Cactus Bowl
JANUARY 2
Good news for football fans! Arizona is home to some of the best bowl games in the country this month. Nothing like ringing in the New Year cheering for some of your favorite out-of-state teams. This year, lucky enough to make the cut to the much-anticipated Cactus Bowl are Washington and Oklahoma State. Leave the Maroon and gold at home and head over to Sun Devil Stadium.
Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.350.0911, cactusbowl.com, Friday, 8:15p.m., prices vary
Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors
JANUARY 4
Toronto may be able to hold their own on the ice, but on the basketball court they have no chance. Prepare to fall on your butts, canucks! Be loud and proud in the stands to cheer on the only excuse to wear orange.
U.S. Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, nba.com/suns, 6 p.m., prices vary
Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks
JANUARY 13
January may be all about football, but for those of you who like to see gown men shoved against glass, this match up won’t be one to miss. This California team is guaranteed to put up a good fight, and sitting in the cold arena might actually help the Valley residents feel like it’s winter.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3200, 7 p.m., prices vary
Phoenix Suns Star Wars Night
JANUARY 16
With the purchase of a special ticket fans will receive a commemorative Death Star basketball for the team’s annual “Star Wars” night. 5,000 fans will also receive an orange rally towel to fuel the fire on Orange Friday. It will be a great way to head into MLK weekend.
U.S. Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, nba.com/suns, 7 p.m., prices vary
Waste Management Phoenix Open
JANUARY 29 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1
A golf tournament like no other, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most anticipated golf tournaments of the year. Even if you don’t like golf, you will like this event. Along with some of the top golfers competing at the event, this year attendants can also look forward to a live performance by country singer Darius Rucker, Kid Rock and Grammy Award-winning DJ AfroJack.
TPC of Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 602.870.0163, wmphoenix.com, $30-$50
ASU vs. Oregon Ducks
JANUARY 30
When ASU and the Oregon Ducks get a chance to go head-to-head, the game is never a disappointment. Residents in the Valley have a bit more respect for them after Oregon kicked UofA’s butt during football season. Now we have our chance to kick theirs on the hardwood!
Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.3482, thesundevils.com, 6 p.m., prices vary
Super Bowl XLIX
FEBRUARY 1
As if you needed reminding, the Super Bowl (Yeah, that Super Bowl!) will be played in our very own backyard at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. If you don’t have $5,000 for one ticket to the game, tune in at home, at any of the Valley’s sports bars… or just tune out by watching Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl.
University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, universityofphoenixstadium.com, TBD, prices vary
