Stadium area
I lived out on that side of town before moving to the east side where I live now. I get out to that area occasionally; the last time about a week ago. There really isn't much there, yet. The U of Phoenix stadium is out at Loop 101 (about 99th avenue) and Glendale Avenue, which was desert two years ago. There's been absolutely unbelievable growth in that area, but mostly in shopping and housing. There is a Gordon Biersch microbrewery on the stadium grounds parking lot about 100 yards from the entrance. I've eaten at the one in Honolulu and the food and beer are quite good. It may be a good place to rally before the game, as you can stumble to your seat from there. It wasn't open last week, but should open any day. There is a hotel between the stadium and the hockey arena which won't be open, and a shopping mall which may or may not be open by game day. I didn't drive out to the west side of the loop, but saw the signs for a Costco and some other shopping. I'm guessing there are eating/imbibing places like Chili's, etc. there. The area is spacious, quite unlike Tempe, site of the old Fiesta Bowl, so any place to eat or drink other than Biersch will require a drive. The sheriff has already indicated his staff will be out in force to enforce DUI statutes, and he means it. If you drink away from the stadium, take a cab or use a designated driver. The AZ Republic was full of stories in '03 of fans who thought law enforcement would look the other way so as not to discourage tourism. They spent a couple days in tent city (county jail) with the degenerates waiting for a court appointment then missed their flights home.
