The Fundamentals

Anchoring the City’s growing entertainment epicenter, the ASC is located at The BLVD – Avondale’s premier mixed-use destination. Since opening in 2010, the ASC has seen more than 2,000,000 athletes come through their doors and is one of the most visited destinations in Avondale, attracting 1000 of visitors annually! For the sports enthusiasts, the ASC has been home to approximately 750 tournaments, however the venue’s impressive versatility has catapulted total events upwards of 25,000. In short, if you need the space, we know a place.

The Playground Breakdown

Step into the ASC, and you’re greeted with:

• Two Indoor Soccer Fields: Rain or shine, the game goes on. ASC is committed to year-round play.
• Four Basketball Courts: Nothing but net for reactional and competitive hoopers.
• Five Sand Volleyball courts: Bringing California beach-style play to the Arizona desert.  
• Six Volleyball Courts: Perfect for spiking, serving, and the occasional victory dance.
• 4,000-Square-Foot Multi-Purpose Room: From yoga classes to team meetings, we challenge you to find an activity this space can’t handle.

The Team Captains:

The ASC is powered by a dream team of community champions. The starting lineup includes:

• John Shields: President & General Manager of the American Sports Center. At the heart of American Sports Centers in Avondale is John Shields, a visionary leader whose dedication to youth, community, and sport has helped shape ASC into a true cornerstone of the West Valley. Under John’s leadership, ASC has become more than just a facility—it’s a vibrant gathering place where athletes grow, families connect, and community thrives. From hosting major tournaments and nonprofit events to supporting local entrepreneurs and creating space for mentorship and learning, John’s impact is felt well beyond the court. His commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment has made ASC a launchpad for both athletic and personal growth for countless individuals in the Avondale community.
• Bobbi Barajas: Owner of Phx is Rising. Bobbi has been a key player alongside John since the early days of American Sports Centers, helping shape it into the community hub it is today. As the force behind her family-owned business, Phx is Rising, she’s bringing serious energy to the court—with over three dozen basketball tournaments scheduled at ASC in 2025 alone. But Bobbi’s impact goes far beyond the game. Her newest venture, Ivory House, a stylish new clothing boutique opening at The BLVD, is set to add even more value to the community. With this exciting addition, Bobbi is creating fresh opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth for both locals and ASC visitors alike.
  • PHX is Rising 2025 Tournament Schedule:
    • October 4-5: Bang Out for Breast Cancer
    • October 18-19: Relentless
    • October 25-26: PHX Rising
    • November 8-9: Rise Up
    • November 22-23: Full Court
    • November 30- One Day Sunday
    • December 6-7: PHX Rising
    • December 13-14: Christmas on the Court
    • December 20-21: Winter Westside Showdown
• Jimmy Scroggins: 4Life Foundation President.  Completing the “Big 3” is Jimmy, whose nonprofit, 4Life Foundation, is all about motivating, inspiring, and uplifting the community through acts of service and positivity. For the past five years, Jimmy has brought the spirit of giving to life through his free Holiday Workshop, held annually at American Sports Centers. This festive Christmas carnival features inflatable fun, tasty treats, visits with Santa, and a free holiday gift for every child in attendance. By turning his foundation’s mission into real, joyful moments, Jimmy continues to make a lasting and heartfelt impact on families throughout Avondale.

John, Bobbi, and Jimmy are the MVPs when it comes to building community spirit. They’ve cracked the playbook on creating safe, welcoming spaces where sports, friendship, learning, and a little healthy competition all come together. Their events are more than just games—they’re a slam dunk for the West Valley and a big win for the Avondale community.

Where Competition Meets Community

ASC isn’t just about casual play (although there’s plenty of that); it’s a hub for serious competition.  It’s a chosen venue for numerous basketball, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, including events organized by Special Olympics Arizona.

The ASC’s cheer and dance program brings the energy, the moves, and the glitter, teaching kids rhythm, teamwork, and how to rock a routine with confidence. Not-to-miss Cornhole Leagues, (yes, there’s a league for that) are in full swing throughout the year. Sports clinics are perfect for athletes who want to level up their game and when school’s out for the summer (you sang that, didn’t you?), the ASC’s sports camps pack the courts with drills, games, laughs, and just the right amount of sweaty, high fives.

That being said, the ASC goes far beyond being a sports facility, hosting several community events tailored for all ages. And yes, if you’re wondering if you can host your own extravaganza there, ASC provides facility rentals for events like birthday parties and corporate gatherings, making it one-stop-shop for any occasion.

Ready to book a tournament, register for a league, or just check out what’s happening at ASC? Visit ascavondale.com or call (623) 792-5504 for current schedules, rental info, and event details.

Whether you’re here for the games, the vibes, or just a good excuse to grab coffee and watch your kid crush it on the court. ASC is where Avondale plays hard and shows up big.

The Estrella Mountain Regional Park, managed by Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department, offers a picturesque backdrop with its pristine desert landscape and stunning views of the Sierra Estrella mountain range. Festival-goers are invited to enjoy free park entry throughout the two-day event, allowing them to explore the park’s hiking trails, grassy picnic areas, and a nature-themed play structure.

Presented by Wildlife for Tomorrow, the Tres Rios Nature Festival promises an amazing FREE event for all ages, featuring a plethora of activities such as birdwatching, archery, guided hikes, encounters with animals, eco-crafts, and nature center presentations by Discover Avondale. Live music presented by Avondale Toyota and a variety of food trucks, including vegan options and desserts, will further enhance the festival experience.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. To facilitate easy access to the festival grounds, gate fees for the park will be waived during the event. Festival-goers can enter the park via West Vineyard Avenue. WeRIDE vans will be in service for the duration of the event to help festivalgoers to and from their vehicles. Wait at one of our designated shuttle stops and ride the loop around to your car at no cost.

With an expected attendance of 10,000 festival-goers, the Tres Rios Nature Festival is one of Avondale’s larger long-running events.

For more information, visit https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/events/tres-rios-nature-festival

Here is some local business that could provide gifts for those special ones on your list!

Coffee Lovers: For the coffee aficionados on your list, Avondale has a fantastic selection of coffee shops to choose from. Colados Coffee & Crepes, Coldwater Coffeehouse & Bakery, Modern Grind, The Spot in Avondale, and New Penny Cafe are just a few of the local gems where you can find delicious brews and delightful treats.

Brews & BBQ: If you’re looking for a gift for a beer enthusiast or a barbecue lover, we got you covered. Check out 8-Bit Aleworks, Tap 2, Scale and Feather for unique craft beers. For mouthwatering barbecue options, don’t miss Eric’s Family BBQ.

International Flavors/Foodies Favorites: For those who love exploring flavors from around the world, Avondale offers a diverse culinary scene. Treat your loved ones to a taste of El Salvador at Christina’s Salvadorian or savor the flavors of Louisiana at Flavors of Louisiana. Backstreet Asia Bistro and Masale Walla are also excellent choices for foodies who enjoy international cuisine. Don’t forget to visit Lam’s Market for specialty ingredients and spices.

Sweet Tooth: Indulge the sweet tooth in your life with delectable treats from MAE Fine Foods, Proof Bread, Champis Bakery, Mi Panaderia, Panaderia al Central, or Soda Bomb. These local bakeries and patisseries offer a wide range of mouthwatering delights, including giant conchas and artisanal sodas.

The NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway is the zenith of the motorsport calendar. It is where champions are crowned and motorsport history is made. Avondale proudly hosted the Championship Race in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, solidifying its place in NASCAR history. This event attracts racing enthusiasts from far and wide, who gather to witness the thrilling races and experience the electric atmosphere that permeates the raceway.

Avondale’s commitment to the success of Phoenix Raceway is evident through significant infrastructure investments made during major renovations. The city has revamped the area surrounding the track, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Welcoming street banners, distinctive checker flag crosswalks, and streets named after racing legends create an inviting atmosphere that ensures every visitor feels at home. No matter the reason for your visit, Phoenix Raceway guarantees an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re attending the Championship Weekend, catching a race during the season, savoring a concert under the stars, or embarking on a thrilling race-driving adventure, the raceway offers a diverse range of entertainment options for all. It’s a place where motorsport legends are born, the competitive spirit thrives, and diverse entertainment unfolds.

Avondale’s Phoenix Raceway is more than just a racetrack; it’s a place where racing legends are made and diverse entertainment thrives. From the NASCAR Championship Weekend to a year-round lineup of exciting events, Phoenix Raceway offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, Avondale’s Phoenix Raceway should be at the top of your must-visit destinations. To learn more about upcoming events, scan the QR code or visit PhoenixRaceway.com and DiscoverAvondale.com. Get ready to immerse yourself in the thrill and excitement that awaits at Phoenix Raceway.

Behind the doors of the American Sports Center, you’ll find state-of-the-art hardwood sports flooring that echoes the rhythm of bouncing basketballs and the scuffle of swift-moving volleyball players. On weekdays, this sports sanctuary transforms into a hub of leagues, classes, clinics, and programs for athletes of all ages. On weekends, tournaments, clubs, and special events mark the calendar, attracting spectators and athletes alike.

Stomach growling? Ready for a pick me up? The charm of the New Penny Café, a harmonious blend of coffee shop charm and gastropub delights, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, and cocktails.

Here, quality and scratch cooking is the order of the day. The menu teases with smoothie bowls, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, biscuits, gravy, salads, and sandwiches. New Penny is also a great place to cool off and enjoy some of their handmade crafted cocktails, like the Pineapple Passion Colada, which is a very refreshing drink.

If you’re in the mood for a delectable treat or a delightful scoop of ice cream, look no further than Soda Bomb. This one-of-a-kind establishment puts a playful twist on the classic soda shop experience, allowing you to create your own personalized and refreshing beverage with various flavor combinations. But it’s not just about the sodas at Soda Bomb; they also serve mouthwatering ice cream that perfectly complements your fizzy drink.

Venture a little further, and you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem known as Tapp 2. This laid-back and inviting haven provides the ideal atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation. Gather with friends and relish with a chilled pint or two. The knowledgeable and amiable staff are always ready to guide you towards the perfect beer selection, ensuring a truly enjoyable experience.