NBA All-Star Game
2027

Your Guide to the 2027 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix

When and Where Is the 2027 NBA All-Star Game?

The 2027 NBA All-Star Game takes place on Sunday, February 21, 2027 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The full All-Star Weekend runs from Friday, February 19 through Sunday, with Rising Stars on Friday evening, All-Star Saturday Night on February 20, and the All-Star Game closing out the weekend on Sunday night.

How Many Times Has Phoenix Hosted the NBA All-Star Game?

The 2027 event marks the fourth time Phoenix has served as All-Star host. The city previously welcomed the midseason classic in 1995 at what was then America West Arena, again in 2009 at US Airways Center, and now returns with a fully renovated venue. Each hosting has coincided with significant upgrades to the arena and surrounding downtown infrastructure, reflecting Phoenix’s ongoing investment in its sports and entertainment district.

What Happened to the Old Venue Name?

The arena has carried several names over the years. Originally America West Arena when it opened in 1992, it became US Airways Center in 2006, then Talking Stick Resort Arena in 2015, followed by Footprint Center in 2021. The current Mortgage Matchup Center naming took effect after a sponsorship agreement with a national mortgage lender. Despite the name changes, the arena’s downtown Phoenix location at 201 E. Jefferson Street has remained constant.

What Is the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday Night?

Rising Stars showcases the NBA’s top first- and second-year players alongside standout performers from the G League. The format has evolved over the years—from a traditional Rookies vs. Sophomores game to a multi-team mini-tournament designed to increase competitiveness and give each young player more meaningful minutes. It’s often the first chance fans get to see future superstars share the court in a showcase environment.

What Contests Take Place on Saturday Night?

All-Star Saturday Night features three signature competitions. The Skills Challenge tests ball-handling, passing accuracy, and shooting against the clock. The Three-Point Contest puts the league’s sharpest shooters through five racks of perimeter shots. The Slam Dunk Contest closes the evening with high-flying displays of athleticism and creativity. Saturday Night routinely generates the weekend’s most viral moments and is a fan favorite across all three days.

How Are All-Star Game Rosters Selected?

Rosters are determined through a weighted voting system: fan voting accounts for 50 percent of the total, with current players and a media panel each contributing 25 percent. The top vote-getter from each conference becomes a team captain and drafts their roster from the remaining selections. Reserves are chosen by head coaches from each conference. This hybrid approach balances fan engagement with recognition from players and media who watch the game closest.

Is Downtown Phoenix Walkable for All-Star Weekend?

The core All-Star experience is very walkable. The Mortgage Matchup Center anchors a district with hotels, restaurants, bars, and event spaces clustered within a half-mile radius. Heritage Square, Roosevelt Row’s art district, and CityScape’s dining and retail complex are all accessible on foot. For ventures into Scottsdale’s entertainment corridor or Tempe’s Mill Avenue district, rideshare or the Valley Metro light rail provide reliable connections without needing a rental car.

What’s the Best Way to Get from Sky Harbor Airport to Downtown?

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sits about four miles east of the arena. The most affordable option is the Valley Metro Light Rail, which requires a free PHX Sky Train to the 44th Street station followed by a westbound train to downtown—total travel time around 25–30 minutes. Rideshare services run roughly $12–20 depending on demand, and several downtown hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles for guests. All three options avoid the parking challenge that builds around major events.

Are There Things to Do in Phoenix Beyond the Arena Events?

Phoenix and the surrounding Valley offer plenty beyond basketball. Camelback Mountain and Papago Park provide popular hiking trails with desert panoramas. Old Town Scottsdale delivers upscale dining, galleries, and nightlife within a 15-minute drive. The Desert Botanical Garden and Heard Museum showcase the region’s natural beauty and Indigenous art. During All-Star Weekend specifically, expect brand pop-ups, player-hosted events, and celebrity appearances spread across the metro area all weekend long.

How Do Ticket Prices Typically Break Down by Section?

All-Star ticket pricing varies significantly by session and seat location. Upper-level seats (300-level) represent the most accessible price point and still offer a clear view of the full court. Lower bowl sections (100-level) command a premium for their proximity to the action. Courtside and floor seats carry the highest prices and often include hospitality perks. Sunday’s All-Star Game is consistently the most expensive session, with Friday’s Rising Stars offering the most affordable entry into the weekend.

Can I Attend Just One Night or Do I Need a Full Package?

You can attend any single session independently—there’s no requirement to purchase a full-weekend package. Individual session tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday are sold separately, giving fans flexibility to attend only the events that interest them most. That said, weekend packages bundle all three sessions and sometimes offer savings over buying each night individually. Inventory and pricing for both options shift as the event approaches, so comparing early gives you the widest selection.

What Should I Look for When Comparing All-Star Ticket Listings?

Focus on three factors: section and row placement, all-in pricing (total cost including fees), and seller verification. Seat maps help you understand sight lines from specific sections—some lower-level corners offer better views than higher-priced baseline seats. Verified listings ensure the tickets are authentic and backed by a guarantee. Comparing multiple listings for the same section reveals pricing variance, and filtering by row number helps you find the sweet spot between proximity and value.