The Passion of Soccer – Phoenix Rising Scores Big in Chandler

By Ramon Chávez

One of the great things about living in the Valley of the Sun is the fact that residents get to enjoy professional sports all year-round.

Professional sports were first introduced to the Valley when the Phoenix Suns became the first professional basketball team in Arizona in 1968. The Suns were then followed by other professional franchises such as the Cardinals in the ’80s and the Diamondbacks, Mercury, and Coyotes in the ’90s. 

Fast forward to 2014 and after a few years middling in the USL 3rd division, Arizona United soccer club rebranded into the Phoenix Rising and became the premier soccer organization of Arizona. The Rising jumped up to the second division of the USL with hopes of one day joining the ranks of Major League Soccer, the United States’ top professional soccer league. 

Backed by a group of celebrity owners, a brand new soccer-specific stadium in Scottsdale, and Ivorian and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joining the team ranks, the Rising was ready to compete and appeal to a starving soccer fan base in Arizona.

After a successful spell in Scottsdale, the Rising packed their bags and moved down the road to Chandler to a brand new 10,000 seat stadium next to the Wild Horse Pass Casino in the Gila River Indian Community.

Fans can now experience ample free parking next to the stadium, a variety of food vendors, and a new jumbotron that will be able to enhance the fan experience at the games. Adding to the fan experience are the Phoenix Risings two supporter groups, the Red Fury and Los Bandidos. From the initial whistle until the end of the game, the South end supporter groups cheer on their hometown team with loud chants, drums, and smoke flares.

Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass offers single-game tickets to a Phoenix Rising game range from $22 dollars to $120. For the most up-to-date information and to purchase game tickets, visit https://www.phxrisingfc.com/