Spectator Information

Race Day Spectator Tips

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona is more than just a day of running …it’s a rock ‘n’ roll sensation, with music and fans and lining the streets. There’s action aplenty throughout race weekend, and it’s not just for the runners!

Whether you’re out to support family and friends or just want to catch some outstanding live music, there are heaps of sights, sounds and enjoyment for all. You’ll experience the best beats of Arizona’s music sensations as you cheer on your loved ones and watch runners, walkers and elite athletes race through the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Bring along your best roadie friends, pack a picnic basket and savor all the festivities.

The following are a few recommended spots where you can catch the action:

Start Line

Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza; 1700 W. Washington Street

Be there where it all begins! Over 30,000 runners and walkers embark on their 13.1-mile and 26.2-mile endeavors at the Marathon and ½ Marathon start lines.

From I-17N: Exit 19th Avenue, Buckeye, Grant or Adams/Van Buren. Parking is available on 19th Avenue between Jefferson and Washington or off 18th Avenue between Van Buren and Monroe Street.

From I-10W: Merge onto I-17S and exit on Jefferson or Grant. Parking is located on 19th Avenue between Jefferson and Washington.

Light Rail Stop 13 – Washington/Central Ave. (westbound) or Jefferson/1^st Ave. (eastbound) Station: The Start area is approximately 1 mile west of Stop 13. After getting off the stop, follow Washington Street west for a mile.

Marathon Spectator Spots

Stage 9 – Mile 8.6: 24^th Street, north of Camelback (8:10 – 10:15 am)

Show up in style between the glamorous Ritz Carlton and the fashionable Biltmore Fashion Square to cheer your heart out and work up a shopping appetite.

From Scottsdale and Tempe: Head west on Camelback and park at the Biltmore Fashion Square parking lot just east of 24th Street.

From Downtown Phoenix: Take 51N to Highland, head east on Highland to 20th Street and park at the Town and Country parking lot. From here you can walk to stage 9.

From North Phoenix: Take 51S, exit on Coulter, turn left on Camelback and head east to the Town and Country parking lot on 20th Street. From here you can walk to stage 9.

Stage 13 – Mile 13.2: SW Corner of 44th Street & Thomas (8:35 – 11:30 am)

Meet your marathoner just past the halfway point. Give them that extra boost of support they’ll need to continue the second half of their 26.2-mile journey.

From 51: Exit east on Thomas Road and continue to 42nd Street. Turn right on 42^ndand park along the street. Stage 13 is within walking distance.

Stage 18 – Mile 18.9: 1st Street & Marshall Way (9:00 am – 1:30 pm)

Encounter the heart of downtown Scottsdale, where you’ll find a wide array of marvelous restaurants, distinctive shops, alluring art galleries and pumpin’ nightclubs – perfect for all of your post-race partying!

From 101: Exit west on Indian School Road and continue to Scottsdale Road. Park on surface streets in downtown Scottsdale and walk to the stage located at the intersection of 1^st Avenue and Marshall Way.

Stage 19 – Mile 20: Scottsdale Road, south of Thomas (9:05 am – 1:45 pm)
Getting closer, almost there! Cheer the runners through the “20-mile wall” and keep them rockin’ to the finish line.

From 101: Exit west on Thomas Road and continue to Scottsdale Road. Park in the Albertson’s parking lot and walk to stage 19.

Half Marathon Spectator Spots
Stage 4 – Mile 2.6: NE Corner of 7^th Street & McDowell (8:40 – 10:00 am)

Get down with your star half-marathoners as they get into their groove at mile 2.6.

From the 51: Exit west on Thomas and turn left on 7^th Street. Parking is available in the Safeway lot located on McDowell and 7^th Street.

Stage 15 – Mile 12.3: Mill Avenue & Rio Salado Parkway (9:30 am – 12:55 pm)

Soak up the fun in Downtown Tempe, where eclectic restaurants, shops and bars await. Watch the half marathoners enter the home stretch, just up the road from ASU.

From Loop 202: Access Rio Salado Pkwy by exiting south on the Priest Drive, Scottsdale Road or McClintock Drive exits. Parking garages are available in downtown Tempe.

Light Rail Stop 21 – Mill Avenue and 3rd Street: Use Light Rail Stop 21 to access Stage 15 or 16. You can also use Stop 21 or 22 to get to and from the Finish Line and the Kids Race.

Stage 16 – Mile 12.9: ASU Sun Devil Stadium Parking Lot (9:30 am – 2:00 pm)

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Be there to hoot and holler as the half marathoners cross that celebrated finish line. Then head over to the Finish Line Festival for more live music, refreshments and fun. Follow the Finish Line directions below.

Finish Line Festival (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Reunite with your loved ones and enjoy ongoing live music, refreshments and ice-cold beer from MGD 64 at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Sun Angel Stadium. The finish lines for the Marathon & ½ Marathon are in the parking lots between ASU’s Sun Devil and Sun Angel stadiums in Tempe.

From the 202: Exit south onto Priest Drive, turn left at University Drive and proceed to the parking lots on Ash Avenue, Mill Avenue or Rural Road, south of University.

From Tempe: Drive north on Mill Avenue or Rural Road to the parking lots south of University.

From the 101: Exit west on Broadway, turn right (north) on Rural Road or Mill Avenue and proceed to parking lots south of University.