Basketball in Arizona

Run & Gun Under the Sun

Home to the NBA's fourth winningest franchise, four Division-I college programs, and numerous hall of famers  – Arizona is a prime location for great basketball in the southwest.

Arizona's first professional sports team, the Phoenix Suns, have represented central Arizona since their inception in 1968.

The Suns run the court in downtown Phoenix at Talking Stick Resort Arena – known locally as the Purple Palace – from October until mid-April.

Located in nearby Tempe in central Arizona, the Arizona State University Sun Devils men and women's teams shoot and slam in the PAC-12 Conference at the Wells Fargo Arena.

The maroon and gold men's squad have played in the NCAA "March Madness" Tournament over 10 times, and have had over 30 players be selected in the NBA draft.

The newest member of AZ's college sports scene, Grand Canyon University, is also located in the Phoenix area. The GCU Antelopes compete in the Western Atlantic Division – where they are lead by beloved mascot, Thunder.

In southern Arizona, you'll find the Sun Devils in-state rivals – the Arizona Wildcats. Representing Tucson and the University of Arizona, the Wildcats have become nationally known for their powerhouse basketball program. As frequent competitors in the NCAA tournament and former PAC-12 Champions, Tucson visitors are encouraged to take in a game at the world famous McKale Center.

Northern Arizona is represented by the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks. The NAU Lumberjacks compete in the Division-I Big Sky Conference in Flagstaff – where they play home games at the Walkup Skydome.

The college basketball season runs from November until the beginning of March, when March Madness begins. Speaking of which, for the first time ever, Arizona will play host to the 2017 Men's NCAA Final Four Tournament April 1st through 3rd. The games will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.