Desert Diamond Arena, the short version
Desert Diamond Arena is a city-owned indoor arena at 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, inside the Westgate Entertainment District at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, next door to State Farm Stadium. It seats about 19,000 for concerts and is home to the Arizona Rattlers indoor football team and the PBR Arizona Ridge Riders.
Arena parking lots open one hour before doors and take cards only. Every bag must be 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller, clear or not. Tickets are mobile-only through Ticketmaster or AXS, Gate 4 is the main entrance, and rideshare drops off by the AMC Westgate theater. The whole building is cashless.
It’s the same building that used to be Glendale Arena, Jobing.com Arena and Gila River Arena.
I’ve been going to shows at this building since it opened in 2003, back when it was Glendale Arena and the Coyotes played here. It has had four names, a $42 million facelift and a whole new identity as a concert venue, and the one thing that never changed is that people get confused about where to park. The arena lots, the Westgate lots and the State Farm Stadium lots all sit in the same square mile with different rules. This guide covers everything you need before you go: how to get there, where to park, what bag gets in, which seats to buy, what’s inside, and where to eat and stay.
At a glance · Getting there · Parking · Bag policy · Gates & entry · Seating chart · Premium spaces · Food & drinks · Families & accessibility · Events & teams · History · Where to eat · Hotels · FAQ
Desert Diamond Arena at a glance
Desert Diamond Arena is owned by the City of Glendale and run by Legends Global (formerly ASM Global). It opened in December 2003 and sits on about 13.5 acres at the edge of the 223-acre Westgate Entertainment District.
Where is Desert Diamond Arena and how do you get there?
Desert Diamond Arena is in Glendale’s West Valley, on the east side of Loop 101 between Glendale Avenue and Bethany Home Road, about 12 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. State Farm Stadium sits just south across the parking lots, and Desert Diamond Casino West Valley is less than a mile away.
- From Phoenix, Scottsdale or the East Valley: take I-10 west to Loop 101 north, then exit at Glendale Avenue or Maryland Avenue and follow event signs to the arena lots.
- From the North Valley, Peoria or Surprise: take Loop 101 south and exit at Bethany Home Road or Glendale Avenue.
- From Phoenix Sky Harbor: plan on roughly 25 miles via I-10 and Loop 101. Leave a lot of extra time on weekday evenings; the 101 through Glendale backs up at rush hour.
- Rideshare: set “Desert Diamond Arena” as the destination. Drop-off and pickup are near the AMC Westgate theater, a short walk from Gate 4.
- Bus: Valley Metro Route 70 runs along Glendale Avenue past Westgate. Light rail does not reach this part of Glendale, so a bus or rideshare is the only transit option.
Check the State Farm Stadium calendar before you leave. When a Cardinals game or a stadium concert lands on the same day as your arena show, every lot around Westgate fills hours early and every exit onto the 101 jams at once. Our State Farm Stadium parking and bag policy guide covers that building.
Desert Diamond Arena parking: lots, prices and how to pay
The arena sells its own event parking in lettered and colored lots plus a garage, and which lots are open depends on the event. Every pass covers one standard 12′ x 18′ space; oversized vehicles have to buy extra spaces. Overnight parking and camping are not allowed, including for general-admission line-ups.
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid arena parking | Buy on the event page up to one hour before the event. Show the pass in the Ticketmaster app or your ParkWhiz email. Your space is held until 30 minutes after the event starts. | Sold-out shows. Closer spots, faster in and out. |
| Day-of arena lots | Lots G, J, L, Yellow, the Garage and VIP, depending on the event. Credit or debit only, no cash. | Regular nights when you don’t mind paying at the gate. |
| Westgate district lots | Run by Westgate, not the arena. Free on non-event days. On arena event days, paid parking runs from 3 hours before the start time until 2 hours after it begins (4 hours before for stadium events). Register by QR code or text P4807 to 504504 for 2 free hours. Cashless, plate readers. (844) 236-2011. | Dinner at Westgate before the show. |
| Accessible parking | First come, first served in Lots G, J and the Garage with a valid disability placard or plate. A prepaid permit or the day-of fee is still required; a prepaid permit does not reserve an ADA space. | Guests with a placard. Arrive when lots open. |
| Rideshare | Drop-off and pickup near the AMC Westgate theater, a short walk from Gate 4. Guests can also be dropped anywhere in the Westgate district. | Anyone drinking. |
How much is parking at Desert Diamond Arena?
The arena sets parking prices per event and does not publish a standing rate card. The live price for each lot is on the event page at desertdiamondarena.com and on the arena’s ParkWhiz page, and big concerts cost more than a Rattlers game. Westgate’s own lots are free on non-event days and give you 2 free hours during the event window if you register.
On a normal arena night, the smart move is the opposite of what most people do: park in a Westgate lot, eat first and walk over. After the show, have one more drink at Westgate and let the arena lots empty before you drive. You’ll get home at the same time as everyone stuck in the lot, without the headache.
Desert Diamond Arena bag policy
Every bag or purse must measure 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller, whatever its type, color or transparency. It does not have to be clear. There is no bag check inside the arena, so anything over the limit goes back to your car.
- Any bag 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller
- Diaper bags, with a child
- Medical bags of any size (extra screening)
- One sealed, non-frozen water bottle up to 17 oz
- Laptop bags and briefcases
- Camera bags
- Coolers and luggage
- Seat cushions
Certain artists bring their own bag rules. For a recent Nine Inch Nails date, local coverage reported that only crossbodies, clutches, wristlets and wallets up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ were allowed. When the event page lists a tighter rule, that rule wins at the door, so check it the day before.
What you can’t bring into Desert Diamond Arena
| Category | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Outside food, alcohol, cans, flasks, coolers and reusable bottles. The only exception is one factory-sealed, non-frozen water bottle up to 17 oz. |
| Cameras and tech | Detachable-lens or professional cameras, action cameras, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, laptops, tablets, two-way radios, laser pointers. Small pocket cameras are generally fine, subject to the promoter. |
| Fan gear | Signs or banners over 24″ x 36″ or on a stick, poster tubes, noisemakers, balloons and beach balls, stickers, markers, promotional items |
| Everything else | Weapons and anything usable as one, chains and spikes, flashlights, handcuffs, fireworks, drugs |
Gates, doors, tickets and the box office
Gate 4 is the main entrance for every ticket holder. Doors time is printed on each event page and ticket, and the arena lots open an hour before that. Everyone goes through security screening, which can include walk-through detectors or a handheld wand.
| Entrance | Who uses it |
|---|---|
| Gate 4 | Main entrance for all ticketed guests; closest to rideshare and merchandise |
| Gate 5 | The View and suite guests |
| Gate 1 (Credit Union West Vault) | Vault and luxury suite guests, plus Credit Union West cardholders with proof of membership |
| Box office | Northeast corner between Gates 4 and 5. Opens 3 hours before showtime on event days and usually closes when the headliner starts. Closed on non-event days. |
- Tickets are mobile only. Screenshots and print-at-home tickets are no longer accepted. Add your tickets to your phone’s wallet before you leave home so they work without signal.
- Will Call is at the box office starting 3 hours before the event; only the account holder can pick up, with a government ID.
- No re-entry. Once you’re in, you’re in. Guest Services handles real emergencies.
- General admission and pit shows post their own line-up times and wristband rules. Overnight camping on arena property is not allowed.
Desert Diamond Arena seating chart, explained
The bowl has three basic tiers: the 100-level lower bowl off the Main Concourse, the suite and club levels in the middle, and the 200-level upper bowl off the Upper Concourse. For most concerts the stage sits at one end, near Sections 104 to 106, with floor sections in front of it. The arena’s official seat map is on its Seat Map page, and each show’s exact layout is on its Ticketmaster or AXS listing.
| Area | Where it is | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Floor | On the arena floor in front of the stage (reserved or GA by show) | Closest to the artist. Flat floor, so short people in the back rows see a lot of phones. |
| Lower bowl (100s) | Main Concourse, Level 1 | The best mix of height and distance. For end-stage shows, the side sections closest to the stage are the sweet spot. |
| Suites and club | Above the lower bowl; Encore Club and The View on Level 3 | Private spaces, shorter lines and their own bars. See premium spaces below. |
| Upper bowl (200s) | Upper Concourse, Level 5 | Cheapest seats with a full view of the stage production. Steep stairs, so take your time. |
ADA-accessible seating is available on every level, first come, first served, through Ticketmaster, AXS or the box office.
Premium spaces after the $42 million renovation
The arena spent $42 million turning a hockey barn into what the operator calls a “music mecca.” The work redid more than 20 spaces while the building stayed open, and the new look debuted at Chris Stapleton’s two sold-out shows on August 8 and 9, 2025. Upgrades start at about $30 per person for the Bassline Bar.
| Space | Where | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Bassline Bar | Level 1 | VIP lounge add-on for select shows: early, expedited entry, private restrooms, a dedicated bar and the arena’s only outdoor smoking patio. Requires a separate event ticket. |
| Studio 623 booths | Off the Level 1 Main Concourse | 14 recording-studio-style loge boxes for 4 to 6 people, with Bassline Bar access. |
| Encore Club on Three | Level 3 club level | 22 theater boxes for 9 to 12 people that open onto a shared club with music memorabilia. |
| The View | Level 3 club level | 341 reserved club seats around a social bar. Food and drinks are bought separately. |
| Luxury suites | Suite level | Private suites for groups, with VIP parking passes included. Single-event rentals are available for many shows. |
Food, drinks and money inside the arena
- Cashless: no cash anywhere inside. Credit, debit and contactless phone payments only.
- Alcohol: 21+ with a valid government ID, and a maximum of two drinks per person at a time (some shows limit it to one). Drinks can’t leave the building.
- Food: concessions throughout the concourses, with gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and keto options.
- Water: bring one sealed bottle up to 17 oz and refill it at any Main Concourse or Premium Level fountain. After a July show in Glendale, you’ll be glad you did.
- Phone charging: chargeFUZE stations inside Gate 3, at Sections 108/109, 204/205 and 218/220.
- Smoking: never indoors. The only outdoor smoking area is the Bassline Bar patio, for Bassline Bar ticket holders.
- Merchandise: run by each tour. Enter at Gate 4; the stands are a short walk inside.
Kids, families and accessibility
Everyone age 2 and over needs a ticket; kids under 2 on a lap usually don’t, but kids’ shows can set their own rule. Strollers are allowed for entry only and get checked at the Guest Services booth by Section 115. Grab a free Child Locator Wristband there too. Family restrooms are in the northeast and southwest corners, with a universal changing table near Section 109, and nursing rooms are at Sections 104 and 226.
- Guest Services booths: Sections 115 and 226. Text a concern and your location to (623) 400-2515 during events.
- Sensory-inclusive: the arena is KultureCity certified. Sensory bags with headphones and fidget tools are free at Section 115 (leave an ID), and a quiet Sensory Room is at Section 106.
- Hearing: assistive listening devices at Section 115. Request ASL interpreting at least 14 days before the event.
- Mobility: free wheelchair escorts on request. Mobility devices not in use are stored at a Guest Services booth.
- Service animals: welcome. Emotional support and comfort animals are not.
- Medical: prescribed medication in its original container and medical bags of any size are allowed. First aid is on Level 1 across from Section 106 and on Level 5 across from Section 220.
- Lost and found: at Section 115 until 30 minutes after the show, then at Gate 3 security for 14 days (weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Call (623) 772-3475.
What’s at Desert Diamond Arena: concerts, teams and big events
Since the Coyotes left in 2022, the building has run mostly as a concert venue, plus a steady schedule of sports. Here’s what fills the calendar each year. For specific dates, the arena’s Events & Tickets page is the source of truth.
Arizona Rattlers · Indoor football, spring and summer
The Indoor Football League team moved here from downtown Phoenix in 2024 and plays about eight home games a season, roughly late March through mid-July. For Rattlers games the box office stays open through the third quarter.
Arizona Ridge Riders · PBR team bull riding, every October
Arizona’s PBR Teams squad hosts Ridge Rider Days here each fall, a three-day homestand. The arena also landed the 2027 PBR World Finals: Championship, scheduled for May 20–23, 2027.
Concerts, comedy and combat sports · Year-round
Arena tours across country, rock, Latin, hip-hop and K-pop, plus big comedy tours, boxing, UFC and WWE events. Looking for something smaller? Our best comedy clubs in Phoenix guide and date night ideas in Phoenix cover the rest of the Valley.
From Glendale Arena to Desert Diamond Arena: a short history
If you’ve lived in the Valley a while, you’ve probably called this building by at least two names. Here’s how it got from the Coyotes’ home to a concert venue.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Opens in December as Glendale Arena, the new home of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes |
| 2006 | Renamed Jobing.com Arena |
| 2014 | Renamed Gila River Arena in a tribal naming-rights deal with the Gila River Indian Community |
| 2022 | The Coyotes play their last game here on April 29. In August the arena becomes Desert Diamond Arena under a deal with Desert Diamond Casinos. |
| 2024 | The Arizona Rattlers move in from downtown Phoenix |
| 2025 | The $42 million renovation is unveiled at Chris Stapleton’s shows on August 8–9 |
| 2027 | Scheduled host of the PBR World Finals: Championship, May 20–23 |
Where to eat near Desert Diamond Arena
The arena sits on the edge of Westgate, so dinner is a short walk. On a big show night, eat by 5 or book ahead. Addresses and phone numbers below were verified through Google Business Profiles.
Yard House · 9401 W Westgate Blvd
The group-dinner default: 100-plus taps, a menu for everyone and enough room that you’ll usually get seated. Open late on Saturdays, so it doubles as the after-show wait-out. (623) 872-3900.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub · 9445 W Entertainment Blvd
Attached to the Renaissance and a little quieter than the center of the district. Takes reservations. (480) 944-5165.
NakedQ BBQ · 9405 W Glendale Ave, Suite 120
Counter-service brisket and smoked sausage, fast enough to eat before doors. Closes at 9 p.m., so it’s a before-only stop. (623) 230-2199.
More verified Valley restaurants are in the AZ Charged Arizona restaurants directory.
Hotels within walking distance of Desert Diamond Arena
The Westgate hotel cluster is a short walk from the arena doors. Expect event-night rates when the stadium is busy too, and a nightly parking charge at most of them.
| Hotel | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Renaissance Phoenix Glendale | 9495 W Entertainment Blvd | (623) 937-3700 |
| Aloft Glendale at Westgate | 6920 N 93rd Ave | (602) 883-3500 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Glendale-Westgate | 6630 N 95th Ave | (623) 271-7771 |
Heading home west? Buc-ee’s in Goodyear is a short drive south. Coming back in December? Our Christmas lights in Arizona guide lists the West Valley displays, and our things to do in Phoenix guide covers the rest of the Valley. Going to another venue? See our Footprint Center parking guide, our Mullett Arena parking guide or every Phoenix stadium and arena side by side.
Desert Diamond Arena FAQ
Where is Desert Diamond Arena?
Desert Diamond Arena is at 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, in the Westgate Entertainment District at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, next to State Farm Stadium.
How much is parking at Desert Diamond Arena?
Arena parking prices are set per event and shown on each event page and the arena’s ParkWhiz page. Day-of payment is card only. Westgate’s district lots are free on non-event days and give 2 free hours on event days if you register.
Is there free parking near Desert Diamond Arena?
Yes, in Westgate’s lots. They’re free on non-event days. On arena event days, paid parking runs from 3 hours before the event until 2 hours after it starts, and you get 2 free hours by registering by QR code or texting P4807 to 504504.
What is the Desert Diamond Arena bag policy?
All bags must be 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller, clear or not. Laptop bags, briefcases, camera bags, coolers, luggage and seat cushions are banned at any size, and there is no bag check. Some tours set a stricter clutch-only rule.
Can you bring a purse into Desert Diamond Arena?
Yes, as long as it measures 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller. It does not need to be clear unless the specific tour requires it.
Can you bring water into Desert Diamond Arena?
Yes, one factory-sealed, non-frozen water bottle up to 17 oz per person. You can refill it at the concourse fountains. No other outside food or drink is allowed.
What time do doors and parking open at Desert Diamond Arena?
Doors time is set per event and printed on the event page and your ticket. Arena parking lots open one hour before doors, and the box office opens three hours before showtime.
How many people does Desert Diamond Arena hold?
About 19,000 for concerts, 18,300 for basketball and 17,125 for hockey.
Can you buy tickets at the Desert Diamond Arena box office?
Yes, on event days only. The box office, between Gates 4 and 5, opens three hours before showtime and takes cards and digital wallets. It’s closed on non-event days, so buy online through Ticketmaster or AXS.
Where is Uber and Lyft drop-off at Desert Diamond Arena?
Set “Desert Diamond Arena” as your destination. Drop-off and pickup are near the AMC Westgate movie theater, a short walk from Gate 4.
Does Desert Diamond Arena have box seats or suites?
Yes. Options include Studio 623 booths for 4 to 6 people, Encore Club theater boxes for 9 to 12, club seats in The View, and private luxury suites. The Bassline Bar VIP upgrade starts at about $30 per person.
Is Desert Diamond Arena the same as Gila River Arena?
Yes. The arena opened in 2003 as Glendale Arena, became Jobing.com Arena in 2006 and Gila River Arena in 2014, and has been Desert Diamond Arena since August 2022.
Can you leave and come back in?
No. Desert Diamond Arena has a no re-entry policy for all events. Guest Services can help with a genuine emergency.
Run a business near Westgate?
Between the arena and the stadium next door, Glendale draws big crowds all year, and every one of those fans is searching for where to eat, park and stay. AZ Charged is a hand-verified Arizona directory with zero pay-to-rank. Get reviewed and get listed.
Sources: Desert Diamond Arena A to Z Guide, Parking & Directions, Bag Policy and Premium Experiences pages; Westgate Entertainment District parking; ABC15 and KTAR (renovation); TKO / Legends Global announcement (2027 PBR World Finals); City of Glendale Transit; Wikipedia (capacity and history). Venue facts retrieved October 30, 2026; restaurant and hotel details from Google Business Profiles. Policies and prices are set by the venue and can change by event.
Featured photo (taken when the arena was Gila River Arena): Kyvuh, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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