Desert Financial ArenaAbout Desert Financial Arena
Desert Financial Arena is a multiuse indoor arena located on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona. It serves as the main venue for ASU basketball and hosts concerts and large-scale events.
Opened in the 1970s as the university’s primary indoor sports venue, the arena has hosted decades of college basketball seasons and been updated periodically with renovations and naming-rights changes. It has been the site of NCAA games, concert residencies, and university events.
Positioned on ASU’s Tempe campus near Mill Avenue and the university mall, the arena is roughly 10 kilometers southeast of downtown Phoenix and is well served by campus transit and nearby parking.
- Capacity: Seats roughly 14,000 spectators for basketball and hosts collegiate sports, concerts, and other large events year-round.
- Primary use: Located on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe and serves as the home court for ASU Sun Devils men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Nearby Attractions to Desert Financial Arena
Best Time to Visit Desert Financial Arena
Visit for scheduled events; peak activity aligns with Arizona State University sports seasons and touring concerts.
Weather & Climate near Desert Financial Arena
Desert Financial Arena's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 20° | 12° | 21 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 22° | 14° | 20 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 25° | 17° | 27 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 30° | 21° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 34° | 25° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 39° | 30° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 25° - 41° | 33° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 40° | 32° | 31 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 37° | 29° | 21 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 15° - 31° | 23° | 19 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 24° | 16° | 18 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 5° - 20° | 12° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Desert Financial Arena
Desert Financial Arena is on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University. From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport drive east on I-10, then south on SR-143 and exit onto University Drive; follow campus signs. Public transit: Valley Metro Rail’s Mill Avenue/Third Street station is the closest light rail stop; it’s a 15-20 minute walk or short rideshare to the arena.
Tips for Visiting Desert Financial Arena
- Check the Arizona State University events calendar for campus parking rules before driving; nearby surface lots fill fast for big games.
- Use the light rail to avoid traffic - the nearest Valley Metro Rail station is on Mill Avenue (Mill Ave/Main St), roughly a 15-20 minute walk or short shuttle ride depending on the event.
- For sports, sit mid-court/mid-aisle for the best acoustic and visual balance; the upper levels can be steep.