Each year, with late winter and early spring’s gorgeous weather comes a lineup of events that draw global crowd. 2023 promises to be the biggest yet. And whether you’re a local eager to take advantage of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s uniquely exciting season or a visitor descending upon the Valley for a much-anticipated event, we’ve compiled a local-centric guide to the upcoming world-class experiences.
And keep checking back! We’ll be updating our Guides to Barrett-Jackson, WM Phoenix Open, Super Bowl LVII, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and Spring Training with the latest insider information, can’t-miss happenings, and local flavor as it becomes available.
BARRETT-JACKSON
Photography courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.
For over 50 years, enthusiasts the world over have flocked to the Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions, world-class automotive lifestyle events that are widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry. Barrett-Jackson holds several events throughout the year, but kicks off with The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona, which sees 1,000+ luxury, vintage, rare, and high-performance cars go to auction.
DATES & TIME // Gates are open 8:00 am to auction close daily, January 21st - January 29th, 2023. Purchase Tickets...
Note: Saturday, January 21st is “Family Day,” a preview day inviting children under 12 to accompany a paying adult for free. Barrett-Jackson also offers VIP Packages, which include All-Week Access, VIP Tour, Opening Night Party Ticket, Bidder Badge, and gourmet food and beverages.
WHEN TO GO // With over 74 acres of auction and associated experiences, plan to attend more than one day. We recommend tacking a preview day onto your plan (to view the cars before they’re auctioned) in addition to attending at least one auction — with many cars auctioned at no reserve, anything can happen! P.S. In the off chance it rains, go anyway! There’s more than 1 million square feet of under cover.
WHERE // Officially, the auction takes place at Westworld of Scottsdale (16601 North Pima Road). Both paid and complimentary parking options are available, and there is a free shuttle that will take you from the lot to the entrance. If you’d like to avoid parking altogether, a special area for rideshare pick-up and drop-off is located near the main entry.
HIGHLIGHTS // The weeklong auction event comes with live music, driving experiences, giveaways, an Opening Gala, and, of course, many an auction. View the event schedule…
AROUND TOWN //
Arizona Concours d’Elegance, in partnership with Scottsdale Arts, is a curated and judged exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars. It will take place Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 at the Concours. Purchase tickets…
Bonhams Scottsdale Auction will take place at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (Pittman Lawn, West Lot) January 25th through January 27th. Expect a live auction with stunners like a 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster up for grabs.
RM Sothebys will return to the historic Biltmore Resort & Spa Wednesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 25th. Free and open to the public, it’s a high-end auction for stunning cars that run the gamut of tastes (think: a 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S to a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by LeBaron poised to fetch $1,000,000).
WM PHOENIX OPEN
Photography courtesy of WM Open.
One of the PGA TOUR’s best attended events, Waste Management Phoenix Open is touted as the “Greatest Show on Grass,” drawing nearly 500,000 spectators yearly. And while the tournament draws the best names in golf, it's known for its spectators. It’s quite unlike any golf tournament you’ve ever attended, with a bit of a raucous crowd — especially at the infamous par-3 16th hole. Hosted by The Thunderbirds, a
DATES & TIME // February 6th - February 12th, with the event culminating on Sunday, February 12th. Yes, we know this is also Super Bowl Sunday.
WHERE // The Waste Management Phoenix Open is played at TPC Scottsdale (17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255). Expect free parking in Lot 3 (Hayden Road and Princess Drive). Rideshare pick-up is on Bell Rd. near 82nd and drop off is available near the main entrance at the corner of Hayden and Bell Road. There is no shuttle access to the tournament gates.
WHEN TO GO // General admission is free Monday and Tuesday ad for under 15’s when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the gate, but we recommend splurging for a club access. Purchase tickets…
HIGHLIGHTS //
WM Concert in the Coliseum with Maroon 5 and Walker Hayes set to perform is not to be missed. You’ll also find concerts at the Coors Light Birds Nest.
The Loudest Hole in Golf can be found at the 16th hole of the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. The hole is surrounded on all sides by passionate fans and reaches its peak during Saturday’s third round.
INSIDER INFO //
The Thunderbirds are the official hosts of WM Open. In fact, the tournament’s origins can be traced to an early inductee, Bob Goldwater. Active Thunderbird membership is limited to 55 members, each of which has demonstrated a sincere interest in sports and a dedication to community affairs. All Thunderbird activities and events are the prime responsibility of these Active Thunderbirds and are under the watchful eye of the Big Chief and Thunderbird Council.
PANDA Raffle winners will kick off the WM Phoenix Open at the “Concert in the Coliseum” with six Platinum badges offering exclusive access to the 16th hole lodge venue. Purchase raffle tickets…
SUPER BOWL LVII
Photography courtesy of Visit Phoenix.
The biggest night in football comes to Scottsdale, though the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII promise to be action-packed, too. While six teams are still fighting it out to determine who will face off in Super Bowl LVII, the event promises to bring thousands of football fans to the Valley. Visiting from out of town? View our Cheat Sheets for where to drink, dine, and stay while you’re here cheering on your team…
DATES & TIME // Sunday, February 12th. Gates to the Gameday Experience open at 12:30 MST and kick-off is at 4:30 MST / 6:30 ET. Explore packages…
WHERE // The Super Bowl LVII will be held at State Farm Stadium (1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ).
HIGHLIGHTS //
Super Bowl Opening Night kicks off football’s biggest week at the Footprint Center. It’s the first public appearance of players and coaches for the week with live interviews, live entertainment, special appearances (and autograph opportunities) from NFL legends, and a chance to win two highly-coveted tickets to Super Bowl LVII. Learn more…
Super Bowl Experience at Phoenix Convention Center starts February 4th as the NFL takes over Downtown Phoenix. Enjoy an interactive football theme park, score player autographs, take pictures with Super Bowl Rings and Vince Lombardi trophy, and visit the NFL shop. The experience is open February 4th & 5th and February 9th - 11th. Purchase tickets…
Super Bowl Experience at Hance Park welcomes fans of all ages for a free, outdoor, multi-day immersive experience featuring live music, entertainment, and local cuisine. Learn more…
Taste of the NFL will feature marquee chefs along with food masterminds from Phoenix’s top restaurants — including our very own Mark Tarbell of Tarbell’s — for a delicious pre-Super Bowl LVII party. All proceeds will benefit GENYOUth’s commitment to ending student hunger. Purchase tickets…
Super Bowl Music Fest at Footprint Center will feature three nights of a star-studded lineup. Performances include Paramore, DJ Pee .Wee (an all-vinyl DJ set by Anderson .Paa), Dave Mathews Band, Kane Brown, Imagine Dragons, and more! Purchase tickets…
On Location is the Super Bowl’s official partner and will hold the closest pre-game experience. On Location guests will enjoy chef-curated cuisine, premium cocktails, and exceptional service in addition to live entertainment and NFL guests — just steps from your seat. Learn more…
Rihanna performs at Halftime for what promises to be an iconic, can't-miss show.
INSIDER INFO //
PANDA Raffle winners will enjoy 6 tickets to “Taste of the NFL” and 6 tickets to NFL’s Super Bowl Experience. Purchase raffle tickets…
The Sparkle Bar is one of more than 200 small and minority-owned businesses that were selected to be part of the NFL's Business Connect program. And it’s the perfect place to get glam before any and all Super Bowl LVII events.
SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW
Photography courtesy of Sahara Scottsdale.
Since it was first held at the Arizona Biltmore in 1955, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. An homage to Scottsdale’s rich equestrian past and a vision for the future of the breed, The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a can’t-miss global event. And Volume 2 Member and local Arabian program, Sahara Scottsdale, is poised to win big.
DATES & TIME // February 16th - February 26th.
WHERE // The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show takes place at Westworld of Scottsdale (16601 North Pima Road).
WHEN TO GO // The ten day show is packed with events. View the full schedule here…
HIGHLIGHTS //
Marquis Auction, hosted by Sahara Scottsdale and Marquise Auctions, is an elite Arabian horse auction and fabulous celebration of the living art that is the Arabian breed. Save the date for the February 24th auction. Learn more…
INSIDER INFO //
Sahara Scottsdale is a Valley-grown, globally respected leader in the historic, highly-competitive industry of Arabian horses. Like years past, the Volume 2 Member will show at Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and host the Marquis Auction. Keep an eye out for their stunning champions. Learn more about Sahara Scottsdale…
SPRING TRAINING
Photography courtesy of MLB.com.
Every year, the Cactus League descends on the Valley for Spring Training. Though nearly as old as baseball itself, Spring Training remains a novel adventure, boasting unparalleled player access, intimate ballparks, and the promise of a new season.
DATES & TIME // Saturday, February 25th through Tuesday, March 28th. Purchase tickets…
WHEN TO GO // Officially, workouts start on Wednesday, February 15th, but you can start catching games on Saturday, February 25th. Enjoy games across the Valley through Tuesday, March 28th. View the Spring Training Schedule…
WHERE // With the Valley welcoming 15 teams, Spring Training takes place across 10 fields and facilities, though Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is widely regarded as the go-to. In fact, Salt River Fields has led the Cactus League in attendance for seven consecutive seasons and is still the only Major League Baseball Spring Training complex ever to break 300,000 fans in a season. View the Cactus League Map…
HIGHLIGHTS //
The Charro Lodge tickets are the best of the season. Ticket and table prices include admission to Scottsdale Stadium and the Charro Lodge, an outstanding view of the game from patio-style seating adjacent to the San Francisco Giants’ bullpen, a program for each attendee, and complimentary food and beverage. Purchase tickets…
INSIDER INFO //
Scottsdale Charros, a Volume 2 Member of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale, are an all-volunteer, nonprofit group of business and civic leaders dedicated to supporting youth sports, education, and charitable causes. Spring Training is the premier annual fundraising event for The Charros via the Charro Lodge ticket. Over the last five decades, the Scottsdale Charros and The Charro Foundation have donated millions of dollars back to the community through grants and donations to local nonprofits and schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District. P.S. “Charros” translates to gentleman riders in Spanish.
Keep checking back for the latest insider information on enjoying these events like a local — and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
