Having made it to the USL Championship game in 2020 only to see the game cancelled because of COVID 19, Phoenix Rising are set to take their name literally by rising from the proverbial ashes, undergoing major changes this offseason. Most notable among them was the move to a new home, known as Wild Horse Pass Stadium.
Phoenix Rising were able to give their new home a winning start, with a 4-1 opening USL win over San Diego Loyal this weekend. Following that, we took a closer look at Wild Horse Pass Stadium. The new facility, which will include several practice pitches when complete, is located at the Wild Horse Pass entertainment area (hence the name) on the Gila River Indian Community, off Interstate 10 and the Loop 202 freeway near Chandler. Rising have relocated from Casino Arizona Field, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Tempe.
The almost 10,000-capacity venue is set to be a grand home for the defending USL Championship Western Conference Title holders when fully complete. In addition to increased seating, the stadium will include an enhanced video board, a larger press box, improved sound and a new family-friendly general admission section opposite the lively supporters’ area anchored by two of USL’s top fan groups – Los Bandidos and Red Fury. Expansion plans include a permanent ticket office, new locker rooms and an on-site administrative office.
The Rising’s old home, Casino Arizona Field, will still remain important for the club as they hope they can use it for younger players to get exposed to the game.
Photography by Grace Stufkosky for SoccerBible.
