THE SILICON DESERT
Home to some of the country’s most passionate soccer fans, Arizona possesses a rich mixture of American and Mexican soccer culture. While the Grand Canyon State doesn’t have an MLS team yet, Arizona is home to one of the best USL teams in the country and a state of the art stadium used often by the US Mens and Women’s National teams, as well as the Mexican National Team.
Phoenix Soccer City Guide
Phoenix Rising Football Club
WELCOME TO THE HOME OF THE PHOENIX RISING FOOTBALL CLUB
Although Arizona has yet to receive an MLS team, you better believe that their second-division squad, Phoenix Rising FC, has raised some eyebrows in the Southwest. Established in 2014, Phoenix has quickly risen to the top of the USL after a rebrand from their former title, Arizona United. The team has even brought in soccer legends like Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips in their short existence.
PHOENIX RISING SUPPORTER GROUPS
Established in 2013 as La Furia Roja, this group of supporters has been with the Rising since its inception. Sharing its space with Los Bandidos, The Red Fury take pride in their work in the community, with civic based work like helping the homeless and tutoring local students. If it isn’t the beating of the drums for the full 90 that attracts you, it’s certainly all this group stands for.
Instagram: @redfuryphx
Twitter: @RedFuryPHX
The Black and Red started in 2017 and reflect the Phoenix community’s LatinX culture. They pride themselves in representing the people that live in the Valley, and are just as proud of the culture from which they come from.
Facebook: @BandidosPHX
Instagram: @bandidos_phx_
Twitter: @BandidosPHX
What to do on Game Day
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You’ll find plenty of ways to amp yourself up for gametime in Phoenix. Get pumped for the Phoenix Rising FC like a diehard!
Pub to Pitch and Dollar Beers
Want to attend a game? The intimate feel of Casino Arizona Field provides for a tightly knit stadium experience. While tailgating isn’t in the cards yet, Phoenix participates in an awesome pub-to-pitch drive on matchday, where the club offers shuttle services from your favorite spot to the game safely. Los Bandidos and Red Fury both set up in the South Stand of Casino Arizona Field, so look out for the smoke and listen for the drums. The team also throws “Dollar Beer Night,” which, unsurprisingly, is well received by supporters.
Photo by AZ Soccer Culture
Where to watch?
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If the squad is away, there’s plenty of places to watch them play. Phoenix’s Pub2Pitch service gives you access to the club on gameday, and those same spots are open for watching Rising on road trips.
Three Wisemen
This spot in the heart of Scottsdale is a cocktail garden during the day and a nightclub when the sun sets. Featuring tons of TVs, great food, and drink specials, Three Wisemen is often the spot where official Phoenix Rising away match watch parties take place.
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R.T. O’Sullivan’s
This Irish Themed bar is home to some of the best live viewing in the state of Arizona. Established back in 1993, this local chain has plenty of TVs to keep you up to date on everything from soccer matches to MMA. With a climate-controlled patio, R.T. O’Sullivan’s makes sure you’re comfortable no matter what time of year.
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Philly’s Sports Bar
Phillys offers brunch, and who doesn’t love that? You can catch every major sporting event at this bar with three locations in Tempe and one in Phoenix. With those options, and a good Rocky Balboa burger and pub fries, you’re set for a fun night out.
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George and Dragon English Pub
Known for their attentive and engaging bartenders, this proper English Pub in the desert takes care of their patrons. An official Pub Partner of Phoenix Rising, George and Dragon is also known to have a good karaoke session, darts and weekly Texas Hold’em tournaments if you want to test your hand at more than watching a game of soccer.
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Rep Your Team
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If you're a Diehard fan, player, or parent, you already act the part, now look the part.
Gear up like a Diehard
Put your passion on display and rep your team with customized apparel from Diehard Custom. Diehard’s low minimums, fast production, and quality designs will have you looking the best on the field, in the rink, on the court, or in the crowd in no time.