The Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa is quickly becoming one of the country’s top destinations for youth and amateur sports, posting strong growth in its second full year under new ownership.
According to a report from KTAR News, the massive East Valley complex welcomed more than 2.8 million visitors in 2025—a 16% increase year-over-year—with attendees traveling from all 50 states.
Big Events Fuel Record Attendance
Much of that growth came early in the year, with nearly one million visitors recorded in the first quarter alone. Holiday weekends like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day helped drive large crowds and steady traffic.
Major national events also played a key role. The Section 7 high school basketball tournament, held annually in the summer, continues to bring in elite talent and large audiences from across the country.
According to AZ Big Media, large-scale youth sporting events like these contribute significantly to Arizona’s tourism economy, generating hotel stays, restaurant traffic, and local spending.
Long-Term Partnerships Strengthen Future Outlook
To maintain its momentum, Arizona Athletic Grounds has secured 15 multi-year partnerships with major sports organizations, including MLS NEXT, the Professional Pickleball Association, and the American Cornhole League.
Many of these agreements are expected to run through 2028 and 2029, ensuring a steady pipeline of events and visitors in the years ahead.
Industry insights from Sports Business Journal highlight that long-term partnerships like these are becoming essential for large sports complexes, helping stabilize revenue and guarantee recurring events.
Retail and Guest Experience on the Rise
The venue has also focused heavily on improving the visitor experience—and it’s paying off.
Retail sales at the complex jumped more than 55% year-over-year, driven in part by new food and beverage additions like Wetzel’s Pretzels.
Enhancements like these are designed to keep families and visitors onsite longer, creating a more complete entertainment experience beyond just the games.
A Massive Facility With Community Impact
Located near State Route 24 and Ellsworth Road, the 275-acre complex features 158 fields and courts supporting sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, and more.
Beyond national tournaments, the facility continues to serve the local community. It recently hosted more than 1,500 athletes for the Special Olympics Arizona state basketball and cheer competitions.
This balance between large-scale events and community engagement has helped position the venue as both a national destination and a local hub.
From Rebranding to Regional Powerhouse
Since opening in 2020, the complex has undergone several name changes before settling on Arizona Athletic Grounds in late 2023.
Now, with strong visitor growth, major partnerships, and continued investment in the guest experience, it’s evolving into a key driver of sports tourism in the East Valley.
The Bottom Line
Arizona Athletic Grounds is no longer just a sports complex—it’s becoming a major economic and community asset.
With millions of visitors, expanding partnerships, and a growing lineup of events, its trajectory points toward even greater impact in the years ahead.
