It seems there’s nothing bigger than the NFL—everyone loves football, kids and adults alike. The sight of burly helmeted men crashing into each other is endlessly exciting. But have you ever heard of the AFL? Arena football is a lesser-known variant of American football that’s played on a smaller field, which means it’s even more intense, with a faster-moving game and more scoring.
And it turns out Phoenix happens to be home to arguably the best team in the league. The Arizona Rattlers have taken nine division titles in the past twenty-odd years and played in the ArenaBowl championship games nine times, with a total of five wins—including back-to-back-to-back championships in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Taking the kids to an Arizona Rattlers game is a great family outing. The faster pace of the game keeps younger children with shorter attention spans more involved. And given the smaller size of the field, arena football can be (and always is) played indoors, which means air conditioning! Home games take place at the US Airways Center, nicknamed the “snake pit,” which seats 15,000 people for arena football. There’s plenty of concessions options on the main concourse, with Nocawich and Carl’s Jr. vying with Karmel-Korn 2Di4 and Dribbbles Desserts, and even more to be found on the upper level.
You can get a ticket to three home games at the US Airways Center with a Pogo Pass, along with admission to many other venues (use the promo code AZPLACES at checkout to get 60% off!).
Getting There
US Airways Center
201 E Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85004
