Carnegie Library, and more.

What’s more, post-meeting entertainment and eats are easily accessible. When the breakout sessions end and keynote speakers conclude their messages for the day, Prescott’s nightlife, entertainment, and dining scene get their chance to shine. Local culinary spots intermingle with familiar fare throughout downtown while watering holes with unmatched drink menus line the famed Whiskey Row, home to rebuilt Gold Rush-era saloons.

Whether you’re seeking to relax outside with beauty and wildlife, enjoy exceptional dining and shopping, or learn more about the history of the Wild West—Prescott has all you need.