Footprint Center parking and bag policy, in one paragraph
Footprint Center is now called Mortgage Matchup Center, same building, same address: 201 E Jefferson St in downtown Phoenix. Parking is in nearby public garages, led by the Jefferson Street Garage, and the arena recommends buying ahead on ParkWhiz; prices are set per event and there are no in-and-out privileges. Backpacks are not allowed. Small clutches, crossbody bags and clear bags are fine, and purses, diaper bags and medical bags get in if they meet the NBA bag size limit, with extra screening. Come with no bag, or one smaller than 4″ x 6″, and you can use the faster express lanes. Light rail stops at 3rd St/Jefferson and 3rd St/Washington.
Some concerts set their own bag rules. Check the event page on mortgagematchupcenter.com before you go.
If you’re searching for Footprint Center, you’re in the right place. The home of the Suns and Mercury was renamed Mortgage Matchup Center in the fall of 2025, after a stretch as the interim “PHX Arena” once the Footprint signs came down that February. The parking, the light rail stops and most of the rules carried over. The one thing that trips people up is the bag policy, because it is not the clear bag rule used at Chase Field and State Farm Stadium: here the line is backpacks. This guide covers parking, bags, rideshare and where to eat and stay for Suns and Mercury games and arena concerts. Going to a D-backs game a block east instead? See our Chase Field parking and bag policy guide, and our State Farm Stadium guide covers Glendale.
Footprint Center parking: garages, valet and how to get in
The arena sits on the southeast corner of 1st Street and Jefferson. The five-story garage attached to the building is mostly reserved for suite holders and premium seats, so most fans park in the public garages and lots within a few blocks. Public garages are generally open all day; for events, plan on parking being available about 30 minutes before doors unless the event says otherwise.
| Option | Where and how | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Street Garage | Public garage east of the arena on Jefferson, with a 4th Street entrance. Prepaid passes on ParkWhiz. | Most fans. Prepay so you’re guaranteed a space. |
| Other downtown garages and lots | Several within walking distance. Availability, price and access vary by event. Search the arena on ParkWhiz to compare. | Nights when a D-backs game is also letting out. |
| Valet | Ra Ra Room valet (Jackson St, 1st to 2nd), Annexus valet (Jackson St, 2nd to 3rd) and Jefferson Street Garage valet (2nd floor, via the 4th St entrance). Select ticket holders and memberships only, usually from 2 hours before. | Premium and club ticket holders. |
| Valley Metro Rail | 3rd St/Jefferson and 3rd St/Washington stations, or the Downtown Phoenix Hub platforms about 0.3 mile away. | Tempe, Mesa and north-central Phoenix. |
| Rideshare | Pickup at S 3rd Street and E Jefferson Street by the Phoenix Convention Center. Drop-off also on 1st St at the arena plaza, S 2nd St and E Jefferson by Hotel Palomar. | Anyone drinking. Walk a block before you request. |
How much is parking at Footprint Center?
The arena does not publish a fixed rate card. ParkWhiz shows the live price for each garage on each event night, which is the only number worth trusting.
Driving directions by freeway
- From Scottsdale and north Phoenix: SR 51 south to I-10 east, exit Washington/Jefferson, right on Washington, left on 3rd Street.
- From Tempe and the East Valley: I-10 west to Washington/Jefferson, left on Washington, left on 3rd Street.
- From Glendale and the northwest Valley: I-17 south to Jefferson Street, left on Jefferson to 1st Street.
- From the West Valley: I-10 east to 7th Avenue, right on 7th Avenue, left on Jefferson to 1st Street.
Before you buy parking, check whether the D-backs are home the same night. Chase Field is a block east, and when a ballgame and a Suns game let out within an hour of each other, every garage on Jefferson empties into the same few blocks. On those nights the light rail or a lot north of Washington saves you a half hour sitting in a garage ramp.
Footprint Center bag policy
The arena’s advice is to leave bags at home for the fastest entry. If you do bring one, here’s how it works:
- Allowed: small clutches, crossbody bags and clear bags.
- Allowed with extra screening: purses, medical bags, diaper bags and single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA bag size limit.
- Not allowed: standard backpacks. Media backpacks are screened at the media entrance.
- Express lanes: guests with no bag, or a clutch smaller than 4″ x 6″, can use the Evolv express entry lanes. Anything bigger than 4″ x 6″ goes through bag screening.
- Kids’ items: baby bottles and formula are allowed.
Phoenix New Times quotes the arena’s NBA limit as 14″ x 14″ x 6″, while Ticketmaster’s venue guide lists 14″ x 6″ x 12″. A bag no bigger than 14″ wide, 12″ tall and 6″ deep fits both, so pack to that and you won’t get turned around at the door. Concerts can set stricter rules; the arena answers questions at feedback@phxses.com.
What you can’t bring into Footprint Center
| Category | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Outside food and beverages (one sealed plastic water bottle is allowed at select events only) |
| Cameras and tech | Professional cameras, video and recording devices, laptops, drones, selfie sticks, laser pointers |
| Fan gear | Noisemakers like whistles and air horns. Signs are fine if flame retardant, not on a pole and not blocking views. |
| Everything else | Weapons, illegal substances, fireworks, non-service animals, inappropriate attire |
Strollers are allowed. If you’re not sure about an item, leave it in the car; there’s no in-and-out parking to fix it later.
Accessibility and guest services
- Accessible drop-off: 3rd Street just south of Jefferson at the green curb. Will-call drop-off is on 1st Street just north of Madison. You can’t leave a car unattended in either zone.
- Wheelchair escorts: ask any guest service rep at the entrances, or text (602) 379-7668 from 30 minutes before doors to the end of the event.
- Guest Services: in the Pavilion, just inside the main north entrance.
The sensory room is in the Guest Services Office in the Pavilion, and you can check out a sensory bag there for the event: ear protection, fidget toys, emotional cue cards, weighted lap pads and strobe glasses. Accessibility questions go to accessibility@suns.com or (602) 379-7800.
Where to eat near Footprint Center
The arena is surrounded by restaurants, and the closest ones fill an hour before tip-off. Addresses and phone numbers were checked against Google Business Profiles on October 21, 2026.
The Arrogant Butcher · 2 E Jefferson St, Suite 150
On the ground floor of the Hotel Palomar block, a short walk west of the arena. A real dinner menu with burgers, steaks and seafood. Book ahead on game nights. (602) 324-8502.
Majerle’s Sports Grill · 24 N 2nd St
The Suns bar, named for Suns great Dan Majerle, two blocks north. Loud, crowded and exactly what you want before or after a game. Open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays. (602) 253-0118.
The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub · 1 N 1st St, Suite 108
A cozy pub a block north of the arena, known for fish and chips. Open until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, so it works for the after-show wait-out too. (602) 651-1185.
More verified Valley restaurants are in the AZ Charged Arizona restaurants directory.
Hotels within walking distance of Footprint Center
All three are a few blocks from the doors. Downtown hotels mostly run valet-only or point you to a nearby garage, so price the parking before you book.
| Hotel | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown | 150 W Adams St | (602) 388-4888 |
| Hyatt Regency Phoenix | 122 N 2nd St | (602) 252-1234 |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown | 125 E Jackson St | (602) 603-1111 |
Staying the weekend? Our things to do in Phoenix guide covers the rest of the Valley. For bag rules side by side at every big venue, see every Phoenix stadium and arena guide.
Footprint Center FAQ
Is Footprint Center the same as Mortgage Matchup Center?
Yes. The arena at 201 E Jefferson St in downtown Phoenix was Footprint Center from 2021 to early 2025, briefly PHX Arena, and became Mortgage Matchup Center in October 2025. It is still home to the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.
Where do you park for Footprint Center?
Most fans park in the public Jefferson Street Garage or other downtown garages and lots within walking distance. The arena recommends buying parking ahead on ParkWhiz. Prices vary by event, and there are no in-and-out privileges.
Does Footprint Center have a clear bag policy?
No, bags don’t have to be clear. Small clutches, crossbody bags and clear bags are allowed, and purses, diaper bags and medical bags are allowed with extra screening if they meet the NBA size limit. Standard backpacks are not allowed.
Can you bring a backpack to a Suns game?
No. Standard backpacks are not permitted inside the arena. Single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA size limit are the exception.
Where is Uber and Lyft pickup at Footprint Center?
Pickup is at S 3rd Street and E Jefferson Street by the Phoenix Convention Center. Drop-off can also be on 1st Street at the arena plaza, S 2nd Street, or E Jefferson Street by Hotel Palomar.
Which light rail stop is closest to Footprint Center?
The 3rd St/Jefferson and 3rd St/Washington stations are closest. Riders can also get off at the Downtown Phoenix Hub platforms and walk about 0.3 mile.
Can you bring food or water into Footprint Center?
Outside food and beverages are not allowed. One sealed plastic water bottle is allowed at select events, and baby bottles and formula are allowed.
Run a business near the arena?
Suns games, Mercury games and arena concerts bring crowds downtown on game and show nights all year, and every one of those fans is looking for food, drinks, parking and a room. AZ Charged is a hand-verified Arizona directory with zero pay-to-rank. Get reviewed and get listed.
Sources: Mortgage Matchup Center Transportation & Parking, Mortgage Matchup Center Accessibility, Phoenix New Times on the arena bag policy, Ticketmaster venue guide, and ABC15 reporting on the arena’s renaming (October 2, 2025), retrieved October 21, 2026. Restaurant and hotel details from Google Business Profiles, October 21, 2026. Policies and prices are set by the venue and can change by event.
Featured photo (taken when the arena was US Airways Center): Jeff Turner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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