Sports leaders say commission, state fund could help Arizona with mega events

Leaders in the Valley’s sports community say Arizona could benefit from a central sports commission and state fund to recruit and produce mega events like the Super Bowl and the Final Four.

University of Phoenix Stadium

After Super Bowl XLIX, what is next for city of Glendale?

In 2008, millions converged on Glendale as the place to be for Super Bowl XLII. The NFL Experience was there. The game was there.

Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale saw a big boost in business with the Super Bowl, but business owners say not having the NFL Experience there hurt their profits. (Photo by Zach Holland)

Super Bowl climbing wall headed to Hance Park as part of massive renovation plan

The most iconic feature of Super Bowl Central is returning downtown as part of a plan by city officials to create a “Central Park” for the city.

Super Bowl wall photo

Arizona enjoying three-year run as country’s sports mecca

It’s impossible to watch a nationally televised sporting event played in Arizona without scenic shots of a sunset behind a saguaro or the Grand Canyon in the middle of the day. The shots, ready-made for television, almost become cliché, but every big game has them.

Super Bowl Central

Flag football proving an alternative to tackle football concussion fears

[caption id="attachment_1556" align="alignright" width="800"]flag football A member of the Kinght Saints jumps in the air as he tries to elude members of the Scruggs Raiders after making an interception. Concussions in tackle football have led to more and more parents signing their kids up for flag football leagues, such as PrimeTime Athletics, which oversees teams such as the Raiders and Saints. (Photo by Jeff Vinton)[/caption]Youth participation in flag football, basketball and soccer is on the rise in Mesa and elsewhere.


Doctors turning to innovative tools to combat sports concussions

[caption id="attachment_1513" align="alignright" width="800"]helmets ASU Head Athletic Trainer Dr. Rodger McCoy is working with the Barrow Neurological Institute to develop new equipment that will detect and monitor head injuries. “No helmet, no head device ever can protect you from a concussion completely,” Dr. McCoy said. (Photo by Ben Margiott)[/caption]Accelerometers. Mouthpieces that turn blue. IV dye. PET scores. Phone apps.


Youth football tackles concussion issues

Brian Brooks still remembers the first time he watched his son sustain a head injury playing tackle football. The hit left 10-year-old Carson down on the field, injured – and Brian with a parent’s worst nightmare.


From cheerleading to MMA, chance for concussion is hard to eliminate

At first glance, mixed martial arts and cheerleading appear to be at the opposite ends of the safety spectrum. But they share similar concerns and protocols when it comes to concussions.

boxing ring

Barrow Concussion Network built to protect Arizona high school athletes

Kyle Janes plays linebacker for Phoenix Christian High School. He suffered a concussion on the field this year. But the injury came in a less expected spot: the baseball diamond.

Phoenix Christina shortstop hits baseball

MLB’s pace of play changes won’t affect concession sales

During the fourth inning of the Diamondbacks game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 10, the line for the infamous Churro Dog ran only four deep.

Baseball concessions

International leagues struggle with pace of play

So you think Major League Baseball’s pace of play is slow? Head for a game in Latin America or Japan.


MLB off to fast start thanks to pace of play rules

So far, so fast – or at least faster.