AZ Digest. Arizona Athletic Grounds lands a big deal

Fall has arrived in Arizona, bringing with it a flurry of athletic events. The state's sports scene is bustling, featuring college sports, high school competitions, the UFC, and soccer tournaments. Notably, Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG) has secured a three-year hosting contract with the Nike Tournament of Champions (TOC) for basketball and elite girls volleyball. This significant commitment underscores the trust and confidence placed in AAG's capabilities to host such high-profile events.

AAG's Director of Strategy and Finance, Austin Andreotti, expressed satisfaction with the deal, highlighting that the TOC's history lends credibility to the partnership. The venue, located at 6321 South Ellsworth Road in Mesa, will host the Nike TOC Southwest volleyball tournament on October 2-3 and the basketball showcase on December 18-22.

Meanwhile, former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley is adding a unique touch to Phoenix's NASCAR week. Bradley has established "Archie's Trading Post" at Stillery Fest, located just outside Gate 2 at Phoenix Raceway. This trading post will feature live music, a vendor market, food, and beverages, as well as specialized programming. The Stillery Fest, which opens on Tuesday, October 13 at noon, will continue throughout the week, providing a memorable experience for race fans.

Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Archie's Trading Post, emphasizing its importance to the race weekend experience. She noted that the trading post will cater to the campers, offering essentials like food for grilling, fresh produce, bread, dairy products, and non-alcoholic drinks. Detailed information about the Stillery Fest and its musical performances will be available on the Phoenix Raceway's website.