Phoenix Super Bowl Travel Guide
Phoenix is the place to be for the weekend of February 1-4, even if you don't have tickets to the Super Bowl. It's not too late to find a good price on a hotel room and a flight to Phoenix. Between the big game, the FBR Open PGA golf tournament, and the countless parties in Tempe and Scottsdale, expect a Mardi Gras-type atmosphere.
Although officially being hosted by Phoenix, Super Bowl XLII will rely heavily upon the towns and cities that comprise the greater Phoenix area. The game itself will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, about ten miles West of Phoenix. ESPN, DirecTV, and others will be holding their official parties in downtown Scottsdale, while the masses flood the town's nightclubs. And nearby Tempe and Mesa will provide lodging and entertainment for droves of out-of-towners. So visitors have plenty of options for where to stay, party, and enjoy the game.
Though just a few weeks away, there's still time to plan an unforgettable trip. Whether you have tickets to the big game, or are planning to take in the energy of the town, this guide will be an indispensable companion on your trip. Need a sports bar for pre-game revelry, or a map to help you navigate the downtown? From the logistics of trip planning, like finding accommodations and transportation, to advice on how to spend your pre and post game days, it's all here. Make your Phoenix Super Bowl XLII experience an unforgettable one.
If you want to learn about the action on the field, be sure to check out our Super Bowl XLII: Patriots vs. Giants Guide for news, stats, and analysis of the teams.
Although officially being hosted by Phoenix, Super Bowl XLII will rely heavily upon the towns and cities that comprise the greater Phoenix area. The game itself will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, about ten miles West of Phoenix. ESPN, DirecTV, and others will be holding their official parties in downtown Scottsdale, while the masses flood the town's nightclubs. And nearby Tempe and Mesa will provide lodging and entertainment for droves of out-of-towners. So visitors have plenty of options for where to stay, party, and enjoy the game.
Though just a few weeks away, there's still time to plan an unforgettable trip. Whether you have tickets to the big game, or are planning to take in the energy of the town, this guide will be an indispensable companion on your trip. Need a sports bar for pre-game revelry, or a map to help you navigate the downtown? From the logistics of trip planning, like finding accommodations and transportation, to advice on how to spend your pre and post game days, it's all here. Make your Phoenix Super Bowl XLII experience an unforgettable one.
If you want to learn about the action on the field, be sure to check out our Super Bowl XLII: Patriots vs. Giants Guide for news, stats, and analysis of the teams.
Expand All Guide SectionsPhoenix Travel Basics
Phoenix, Arizona is ripe with opportunities for travelers, whether you're a football fan or a culture fiend. Use this section for an introduction to the city.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The Super Bowl is being played at the University of Phoenix Stadium located in Glendale, which is about ten miles west of Phoenix.
- Downtown Phoenix will be buzzing with activity in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Get a preview of what to expect by perusing the "attractions" sites below, as some events may require advance ticket purchase.
- If you want to get in on the Super Bowl excitement, but you don't have tickets to the game, you can still experience the atmosphere surrounding it by taking a trip to Phoenix.
- Phoenix is one of the country's fastest growing cities, but because of its relative youth (it was founded in the 1880s) Phoenix still feels clean and new.
Dulcinea's Picks
For history ...
VisitPhoenix.com
is supported by the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau. The site covers a lot of ground. A history of Phoenix begins with life on the Salt River in 300 BC, and chronicles up to the city's incorporation and first election in 1881. There's also a run-down of Phoenix facts.
For official tourism resources ...
The Arizona Office of Tourism
helps you experience the state to the fullest by providing comprehensive information specific to the city or region you plan to visit. Begin with the interactive map provided in the "Where to Go" section for regional itineraries and feature articles, then try "What to Do" to access a range of activity options for families, nightlife, golfing, arts and culture, and more.
VisitPhoenix.com
provides contact information for visitor centers and Chambers of Commerce across the Greater Phoenix area, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, and other cities. Web sites are listed for some organizations. Once you arrive, these offices can be great tourism resources for things like restaurant recommendations and general travel suggestions.
For an overview of attractions ...
azcentral.com
is the site of the Arizona Republic newspaper and has a "Travel and Explore" section specifically for Phoenix's tourists. Consult sections on things to do for families, couples, and sports fans, get the critics' dining picks, and find suggested itineraries based on interests like golf, shopping, and fine art.
ESPN
Sports Travel City Guide to Phoenix is geared toward sports fans heading to the city. In the overview of "Sports Experiences," you'll learn where to find unique activities like the Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum, and sports venues, like a list of Golf Digest's Top Ten Places to Play in the area.
The City of Phoenix
site has a section on Specialty Parks and Recreation Areas, including dog parks, hiking trails, skate parks, and even parks for bird watchers, among others. Click on a category to access lists of individual parks with links to Web sites.
Super 'Gate '08
is a massive, overnight RV and camper tailgate party that will be held at the Super Bowl from Thursday, January 31, to Monday, February 4. There are events like an opening night bonfire, tailgate decathlon, chicken wing eating contest, and smack-talk trivia contest to keep tailgaters busy. You reserve your space online.
For travel articles ...
The New York Times
"Travel" section provides a compendium of feature articles on Phoenix and its surrounding area. Learn how best to spend a weekend in nearby Scottsdale, or read about Phoenix's cultural revival. Above the articles are reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions from the Times and Frommer's.
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Latest prices for Phoenix-area hotel rooms and car rentals
It's not too late to find a hotel room or rental car in Phoenix, or to find a good deal on a flight to the Super Bowl weekend excitement. Below are the latest options for all budgets and travel needs.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There are several Marriott hotels in the Phoenix area with rooms available for Super Bowl weekend. For example, the Residence Inn has rooms for $399-$549 per night in Phoenix and Tempe; Spring Hill Suites has rates of $499 per night in downtown Phoenix, and for $249 per night in Tempe.
- You'll need a car to explore the sites, such as the Richard Avedon photography exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum. Fox Rent A Car can set you up with an inexpensive rental car. We found a Ford Focus at $70 per day for Super Bowl Weekend.
- The Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa in the Westgate City Center (across the street from the University of Phoenix Stadium) still has rooms available for Super Bowl weekend, but only if you book a special package: book four nights (you must arrive by Jan. 31, and stay through Feb. 3) for $999 per night. Or, book a minimum seven-night stay (you must arrive by Jan. 28) for $699 per night.
Dulcinea's Picks
AZ Sports Hub
is focused on Arizona sports and led by local sports fans. In addition to blogs, team forums, and interviews with players, this site's "What's Hot" section is an excellent resource for anyone traveling to Phoenix for the Super Bowl, providing updates on hotel availability in Phoenix and insight into the latest sports-related happenings around the city.
AZ Super Bowl Blog
is written by die-hard football fans, some of whom live in Phoenix. A recent entry discussed available high-end hotel rooms near the stadium. Check in daily for updates on available rooms in and around the Super Bowl area.
Kayak
can help you find last minute flights to Phoenix or Tucson. Kayak's search engine finds deals from hundreds of airlines and travel sites, and provides results in a way that is both easy to read and to sort, according to your preferences. Kayak links you directly to airlines and travel sites to book your tickets.
Benedictine Sisters of Phoenix Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery
offers accommodation during Super Bowl Weekend. Meet prioress of the monastery, Sr. Linda Campbell, a big time football fan who's held Arizona Cardinals season tickets for nearly a decade. The gorgeous grounds and quiet, cozy rooms are just three and a half miles from the University of Phoenix Stadium. A three night minimum stay is required, and rooms are $250 per night for a double occupancy; each additional person per room is $50 per night.
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Weekend Entertainment at the Super Bowl
If you think the Arizona sun is hot, wait until you experience its club and party scene. Make the most of your nights out by getting the inside scoop on Phoenix's hot spots for Super Bowl Weekend. The sites and advice below will make you feel like a local.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Phoenix enjoys year-round warm weather, perfect for exploring hiking trails in nearby parks. Plus, you'll experience both mountains and desert.
- Westgate City Center in Glendale is just across the street from the stadium, and has been called Times Square in the Desert. This giant, urban complex is a fusion of entertainment events, dining, shopping, and hotels. The venue will play host to Super Bowl weekend block parties and an AVP beach volleyball tournament. AZ Super Bowl Blog has the details.
- There's something for every type of partier in Phoenix. To fraternize with more than 60,000 Arizona State University co-eds, head to Tempe (ASU is right there). For an upscale, older crowd, Scottsdale-Snobsdale to some-is the place to be.
- Tempe and Scottsdale are each about 30-45 minutes from Glendale.
- A few of Scottsdale's finest evening venues include:
- Axis-radiius is two clubs bridged together by a glass catwalk, and features Super Bowl Weekend performances by Snoop Dog (Friday, Feb. 1) and Kid Rock (Sat., Feb. .
- Sugar Daddy's has daily happy hour and a tasty menu stocked with comfort foods like Daddy's Spicy BBQ Wings and Momma's Homemade Chili.
- Devil's Martini has two locations in Old Town and North Scottsdale, an extensive martini list (try Orange Julius or Caramel Apple), and two for one drink deals on Thursdays and Fridays. Keep checking the "Events" section of the site for updates on parties and special events during Super Bowl weekend.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an entertainment overview ...
The Arizona Super Bowl
site summarizes the entertainment happenings in downtown Phoenix during Super Bowl week. The biggest concerts and parties are detailed.
The Phoenix New Times
newspaper has an Entertainment section with a cultural calendar of events. Browse feature articles on upcoming events and artists, or search by keyword or category, such as "Animals & Zoos" or "Comedy." For restaurants, music, and movies in Phoenix, navigate the top toolbar.
Urbanz.com
has the word on under-the-radar parties and music performances, like Amare Stoudemire's "Welcome to Phoenix Super Bowl Party" on Thursday, Jan. 31.
For sports bars and breweries ...
azcentral.com
compiled list of the Top Ten Super Bowl Sports Bars in the Phoenix area. Each listing includes a descriptive summary of bar amenities (big screen TV, pool tables, etc.), along with contact information and Web sites, when available.
Yelp
posts user-submitted reviews of bars and restaurants, including breweries in Phoenix. Get a list of the best places to grab a beer in the city, find out what others who've been there have to say, and link to brewery Web sites to see for yourself.
For Tempe and Scottsdale ...
Virtual Tourist
includes a section on nightlife in Tempe, with traveler recommendations for the best local bars and clubs. Get specifics on the drinks, décor, and crowd, as well as photos of the hot spots.
Concierge.com
gives its typical upscale take on where to go in Scottsdale after dark. With these insider suggestions (Myst, for example, "was designed to feel like a rich friend's living room"), you'll be sipping and chatting with sophisticated locals in no time.
Phoenix Day Trips
While you're in Phoenix, take advantage of its proximity to some of the country's most sought-after destinations. The incredible scenery will make the drive alone a worthwhile excursion.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Las Vegas is about 300 miles from Phoenix, making it an ambitious day trip. Depending on your interests, consider an overnight stay, which would give you enough time to soak up Vegas' neon aura and world-famous atmosphere.
- Another nearby spot worth considering is the Grand Canyon. At 230 miles away it'll take you about four hours to get to there from Phoenix. Again, take your interests into account. If you're planning on hiking a lot, the drive might be too much to do in one day.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Vegas ...
Concierge.com
has a guide to the glitzier side of Las Vegas, detailing high-end restaurants and nightlife spots, lavish hotels, and things to do, whether you're interested in fine art, boxing, or exploring the Hoover Dam. Suggested itineraries and a fact sheet full of practical information round out the guide.
Visit Las Vegas
is the state's official tourism Web site with a user-friendly layout and essential sections on where to stay and what to do, as well as special offers on casinos like the Bellagio.
For the Grand Canyon ...
The National Park Service
site for the Grand Canyon has excellent resources to help you plan a trip, including a podcast (with text) about visiting in the wintertime. Get the scoop on park fees and hiking opportunities, as well as driving directions. Photos and assorted multimedia features offer a pre-trip glimpse.
For driving advice ...
The Great American RoadTrip Forum
includes this thread on driving from Phoenix to Vegas and back, providing a detailed itinerary for those interested in a longer vacation. Also see this entry on driving from Phoenix to Vegas via the Grand Canyon.
Getting to the Phoenix Super Bowl
Surprises should happen during the game, but not on your way there. Use the sites below to plan a smooth trip to the Phoenix Super Bowl, whether you'll be flying, riding the bus, or taking a good old-fashioned road-trip.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Phoenix's main airport is Sky Harbor International, the largest in the Southwest, and a hub for both Southwest and U.S. airways.
- There is no train route going directly into Phoenix. Amtrak has train service in Arizona, but you must transfer to a bus in either Flagstaff or Tucson (both more than 100 miles away) to get into Phoenix. The process is difficult and most travel Web sites suggest alternative methods.
- Greyhound buses arrive in Phoenix from multiple U.S. locations. The terminal is near the airport.
- If you're driving into Phoenix, consider the following commonly used routes: Interstate 10 from the south and west; Interstate 17 from the north; and U.S. Route 60 from the east. From Payson, AZ, north of Phoenix, take Arizona Route 87.
- The findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide equips savvy travelers with the Web's best resources for finding cheap airfare.
- Consider flying into Tucson International Airport which is about a two hour drive from Phoenix. Jet Blue and American Airlines both have flights there.
Dulcinea's Picks
For flights ...
Kayak
is the Web's leading travel search engine, which recently acquired industry competitor Sidestep. By running user searches across hundreds of individual airlines' pages, and those of other travel search sites like Orbitz and Travelocity, Kayak finds users great deals on airfare. Results are organized by price, and are easy to sort.
Farecast
predicts the fluctuation of airline ticket prices by consulting a database of more than a billion airfares. This page lists the best deals on flights to Phoenix in the near future, including last minute fares and special fares for families. Each listing includes a note as to whether the fare is holding steady or rising, so you'll know how fast to act on a purchase.
For airlines ...
Southwest Airlines
offers some of the lowest rates available on flights within the United States. Southwest does not offer fares on search sites like Kayak, so you must book directly through this site. To find deals, be sure to check the "Special Offers" section located in the top toolbar.
U.S. Airways
counts Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport as a hub, offering numerous flights to and from the city. This site has a clean design and is easy to navigate. Sign up for Dividend Miles to be eligible for discounted fares
For buses ...
Greyhound
Bus Lines has a terminal next to the Phoenix airport, and has multiple routes into the city from locations near and far. No reservations are required, and seats are first-come, first-served, so you are advised to arrive early to buy your ticket. At the Greyhound site, get departure and arrival times, as well as a list of stations in each state.
For a car rental ...
Thrifty Car Rental
has a pick-up location at Phoenix Airport, and you can drop off the car at a different location. Use this site to book a car, among several model and make options.
National Car Rental
has pick-up and drop-off locations in Tucson, Mesa, and Flagstaff, in addition to Phoenix. This could be especially convenient if you plan to stay outside of Phoenix during Super Bowl Weekend.
Fodor's
offers a succinct rundown of additional driving route options in its Phoenix-Scottsdale travel guide.
For maps ...
Google Maps
make it easy to drive from place to place, whether it's within Arizona, around Phoenix, or across the United States. Enter departure and destination addresses for written directions and a detailed map of the suggested route.
Phoenix Hotels for Super Bowl Weekend
A comfortable place to rest your head is essential after a long day of tailgating, cheering, and (hopefully) celebrating your team's victory. Find lodging in Phoenix with this section on Phoenix hotels.
Dulcinea's Insight
- As long as you can cancel, you should book your hotel as soon as possible. On Sunday night, two teams will be going to the Super Bowl, and fans from two cities will be rushing to book up whatever they can get. You will want to beat the rush.
- It's a bit late to be booking a hotel for Super Bowl weekend in Phoenix, according to the site Hotel Chatter, which claims that you'll probably have to shell out more cash than usual on a room, or stay in a less desirable property. Consider looking outside the city limits for cheaper prices and vacancies.
- If you have trouble finding a hotel room, consider a rental. During big events or holidays, local residents often capitalize on the need for accommodations by subletting their home or apartment. Many advertise on the Web.
- The last existing hotel in the world with a design scheme directly influenced by architect Frank Lloyd Wright is the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix. The hotel pool was Marilyn Monroe's favorite. For further lore, visit the Arizona Biltmore's Web site. As far as we can tell it's all booked up, but you can still swing by to grab a beer or admire the architecture.
- Metro Phoenix includes the nearby cities of Peoria, Scottsdale, and Tempe. The University of Phoenix Stadium is in Glendale. These towns are legitimate alternatives to spending your nights in Phoenix.
Dulcinea's Picks
Trip Advisor
has a search tool that scours numerous sites like lastminute.com and Expedia to find the best deals on hotel rooms. Results include photos, videos, and traveler-written reviews to show you what each property is really like. To become familiar with the site's special features (such as maps showing hotel price, popularity, and availability), scan the Fact Sheet.
Arizona Super Bowl XLII
Fan Housing Web site has a hotel search tool specifically for accommodation in the Phoenix area during Super Bowl weekend. It is noted that most hotels booked through this site will require a minimum four-night stay (Thurs., Jan. 31- Mon., Feb. 4). The search includes hotels up to 50 miles away from Phoenix. Promotions and special corporate packages are also listed.
Craigslist
posts a motley assortment of ads, including housing and real estate. Scour the Phoenix page for listings of apartment and home rentals available in the city during Super Bowl weekend, or post your own "housing wanted" ad.
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Getting Around the City of Phoenix During the Super Bowl
Navigating unfamiliar metropolises can be tricky, so we've compiled sites to help you out. Learn the lay of the land and the best ways to find transportation in Phoenix, and you'll be en route in no time.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Unlike most major cities, it is easier to get around Phoenix if you have a car. Many main attractions are miles away from the downtown area, and public transportation is nearly nonexistent (except for a commuter bus).
- Don't fret too much over driving around the city; Phoenix is relatively easy to navigate, even for newcomers. Most roads are laid out in a grid, running from north to south and east to west.
- Cab fares are unregulated and can run very high in Phoenix's 800-square-mile metro area. According to travel authority Fodor's, renting a car is the economical option.
- Cabs with service from the airport are AAA, Allstate, and Discount Cab.
- From the airport, Red Line Valley Metro buses take travelers on the 20-minute drive into downtown for $1.25, departing every half hour from Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Or you can catch a Super Shuttle bus, running every fifteen minutes between 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- For car rental companies, see the "Getting There" section of this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For buses ...
Valley Metro
provides bus service and Dial-a-ride around Phoenix and the Greater Phoenix Metro Area. Get route maps and schedules, and purchase fares online. This site has a lot (a possibly overwhelming amount) of information, offering transit news and alerts in addition to bus resources. Ultimately, it is an essential resource if you must utilize public transportation.
For maps ...
Visit Phoenix
has a map of the city's downtown area, including hotels and points of interest like shopping and dining options, as well as recreational and cultural venues. Enter a search term to locate specific businesses.
Phoenix.gov
offers a clear map of parking facilities in downtown Phoenix. Scroll down below the map for recommended routes and parking spots for various convention centers and cultural institutions around the city.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
