EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Suns unveil progress made on Talking Stick Resort Arena renovations

May 26, 2020, 9:27 PM | Updated: May 27, 2020, 3:10 pm

(Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports) (Kellan Olson/Arizona Sports)

 

PHOENIX — With masks on and social distancing measures taken, the Phoenix Suns opened Talking Stick Resort Arena’s doors for a peek for the first time since renovations got underway in late April.

Media was given a brief walkthrough on Tuesday of the $230 million renovations that the organization currently plans to complete 60% of by the start of next season.

That included a walk from the pavilion, where the space will open up to a view of the bowl.

Here’s a better look at what that space will look like at the beginning of this video.

“This is actually my second time in the building. I had a chance to see it a few months ago before they officially started construction and I can tell you it’s pretty impressive,” general manager James Jones said.

“What lies behind us is pretty spectacular.”

President and CEO Jason Rowley said the demolition phase is nearly done, with the infrastructure coming in next.

“If you’ve ever remodeled a house, it’s like a really big house [remodeling],” he said.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Rowley said they haven’t hit any major roadblocks thus far and did not need to halt any renovations because of the virus.

“So far, it’s turning out to be exactly what we’re (hoping for),” he said. “Frankly, better. When I first walked in and saw all this stuff down, in my mind, I just said, ‘Wow, I think we’re gonna outkick our coverage here. This is pretty awesome.’”

As the above images show, all the seats are no more, and over 17,000 new cushioned seats will be put in.

About 450 new screens will be installed across the arena, including a new one in the center of the arena that is roughly six times bigger than its previous version.

Plenty more amenities, including what the Suns are calling the most extensive 5G arena in the country, are included in the renovations which you can learn more about here.

Empire of the Suns

Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards shoots in front of Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns du...

Kellan Olson

All-around prowess, similarities make Suns’ Booker, Beal best NBA backcourt

Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are elite offensive weapons off the ball, giving the Phoenix Suns a backcourt unlike any other.

12 days ago

Yuta Watanabe, Japan vs. Germany FIBA World Cup...

Kevin Zimmerman

Suns’ Yuta Watanabe shows versatility in Japan’s FIBA opening loss to Germany

Japan lost to Germany, but Phoenix Suns guard Yuta Watanabe showed he's more than a three-point shooter in his FIBA Wold Cup opener.

1 month ago

(Twitter Photo/@10thYearSeniors)...

Kellan Olson

Deandre Ayton’s defensive dominance for Bahamas brings Suns hope

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has been a stud for the Bahamas in FIBA play and his defensive activity is particularly encouraging.

1 month ago

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns...

Kevin Zimmerman

The must-watch games on the Phoenix Suns’ 2023-24 schedule

Chris Paul's return for Suns-Warriors, a long-delayed LeBron James-Kevin Durant matchup and more are must-watch games on Phoenix's schedule.

1 month ago

Spurs' Tony Parker drives past Suns' Stephon Marbury...

Kevin Zimmerman

2023 Naismith Hall of Fame class has unique connections to Suns

Dwyane Wade, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol all had impact on the Phoenix Suns. And sometimes vice versa.

1 month ago

(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)...

Kellan Olson

Tiers of the NBA’s Western Conference, Part 2: Suns share the top with Nuggets

With the conclusion of the NBA offseason, it's time to look ahead to next season and reassess where the Phoenix Suns stack up in the West.

2 months ago

Suns unveil progress made on Talking Stick Resort Arena renovations