FanDuel Sportsbook is the go-to destination for March Madness at Phoenix’s Footprint Center.
Upon stepping through the large glass doors of the FanDuel Sportsbook Arizona retail sportsbook at downtown Phoenix’s Footprint Center on Thursday morning, I was met with a lively crowd.
The many sports fans in navy-blue chairs or at bar-style high-tops were captivated by the large high-definition screens displaying the early NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games.
Additionally, the facility has teamed up with the Suns, giving sportsbook patrons access to the arena’s expansive pavilion, fully stocked bar, and oversized jumbotron screens for a premier basketball viewing experience.
On Thursday morning at FanDuel Sportsbook, there was a trio of men sporting matching Kelly green shirts with bachelor party slogans, a father and son duo decked out in Chicago White Sox attire perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, and a diverse assortment of other interesting individuals.
Numerous staff members were on hand to assist patrons with their inquiries, including a friendly individual who allowed me to play basketball on the homecourt of the Phoenix Suns, the reigning champions of the Western Conference.
The opening of the Footprint Center facility on the same day as the start of sports betting in Arizona on Sept. 9 ensured that it was fully equipped to handle its first March Madness event.
The betting atmosphere in Arizona is truly unique and cannot be compared to any other.
Regional Manager Jeff Hoose attributed Thursday’s capacity crowd and the smooth operation of FanDuel’s customer service team to careful planning and countless hours of hard work.
Hoose told yengols.com that the team at the Footprint Center sportsbook has diligently planned for the upcoming college basketball betting weekend, with extra staff members such as floor staff, customer service reps, bartenders, and servers.
Hoose enthusiastically shared his anticipation for today, mentioning that he has been eagerly looking forward to this day since the opening. He revealed that they have organized an exciting event and a full day of games, leaving them feeling thrilled.
Hoose and General Manager Noah Kirk are expecting a sold-out crowd for all of the tournament’s first and second-round games from Thursday to Sunday.
Kirk eagerly anticipated the long-awaited chance for Arizona and the United States to finally have a secure and legal platform for betting and participating in the tournament. He emphasized their enthusiasm for showcasing their product and ensuring a top-notch experience for all attendees.
Kirk highlighted the dedication of FanDuel’s Phoenix retail staff in meticulously planning every aspect of a day at the sportsbook. Anticipation is set to soar at Footprint Center this Friday as Arizona kicks off its NCAA Tournament campaign against Wright State at 4:27 p.m., followed by the Western Conference-leading Suns playing a home game against Chicago at 7 p.m.
Kirk elaborated, “We have been preparing for this moment for quite some time. We have enlisted additional assistance for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, which is a major event. Shooting on the Suns’ home court is an incredible opportunity. We have set up TVs, reclining seats, and our VIP room to enhance the experience. We have dedicated a significant amount of effort to make this moment truly special.”
An attraction that is definitely worth the visit.
Tom and John Oleszczuk, first-time visitors, were amazed by the dedication and hard work demonstrated by FanDuel staff members like Hoose and Kirk.
The father and son team made their way to downtown during their Valley trip for Chicago White Sox Spring Training, excited to test out some fresh Arizona sports betting apps. It was their inaugural visit to a sportsbook beyond the Las Vegas Strip.
They were both impressed by the efficiency of the facility, especially given the large crowd on Thursday.
Tom Oleszczuk commented that they found easy parking and quickly walked to the facility. He added that although they had only been there briefly, the atmosphere was lively and enjoyable. He also mentioned that it was a great place to come and watch some games.
Prior to departing, they planned to revisit the facility and show appreciation for the dedication of FanDuel’s staff in ensuring the smooth operation of Thursday’s events.
Every day, Kirk promotes the exciting opening weekend of the Big Dance, and receiving praise from satisfied customers like Tom and John is just another part of his routine as he encourages Arizonans to make their way downtown.
Kirk noted that they expect a full house all weekend, with a unique and unmatched ambiance at the Footprint Center that customers have never experienced before.
Kirk expected a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, especially as the workday came to an end. He observed the current crowd, which included a live radio broadcast and the Suns team checking out the event. The day was set to offer entertainment like a DJ, food, drinks, and games in the recently refurbished pavilion, guaranteeing a fun-filled day ahead.
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Author
Peterson Christopher has spent over seven years reporting on sports and sports betting in Arizona for publications such as ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. He now holds the position of lead writer at yengols.com.
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