PHOENIX – Concert fans will get their first chance to experience the new-look Desert Diamond Arena this weekend.
The Glendale venue will unveil the results of a $42 million renovation project when Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show comes to town Friday and Saturday.
The investment was made as part of an effort to shift the arena’s focus from sports to music and entertainment following the departure of the Arizona Coyotes hockey team.
The Desert Diamond Arena facelift includes upgraded suites and concession stands along with four new premium spaces: the Bassline Bar, Encore Club on Three, Studio 623 and The View Lounge & Bar.
“This arena is a premier destination for major events, and I can see the biggest names in entertainment choosing to perform here,” Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said in a press release. “These improvements go far beyond a fresh coat of paint. Every new space was designed with fans in mind, from the upgraded concessions to the premium experiences.”
For fans wanting to check out the new vibe soon, the arena will host three more concerts this month after Stapleton’s shows: Ateez (Aug. 12), Anuel AA (Aug. 15) and Oldies 2 Souldies (Aug. 30). In addition, Laufey (Sept. 23), Benson Boone (Sept. 24) and Ice Cube (Sept. 30) are set to perform there next month.
What to know about Desert Diamond Arena
Desert Diamond Arena is located on the south end of the Westgate Entertainment District near Glendale Avenue and the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway. It is owned by the city of Glendale and operated by ASM Global.
The building has a seating capacity of about 18,000 for sporting events and 19,000 for concerts.
The venue opened in 2003 as Glendale Arena and has undergone several name changes. The most recent change, from Gila River Arena to Desert Diamond Arena, occurred in 2022 after the Coyotes’ departure.
The city decided not to renew its lease with the NHL team beyond the 2021-22 season. The Coyotes have since moved to Salt Lake City and are now known as the Utah Mammoth.
After the Coyotes moved out, the arena transitioned to hosting more concerts and other entertainment acts.
It hasn’t closed the door on sports, however, and currently serves as home to the Arizona Rattlers Arena Football team and the Arizona Ridge Riders Professional Bull Riders squad.
