Tempe, Arizona: A Premier Sports Destination with World-Class Facilities

State-of-the-art facilities position Tempe, Arizona, as a premier sports destination for professional athletes and recreational enthusiasts alike.

After achieving legendary status as the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals (23 gold), Michael Phelps relocated to Arizona upon retirement. Drawn by the state's ideal climate, high quality of life, and renowned golf courses, Phelps was particularly captivated by his reunion with Arizona State University (ASU) swim coach Bob Bowman—his longtime mentor—and the exceptional amenities at ASU's Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. This inspired Phelps to explore coaching and move his family to the area.

The arrival of Phelps and Bowman propelled ASU Swimming to new heights, attracting top high school recruits. Consequently, the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center has evolved into a premier venue for amateur and professional swimming and diving events.

Renowned as one of the nation's top outdoor aquatic facilities, the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center features a 2,000-seat capacity and an Olympic-sized 50-meter by 25-yard competition pool with a seven-foot depth and movable bulkhead. It also hosts triathlon and amateur swimming competitions.

ASU's newly renovated Sun Devil Fitness Complex offers cutting-edge equipment across 135,000 square feet of indoor space, plus outdoor fields and courts. When not used by ASU Athletics, it serves as an ideal host for amateur and professional events, complementing the upgraded Sun Devil Stadium and drawing major competitions to Tempe.

Beyond ASU, Tempe's Kiwanis Park and Recreation Center spans 125 acres with four lighted baseball/softball fields, three basketball courts, four soccer fields, five volleyball courts, and 15 tennis courts—making it a regional hub for youth tournaments.

Tempe's crown jewel, however, is Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Town Lake. Home to annual full- and half-Ironman triathlons that attract thousands, the 2-mile lake offers 25 acres of parkland, a marina with five boat launches, an amphitheater, and over 5 miles of paths for running, walking, and biking. Centrally located in the Tempe/Phoenix metro area and linked to downtown, it blends sports with vibrant urban culture.

Tempe excels as a venue for collegiate, amateur, and professional sports, supported by its outstanding facilities.

For details on hosting your next event in Tempe, contact James Tevault at the Tempe Tourism Office: [email protected]| 480-894-8158.