Mortgage Matchup Center

{{Short description|Multipurpose sports arena in Phoenix, Arizona}} {{redirect-distinguish|US Airways Center|US Airways Arena}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox venue | name = Mortgage Matchup Center | nickname = ''The Purple Palace'' ''The Snake Pit'' | logo_image = Mortgage Matchup Center logo.png | logo_size = 195 | image = Footprint Center 2022.jpg | image_size = 250 | caption = Mortgage Matchup Center, then-Footprint Center, in 2022 | address = 201 East Jefferson Street | location = [[Phoenix, Arizona]], U.S. | coordinates = {{coord|33|26|45|N|112|4|17|W|type:landmark_scale:1000|display=inline,title}} | pushpin_map = Arizona#USA | pushpin_relief = yes | pushpin_label = Mortgage Matchup Center | pushpin_mapsize = 250 | pushpin_map_caption = Location within [[Arizona]]##Location within the [[United States]] | public_transit = {{plainlist| * {{rint|phoenix|rail}}{{rint|phoenix|A}} [[3rd Street/Jefferson and 3rd Street/Washington stations|3rd Street/Jefferson]] (eastbound) * {{rint|phoenix|rail}}{{rint|phoenix|A}} [[3rd Street/Jefferson and 3rd Street/Washington stations|3rd Street/Washington]] (westbound) }} | broke_ground = {{start date|1990|8|1}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Suns' Year-old Arena Colangelo's Pride And Joy|first=Bob|last=Condor|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/06/09/suns-year-old-arena-colangelos-pride-and-joy/|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=June 9, 1993|access-date=September 19, 2011}}</ref> | opened = {{start date|1992|6|6}} | renovated = 2003, 2020 | owner = City of Phoenix | operator = Phoenix Arena Development, L.P. ([[Phoenix Suns]]) | construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]89 million {{small|(US${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|89000000|1992}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})}} US$67 million (renovations) {{small|(US${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|57000000|2001}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})}} | architect = [[Ellerbe Becket]] | project_manager = [[Hunt Construction Group|Huber, Hunt & Nichols]]<ref>[http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/PhoenixSuns/index.htm Ballparks.com – US Airways Center]</ref> | structural_engineer = [[Horst Berger]]<ref>[https://www.denardis.com/josephdenardis.html Joseph Denardis – Experience]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>/[[Fred Severud|Severud]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.severud.com/projects/projects.php?alb=5%23id=album-5&num=64#id=album-5&num=64 |title=Severud Associates – Projects |website=severud.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104221601/https://www.severud.com/projects/projects.php?alb=5%23id=album-5&num=64 |archive-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref> | services_engineer = [[WSP Group|Flack + Kurtz]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ballpark.org/design.htm |title=Flack + Kurtz Sports Experience |website=ballpark.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227031932/https://www.ballpark.org/design.htm |archive-date=February 27, 2012 }}</ref> | general_contractor = [[Tutor Perini|Perini Building Company]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pbc.tutorperini.com/projects/archive3.html |title=Perini Building Company – Sports Projects |access-date=May 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908004459/https://pbc.tutorperini.com/projects/archive3.html |archive-date=September 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | former_names = [[America West Airlines|America West]] Arena (1992–2006) [[US Airways]] Center (2006–2015) [[Talking Stick Resort]] Arena (2015–2020) Phoenix Suns Arena (2020–2021) [[Footprint (company)|Footprint]] Center (2021–2025) PHX Arena (2020, 2025) | seating_capacity = {{plainlist| * 17,071 (basketball)<ref>{{cite web|title=2014–15 Phoenix Suns Media Guide|url=https://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/suns/sites/default/files/2014-15_suns_media_guide.pdf|publisher=Phoenix Suns|access-date=January 30, 2015|page=344|archive-date=February 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228074033/http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/suns/sites/default/files/2014-15_suns_media_guide.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> * 16,210 (hockey and indoor football) * 17,716 (in the round concerts) * 12,565 (end-stage concerts) * 4,379 (theater) }} | tenants = [[Phoenix Suns]] ([[National Basketball Association|NBA]]) 1992–present [[Arizona Rattlers]] ([[Arena Football League|AFL]]/[[Indoor Football League|IFL]]) 1992–2023 [[Phoenix Mercury]] ([[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]]) 1997–present [[Arizona Sandsharks]] ([[Continental Indoor Soccer League|CISL]]) 1993–1997 [[Phoenix Coyotes]] ([[National Hockey League|NHL]]) 1996–2003 [[Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL)|Phoenix Roadrunners]] ([[ECHL]]) 2005–2009 | website = {{URL|mortgagematchupcenter.com}} }} [[File:AmericaWestArena.jpg|thumb|right|Then-America West Arena in April 2005]] [[File:US Airways Center satellite view.png|thumb|right|Aerial view of then-US Airways Center in 2007]]

'''Mortgage Matchup Center''' is a multi-purpose [[arena]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]]. It opened under the name '''America West Arena''' on June 6, 1992, at a cost of [[United States dollar|$]]89 million. The arena has also been known as '''US Airways Center''', '''Talking Stick Resort Arena''', '''Phoenix Suns Arena''', '''Footprint Center''', and '''PHX Arena'''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gutierrez|first=Nicole|title=The arena for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury is now called the 'Mortgage Matchup Center' |url=https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/the-arena-for-the-phoenix-suns-and-phoenix-mercury-is-now-called-the-mortgage-matchup-center|date=October 2, 2025|work=ABC 15 Arizona|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251002210907/https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/the-arena-for-the-phoenix-suns-and-phoenix-mercury-is-now-called-the-mortgage-matchup-center|archive-date=October 2, 2025}}</ref>

It is the home arena of the [[Phoenix Suns]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA), the [[Phoenix Mercury]] of the [[Women's National Basketball Association]] (WNBA) and the former home of the [[Indoor Football League]]'s [[Arizona Rattlers]]. The [[ECHL]]'s [[Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL)|Phoenix Roadrunners]] also played there from 2005 until they ceased operations at the conclusion of the 2008–2009 season. Additionally, the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL)'s Phoenix Coyotes ([[Arizona Coyotes]]) played their first seven seasons at the arena following their arrival in Phoenix on July 1, 1996.

Located one block away from [[Chase Field]], home of the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], the arena is {{convert|1|e6sqft|m2}} in size on an {{convert|11|acre|adj=on}} site. These two major league sports venues are joined by [[State Farm Stadium]] and [[Desert Diamond Arena]] in the neighboring Phoenix suburb of [[Glendale, Arizona|Glendale]], the home of the [[Arizona Cardinals]] and former home of the [[Arizona Coyotes]].

==Sports teams and events== Basketball, arena football, concerts, ice shows and other events such as wrestling are held in the arena.

===Capacity=== The arena seats 17,071 for basketball, 16,210 for ice hockey and indoor football, 17,716 for in-the-round concerts, 12,565 for end stage concerts, and 4,379 for theater events.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Footprint Center |url=https://venuecoalition.com/footprint-center/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=Venue Coalition |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522012107/https://venuecoalition.com/footprint-center/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Early years=== The Coyotes hosted their first regular season home game in Arizona at the arena on October 10, 1996, with a 4–1 win over the [[San Jose Sharks]]. They finished the [[1996–97 Phoenix Coyotes season|1996–97 season]] with a 38–37–7 record to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. That playoff appearance was short-lived, with a Game 7 loss to the [[Anaheim Ducks]] in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Just over seven years later, the team played their last home game within Phoenix city limits with a 5–2 loss to the [[Minnesota Wild]] on December 15, 2003.

The arena also hosted the [[Arizona Sandsharks]] of the defunct [[Continental Indoor Soccer League]] (CISL).

===Nickname=== Its most common nickname is "The Purple Palace", though during the Rattlers' season it is known as "The Snake Pit".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-arena-bowl-0825-20160825-story.html|title=Philadelphia Soul, Arizona Rattlers set for Arena Bowl showdown|last=Baum|first=Bob|publisher=[[The Associated Press]]|work=[[The Morning Call]]|date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130338/https://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-arena-bowl-0825-20160825-story.html|archive-date=December 26, 2017}}</ref>

===Basketball=== {{Multiple images|thumb|image1=USAirwaysCenter-2008NCAAWestRegional.jpg|caption1=Then-US Airways Center interior in 2008|image2=NBA basketball, Raptors in Phoenix.jpg|caption2=NBA: Toronto Raptors & Phoenix Suns, December 2017|}} The arena's capacity for basketball games was originally 19,023, but it was reduced after the [[2002–03 Phoenix Suns season|2002–03 season]] to 18,422, then again to 18,055 before the [[2014–15 Phoenix Suns season|2014–15 season]].

The arena has seen its share of memorable basketball moments. In its inaugural season, it hosted three games of the [[1993 NBA Finals]] between the Suns and the [[Chicago Bulls]]; it also hosted three games of the [[2021 NBA Finals]] against the [[Milwaukee Bucks]]. The Mercury hosted WNBA Finals games in 1998, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2021, and 2025. It also played host to the [[1995 NBA All-Star Game|1995]], and the [[2009 NBA All-Star Game|2009]] (and will host the [[2027 NBA All-Star Game|2027]]) [[NBA All-Star Game]]s and the [[2000 WNBA All-Star Game|2000]] and [[2024 WNBA All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-all-stargame-phoenix&prov=ap&type=lgns|work=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|date=November 7, 2007|access-date=November 7, 2007|title=Phoenix selected as host for 2009 NBA All-Star game}}</ref>

On the collegiate level, the arena has hosted the regional finals of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]] four times (1999, 2004, 2008, and 2012). It will also host the [[2026 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament|women's basketball Final Four]] for the first time in 2026.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30115280/tampa-2025-phoenix-2026-named-ncaa-women-final-four-basketball-host-cities|work=[[ESPN]]|date=October 14, 2020|access-date=February 1, 2026|title=Tampa (2025) and Phoenix (2026) named NCAA Women's Final Four basketball host cities}}</ref>

===AFL=== The [[Arizona Rattlers]] have hosted four [[ArenaBowl]] games, with three played at the arena. They won [[ArenaBowl XI]] with a 55–33 win over the [[Iowa Barnstormers]] on August 25, 1997. They lost in their only championship game appearance at Gila River Arena, a 56–42 [[ArenaBowl XXIX]] loss to the [[Philadelphia Soul]] on August 26, 2016.

===Boxing=== Among the notable [[boxing]] events held in Phoenix, they include [[Oscar De La Hoya]]'s early bouts, [[Michael Carbajal]]'s [[WBO]] world Junior Flyweight title against [[Josue Camacho]] in 1994 and [[Julio César Chávez]] ended his career with a fight at the arena.

[[Jaime Munguía]] vs. [[John Ryder (boxer)|John Ryder]] took place at the arena on January 27, 2024; Munguía won the bout by knockout in nine rounds. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/jaime-munguisa-vs-john-ryder-live-updates-results-and-highlights/ihter9g8gft91h4tre8br7rqa|title=Jaime Munguia knocked out John Ryder and called for Canelo|date=27 January 2024|access-date=3 December 2024|author=Erika Montoya|work=DAZN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203064115/https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/jaime-munguisa-vs-john-ryder-live-updates-results-and-highlights/ihter9g8gft91h4tre8br7rqa|archive-date=3 December 2024}}</ref>

===Bull riding=== In [[bull riding]], the [[Professional Bull Riders]] hosted a [[Built Ford Tough Series]] (formerly the Bud Light Cup) at the arena between 1999 and 2002. The annual event moved to Glendale in 2004 before it returned to downtown Phoenix in March 2014.

===Mixed martial arts=== In [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]], the arena has hosted several noteworthy [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] events including ''[[UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic]]'', ''[[UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Penn]]'', ''[[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez]]'' and ''[[UFC 274|UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghuwanshi |first=Vipin |date=March 5, 2022|title=UFC 274 Officially Announced to Take Place in Phoenix at Footprint Center |url=https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/ufc-274-location-venue-announced/ |access-date=May 5, 2022|website=www.itnwwe.com}}</ref>

===Professional wrestling=== The arena has also hosted various [[professional wrestling]] events, including: * [[SummerSlam (2003)|SummerSlam 2003]] * [[WWE Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day 2006]] * [[Cyber Sunday (2008)|Cyber Sunday 2008]] * ''[[WWE SmackDown]]'', August 28, 2009 * ''[[WWE Raw]]'', March 29, 2010 (''Raw'' after [[WrestleMania XXVI]]) * [[Money in the Bank (2012)|Money in the Bank 2012]] * [[Royal Rumble (2013)|Royal Rumble 2013]] * ''WWE Raw'', June 20, 2016 * [[Elimination Chamber (2017)|Elimination Chamber 2017]] * ''WWE Raw'', February 19, 2018 * ''WWE SmackDown'', February 20, 2018 * [[NXT TakeOver: Phoenix]] and the following ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' events as part of that year's [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]] weekend * ''WWE Raw'', September 30, 2019 (served as the season premiere of Raw, with a new logo, new commentary team ([[Vic Joseph]], [[Jerry Lawler]], [[Dio Maddin]]), new theme song ("Legendary" by [[Skillet (band)|Skillet)]], and a new stage design) * ''WWE SmackDown'', August 20, 2021 (first WWE event the arena hosted since the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and final ''SmackDown'' before that year's [[SummerSlam (2021)|SummerSlam]] took place the next day) * ''WWE SmackDown'', July 1, 2022 (final ''SmackDown'' before that year's [[Money in the Bank (2022)|Money in the Bank]] took place the next day) * [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]] ''[[AEW Dynamite|Dynamite]]'' live broadcast and ''[[AEW Rampage|Rampage]]'' taping, February 22, 2023 * ''WWE Raw'', March 27, 2023 (final ''Raw'' before [[WrestleMania 39]]) * ''WWE SmackDown'', January 3, 2025 (first ''SmackDown'' to last three hours)

* ''WWE Raw'', June 9, 2025 (first ''Raw'' after [[Money in the Bank (2025)|Money in the Bank]])

===Concerts and other events=== [[Frank Sinatra]] gave one of his last concerts on December 10, 1993, in the arena.

As part of their [[Keep the Faith Tour]], [[Bon Jovi]] performed in the arena on March 11, 1993.

[[Van Halen]] made a stop in Phoenix on April 1, 1995, as part of their [[Balance Tour]].

[[Gloria Estefan]] played here on July 30, 1996, during her "Evolution" World Tour.

American jam band [[Phish]] performed at the arena on December 2, 1996, towards the end of their 1996 Fall Tour.

Irish [[Rock music|rock]] band [[U2]] has performed in the arena multiple times, including two stops during their 2001 [[Elevation Tour]] on March 28 and November 23 of that year. In 2015, they visited the arena again for two dates of their [[Innocence + Experience Tour]] on May 22 and 23.

[[Shakira]] performed at the arena on January 31, 2003, during the [[Tour of the Mongoose]]. She later brought her [[Oral Fixation Tour]] to the arena on August 11, 2006. She returned to the arena on August 26, 2018, for her [[El Dorado World Tour]] and June 22 and 23, 2025, for her [[Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour]].

[[Depeche Mode]] performed during 3 separate tours at the arena. They were on December 14, 1998 ([[The Singles Tour|Singles Tour]]), August 10, 2001 ([[Exciter Tour]]), and August 23, 2009 ([[Tour of the Universe (tour)|Tour of the Universe]]). Their 2009 show had 7,635 people in attendance and was recorded for the band's live albums project ''[[Recording the Universe]]''.

[[Beyoncé]] performed numerous times at the arena between 2004 and 2013. She first appeared on April 15, 2004, alongside [[Alicia Keys]] and [[Missy Elliott]] during their joint [[Verizon Ladies First Tour]]. She then returned as a member of [[Destiny's Child]] on August 27, 2005, as part of their final tour, '[[Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It]]'. On August 24, 2007, she performed there for the first time as a solo artist during her world tour '[[The Beyoncé Experience]]'. She returned on July 7, 2009, as part of her [[I Am... Tour]]. Finally, she performed there one last time on December 7, 2013, delivering a sold-out show during her triumphant tour '[[The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour]]'. Following this, all her concerts in [[Arizona]] would take place at [[State Farm Stadium]] in [[Glendale, Arizona|Glendale]].

[[Miley Cyrus]] performed at the arena for her [[Bangerz Tour]] on February 27, 2014.

[[Lady Gaga]] performed at the arena for her [[artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball]] on July 30, 2014.

[[Selena Gomez]] performed at the arena as a part of her [[Revival Tour]] on July 5, 2016.

[[Twenty One Pilots]] made their debut at the arena for the [[Emotional Roadshow World Tour]] on July 26, 2016.

[[Ariana Grande]] performed at the arena on April 6, 2015, as part of [[the Honeymoon Tour]]. She kicked off her [[Dangerous Woman Tour]] at the arena on February 3, 2017. She later brought her [[Sweetener World Tour]] to the arena on May 14 and December 12, 2019.

[[Fleetwood Mac]] performed at the arena on November 28, 2018, during their [[An Evening with Fleetwood Mac]] tour. It took place in the hometown of their lead singer [[Stevie Nicks]].

Earlier that month, [[Twenty One Pilots]] performed at the arena for a second time as part of [[The Bandito Tour]]. They returned to the arena for [[The Icy Tour]] on September 16, 2022, and then came back for [[The Clancy World Tour]] on August 30, 2024.

On August 30, 2021, [[Guns N' Roses]] held a show as a part of their [[Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour|2020 Tour]].

On October 17, 2021, [[J.Cole]] performed at the arena for [[the Off-Season Tour]].

On February 8, 2022, [[Tyler, the Creator]] performed at the arena for his first show on the [[Call Me If You Get Lost Tour]].

On February 19, 2022, [[Andrea Bocelli]] performed at the arena for his United States Tour.

On March 1, 2022, [[doo-wop]] band [[Twin Temple]], Danish [[Heavy metal music|metal]] band [[Volbeat]], and Swedish rock band [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]] performed at the arena on the final leg of their US Tour.

On March 20, 2022, [[Dua Lipa]] performed a sold-out show as part of her [[Future Nostalgia Tour]], with [[Megan Thee Stallion]] and [[Caroline Polachek]] as her opening acts.

On September 10, 2022, [[Kendrick Lamar]] performed at the arena for [[the Big Steppers Tour]] with [[Baby Keem]] and [[Tanna Leone]] as opening acts on the show.

On September 21, 2022, [[Michael Bublé]] performed at the arena for his [[Higher Tour]].

On December 4, 2022, [[Trans-Siberian Orchestra]] performed two shows at the arena for their 2022 Winter Tour.

The Footprint Center acted as the venue for Opening Night activities for [[Super Bowl LVII]] on February 6, 2023.<ref name="superbowl">{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2023|title=Everything to know about Super Bowl LVII Opening Night|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/everything-know-about-super-bowl-lvii-opening-night |access-date=February 6, 2023|website=NBC Sports Philadelphia}}</ref>

On November 8, 2023, [[Doja Cat]] brought her [[The Scarlet Tour]] to the arena, with [[Doechii]] as the opening act.

On February 24, 2024, [[Olivia Rodrigo]] performed at the arena as part of her [[Guts World Tour]] with [[Chappell Roan]] as the opening act.

On March 10, 2024, [[Kanye West]] and [[Ty Dolla Sign]] performed at the arena as a listening party for their collaborative album [[Vultures 1]].

On March 13, 2024, [[Nicki Minaj]] performed at the arena for her [[Pink Friday 2 Tour]].

On June 19, 2024, [[Megan Thee Stallion]] returned to the arena for her [[Hot Girl Summer Tour]].

On June 25, 2024, [[Melanie Martinez]] performed at the arena in support of [[The Trilogy Tour (Melanie Martinez)|The Trilogy Tour]]. She will return to the arena for her Hades: The Sacrifice Tour on August 12, 2026.

On July 25, 2024, South Korean [[boy band]] [[Ateez]] performed at the arena as part of the North American leg of their 2024 Towards the Light: Will to Power tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ateez World Tour Towards the Light : Will to Power |url=https://ateezlive.com/ |website=Ateez Live |publisher=AEG Presents |access-date=23 April 2024}}</ref> On July 30, 2024, [[Janet Jackson]] performed at the arena as part of her [[Janet Jackson: Together Again|Together Again]] tour.

On October 29, 2024, [[Jeff Lynne's ELO]] performed at the venue for their Over and Out tour.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Neil |title=Jeff Lynne's ELO said farewell to Phoenix with dazzling concert |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/phoenix-jeff-lynnes-elo-concert-left-20476493 |website=[[Phoenix New Times]] |date=October 31, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2025}}</ref>

On November 13, 2024, [[Sabrina Carpenter]] performed at the arena as part of her [[Short n' Sweet Tour]].

On April 19, 2025, [[Kylie Minogue]] performed there as part of her [[Tension Tour]].

On July 12, 2025, [[Katy Perry]] brought [[The Lifetimes Tour]] to the arena.

On August 27, 2025, [[Kali Uchis]] brought her [[The Sincerely, Tour| Sincerely Tour]] to the arena.

On November 4 and 5, 2025, [[Tate McRae]] brought her [[Miss Possessive Tour]] to the arena.

On November 18 and 19, [[Billie Eilish]] returned to Phoenix to perform at the arena for her [[Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour]].

On March 1, 2026, [[Cardi B]] performed at the arena for her [[Little Miss Drama Tour]].

==History== [[File:Footprint Center logo.svg|thumb|Former logo as Footprint Center.]] Construction began on August 1, 1990, as former Suns owner [[Jerry Colangelo]] envisioned a need for a new arena to be built in Phoenix to replace [[Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum]]. About 27 months later, America West Arena was officially inaugurated with the Suns' [[1992–93 Phoenix Suns season|1992–1993 season]] opening 111–105 victory over the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] on November 7, 1992. Simultaneously, it also was [[Charles Barkley]]'s first regular season game as a Sun.<ref name=sunclip >{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4EFWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fuoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6703%2C1922018 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |title=Suns 111, Clippers 105 |agency=Associated Press |date=November 8, 1992 |page=8E}}</ref> Despite the fact that the Suns had lost the [[1993 NBA Finals]] to the Chicago Bulls, a parade was still held and attracted more than 300,000 Suns fans. It made its way through downtown Phoenix and finished at the new arena.

===NHL years=== {{More citations needed section|date=March 2009}} When the original [[Winnipeg Jets (1972–96)|Winnipeg Jets]] publicly announced their intention to relocate to [[1996-97 Phoenix Coyotes season|Phoenix]] for the [[1996–97 NHL season]], the arena was quickly reconfigured to accommodate ice hockey. Unlike most multipurpose arenas, it was not designed with an ice hockey rink in mind. Its tight seating configuration is suited for basketball, but made it logistically difficult to fit a standard NHL rink onto the floor. The lower level had to be sheared in half to fit the rink and create retractable seating.

As it turned out, the result was completely inadequate for the Coyotes. Three entire sections at one end of the ice hung over the boards. Fans sitting in those sections could not see roughly one-fourth of the ice (including one of the nets) except on the video boards.<ref>[https://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/PhoenixCoyotes/index.htm Ballparks.com – Phoenix Coyotes (Past)]</ref> The problem was so serious that after the team's first season in Phoenix, the team had to curtain off some seats in the areas where the view was particularly obstructed, reducing the arena's listed capacity to 16,210.

The arena added a second video board for an area of particularly obstructed views, and proposed numerous plans to improve sight lines and boost the [[seating capacity]] above 17,000, though these did not come to fruition. The Coyotes were forced to sell many obstructed-view tickets at a reduced price. Additionally, an unfavorable lease caused further financial troubles that impacted the team for much of the time it played at the arena. The Coyotes moved into [[Glendale Arena]] midway through the [[2003–04 NHL season]].

=== Renovations === The arena underwent its second significant renovation in its history. The [[Phoenix City Council]] approved the plan on January 23, 2019, involving the arena, with the Phoenix Suns paying up to $80 million alongside any overrun costs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2019 |title=Phoenix City Council approves Talking Stick Resort Arena $230 million renovation deal |url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2019/1/23/18195248/phoenix-city-council-talking-stick-resort-arena-renovation-deal}}</ref> The first renovation, completed in March 2003, had a {{convert|16000|sqft|adj=on}} air-conditioned glass-enclosed atrium built on the northwest side of the arena. That $67 million project was constructed to keep patrons cool while waiting in line for tickets or spending time inside the building before events. The arena upgrades have been done as part of the Suns' plan to keep it economically competitive after [[Desert Diamond Arena]] opened.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schwartz |first=David |date=May 26, 2003 |title=Suns Hopes Rise With 'Reinvented' NBA Arena |newspaper=SportsBusiness Journal |url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2003/05/20030526/Special-Report/Suns-Hopes-Rise-With-Reinvented-NBA-Arena.aspx |access-date=May 16, 2012}}</ref> Former Suns owner [[Jerry Colangelo]] originally thought of the renovations after visiting [[Staples Center]] in [[Los Angeles]] and envisioned a similar entertainment district in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 27, 2003|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/news/azcentral_031027.html|title=Facelift At Arena Keeps It In Vogue|work=[[NBA]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031031012029/https://www.nba.com/suns/news/azcentral_031027.html|archive-date=October 31, 2003}}</ref>

=== COVID-19 pandemic === The [[COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona]] forced a pause to the Suns' [[2019–20 Phoenix Suns season|2019–20 season]] and allowed for an early start to the most recent renovations. Up to 80% of all planned work was completed in time for the 2020 preseason home opener, a 112–107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 16, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 16, 2020 |title=Suns find some rhythm with starters, fall to Lakers in preseason play |newspaper=Arizona Sports |url=https://arizonasports.com/story/2481541/suns-find-some-rhythm-with-starters-fall-to-lakers-in-preseason-play/= |access-date=December 18, 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> The Mercury originally planned to play their [[2020 WNBA season]] home games at [[Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum]], but relocated all of the season's games to the [[IMG Academy]] in [[Bradenton, Florida]]. The Rattlers had their 2020 IFL season cancelled,<ref>{{cite web |date=April 13, 2020 |title=IFL Cancels Remaining 2020 Season |url=https://www.azrattlers.com/indoor-football-league-cancels-remaining-2020-season/ |access-date=December 18, 2020 |website=azrattlers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029143152/https://www.azrattlers.com/indoor-football-league-cancels-remaining-2020-season/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> but played their first home game of the [[2021 Arizona Rattlers season|2021 season]] on June 12, 2021, against the Tucson Sugar Skulls.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Arizona Rattlers Announce Schedule for 2021 IFL Season |url=https://www.azrattlers.com/arizona-rattlers-announce-schedule-for-2021-ifl-season/ |access-date=December 18, 2020 |website=azrattlers.com |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128043419/https://www.azrattlers.com/arizona-rattlers-announce-schedule-for-2021-ifl-season/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The arena renovations would be fully completed by the end of the Suns' [[2021 NBA Finals]] run.

The original arena [[naming rights]] contract was sold in January 1990 to [[Tempe, Arizona|Tempe]]-based [[America West Airlines]]. The venue was known as America West Arena from its opening until 2006.

The previous year, America West purchased rival carrier [[US Airways]]. Although America West was the surviving airline, it took the US Airways name as did the venue. This was the second arena that the company owned the naming rights after the now-demolished US Airways Arena (formerly [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]) in [[Landover, Maryland]].

[[Talking Stick Resort]] in nearby [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community announce Talking Stick Resort Arena|url=https://www.usairwayscenter.com/news/detail/announcement_120214|publisher=US Airways Center|date=December 2, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014}}</ref> secured the new naming rights with an official announcement outside the Casino Arizona Pavilion on December 2, 2014.

The name change to Talking Stick Resort Arena was completed in September 2015, in time for the start of the [[2015–16 Phoenix Suns season]].

After negotiations on a contract extension stalled earlier on in the year due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona]], Talking Stick Resort officially announced the naming rights deal expired on November 6, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Talking Stick Resort's naming agreement for Suns arena concludes|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/2444302/talking-stick-resorts-naming-agreement-for-suns-arena-concludes=|newspaper=Arizona Sports|date=November 6, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020}}</ref> Until a new agreement was reached, the venue was known as Phoenix Suns Arena; prior to this, it was briefly known as PHX Arena.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.phoenixsunsarena.com/ |title=Phoenix Arena |access-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201065524/https://www.phoenixsunsarena.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 16, 2021, it was announced that [[Gilbert, Arizona|Gilbert]]-based materials science company [[Footprint (company)|Footprint]] had secured the arena naming rights, naming it the Footprint Center as part of a long-term partnership with the Suns ownership and the company.<ref name="footprint">{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2021|title=Phoenix Suns and Mercury Form Global Partnership for Newly Named Footprint Center to Become a Transformative Venue to Accelerate a Plastic-Free Future|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/footprintcenter# |access-date=July 16, 2021|website=NBA.com/Suns}}</ref> The naming change would go into effect by Game 5 of the [[2021 NBA Finals]] for the Suns.

On February 18, 2025, it was announced that the arena would be seeking a new naming rights partner and would no longer go by the Footprint Center. It was temporarily called PHX Arena until a new naming rights partner was found, but Footprint remained a sustainability partner with the Suns and Mercury.<ref>{{cite web |title=Suns seeking new arena naming partner; Footprint Center to be temporarily called PHX Arena|url=https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/suns-seeking-new-arena-naming-partner-footprint-center-be-temporarily-called-phx-arena|publisher=[[KSAZ-TV]]|date=February 18, 2025|access-date=February 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218211833/https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/suns-seeking-new-arena-naming-partner-footprint-center-be-temporarily-called-phx-arena|archive-date=February 18, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Earlier, workers had been seen removing Footprint Center signage, upon receiving word that the deal had expired.<ref>{{cite web |title=Footprint Center signage disappears from Phoenix Suns home venue |url=https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/footprint-center-signage-removed-from-phoenix-suns-home-venue|publisher=KSAZ-TV|date=February 17, 2025|access-date=February 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218111615/https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/footprint-center-signage-removed-from-phoenix-suns-home-venue|archive-date=February 18, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 2, 2025, the name was changed to Mortgage Matchup Center after the service provided by [[United Wholesale Mortgage]], which Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia owns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mercury.wnba.com/news/phoenix-suns-and-phoenix-mercury-announce-landmark-naming-rights-partnership-with-mortgage-matchup-ushering-in-a-new-era-in-sports-and-entertainment-at-mortgage-matchup-center|title=PHOENIX SUNS AND PHOENIX MERCURY ANNOUNCE LANDMARK NAMING RIGHTS PARTNERSHIP WITH MORTGAGE MATCHUP, USHERING IN A NEW ERA IN SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AT MORTGAGE MATCHUP CENTER|website=mercury.wnba.com|date=October 2, 2025}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Arizona}} * [[List of historic properties in Phoenix, Arizona]]

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Mortgage Matchup Center}} * {{Official website|https://mortgagematchupcenter.com/}} {{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sta|et}}}} {{succession box | title = Home of the [[Phoenix Suns]] | years = 1992–present | before = [[Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum]] | after = Incumbent }} {{succession box | title = Home of the [[Arizona Coyotes|Phoenix Coyotes]] | years = 1996–2003 | before = [[Winnipeg Arena]] | after = [[Desert Diamond Arena|Glendale Arena]] }} {{succession box | title = Host of the [[NBA All-Star Game]] | years = [[1995 NBA All-Star Game|1995]] [[2009 NBA All-Star Game|2009]] | before = [[Target Center]] [[New Orleans Arena]] | after = [[Alamodome]] [[Cowboys Stadium]] }} {{s-end}} {{Phoenix Suns}} {{Phoenix Mercury}} {{Navboxes|list={{Arizona Rattlers}} {{Arizona Coyotes}} {{PhxPoP}} {{NBA Arenas}} {{WNBA Arenas}} {{Former NHL arenas}} {{Music venues of Arizona}}}} {{Authority control}}

[[Category:1992 establishments in Arizona]] [[Category:America West Airlines]] [[Category:Arizona Coyotes]] [[Category:Arizona Rattlers]] [[Category:Basketball venues in Arizona]] [[Category:Defunct National Hockey League venues]] [[Category:Defunct ice hockey venues in the United States]] [[Category:Indoor arenas in Arizona]] [[Category:Indoor soccer venues in the United States]] [[Category:Music venues in Arizona]] [[Category:NBA venues]] [[Category:Phoenix Mercury]] [[Category:Phoenix Points of Pride]] [[Category:Phoenix Suns]] [[Category:Sports venues completed in 1992]] [[Category:Sports venues in Phoenix, Arizona]] [[Category:US Airways Group]] [[Category:WNBA venues]] [[Category:Wrestling venues in the United States]] [[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship venues]]