Phoenix Convention Center — Attraction in Phoenix

Let’s talk about poverty shaming and classism—because it’s real.

This weekend, my daughter is competing in a cheer competition. Before anyone jumps to assumptions—yes, cheer can be expensive. But no, that doesn’t mean we’re rolling in money. It took both parents working multiple jobs, scraping every extra dollar, and relying heavily on fundraising just to make this opportunity possible for her.

Now imagine this: the event lasts all day, and these young athletes—who are pushing their bodies and minds to the limit—need proper nutrition to stay fueled and focused. I packed my daughter wholesome food: fruits, vegetables, jerky, protein bars. Not junk. Not excess. Just enough to sustain her through long hours of performance and waiting.

Then I was told: no outside food allowed.

So now, after already paying $80 per person just to attend, we’re expected to shell out another $25 per meal for food that’s too heavy on these athletes stomachs, overpriced and under-nutritious. Let that sink in—families, some of whom are barely making ends meet, are being forced into paying for unhealthy meals or going without, all in the name of policy or profit.

I don’t mind paying for my own food. But policing what athletes bring to nourish themselves? That’s not just about rules—it’s about who gets to be included, who gets to participate fully, and who is quietly pushed aside because their pockets aren’t deep enough.

This isn’t just about my family. It’s about every family who sacrifices to give their kids a shot—and gets penalized for not being wealthy while doing it.

Congratulations on finding yet another way to profit off of...

NFL Experience. Visited the convention center for the NFL experience and it was horrible. Wish I could give it negative stars. The wait for each "NFL experience" was between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours. You could buy a fast-pass type wrist band that would allow you to skip the lines, but that cost $60 per person. After waiting in line for over an hour and barely moving, I decided to bite the bullet and just pay the $120 for my kids. That's when I found out that they didn't have anymore to sell...BUT... you could get 2 passes for free if you apply for a freakin credit card! No way was I going to wait in these long Disneyland-type lines, so I decided to bite the bullet yet again and apply for the credit card. I then received 2 free passes.

After 2 activities we decided to eat. Hot dog and fries was $20. Beer $12. Instead of eating there, we decided to just do a couple more activities, leave and eat elsewhere.

It was way over crowded. At one point, they had to cut off the 3rd floor where many of the activities were because there were too many people there.

When trying to leave, there was a 20+ minute wait in line just to go down the escalators. Some people tried cutting the line, which is when the yelling started.

It was unorganized, very over crowded and the food was greatly over priced. Without the fast-pass, you could literally be there for 4+ hours and only experience 2 activities. The free kids entry is a selling point for parents, but they'll make that money up in the gift shop easily by selling you a $34 mug or a $60 t-shirt.

It was highly unenjoyable and I would...

The Phoenix Convention Center is a very modern event space. Can accommodate large and small audience requirements with an arrangement of several buildings. I spent time in the North and the West Executive Buildings. It is also very convenient to public transportation via the Valley Metro Train System. I traveled from the Airport to the Convention Center and had access to all of the major Sports facilities in Phoenix, AZ that are next to the Convention Center.

Lots of major hotels are within walking distance with plenty of restaurants and sports bars. There is a great deli in the Fry's Food and Drug Store on Jefferson Street that is well stocked for those that like to make their own meals or have special diets. I dined at some of the restaurants and at Fry's. When you visit Fry's Deli, be sure to look for Ken, Olivia, Liz, and Gary behind the Deli Service Counter and Michelle keeping order in the seating area. I appreciate their attention to detail and quality as they served.

They have a great event staff that provided superior support throughout the LegalShield Leadership Convention. The Security Team provided great service assisting as required throughout the weekend Convention. While all of the Convention Center Staff provided great service, I am sending a personally Thank You to Officer Tiny for her extra effort and assistance she coordinated with the Security leadership for their lost and found...