Rose Mofford Sports Complex – Area Bucket List

The expansive Rose Mofford Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona, is able to accommodate any type of sporting event. The venue features multiple fields and courts for soccer, softball, tennis, racquetball, basketball, and volleyball. In addition, amenities like a playground, picnic area, and dog park make the experience even more enjoyable for spectators.

Not only is Rose Mofford Sports Complex a capable venue, but it’s located in a fantastic city as well. Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, and it does the state proud by featuring endless attractions. While in Phoenix, it might be hard to choose between all the possible activities. That’s why we’ve narrowed them down to a concise bucket list of 10 destinations that highlight the best of what Phoenix has to offer.

Arizona State Capitol

Since Phoenix is Arizona’s capital city, the Arizona State Capitol is a must-visit while in the area. The impressive building was built in 1901, mostly out of materials indigenous to Arizona. This made the Capitol especially able to handle the hot and arid climate. At the top of the building is a shining copper dome with a large, winged figure standing gracefully atop it to serve as a weather vane.

Inside this impressive building is the Arizona Capitol Museum that gives visitors a thorough look into the history of the state. In the museum there is an exhibit on the state’s evolving constitution, a flag used by Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, and an exhibit about the USS Arizona. This ship sunk during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but the museum was able to salvage its 16,000-pound anchor and gun barrels.

Those interested in learning about the state of Arizona while attending an event at Rose Mofford Sports Complex should definitely visit the State Capitol, located just 15 minutes from the venue.

Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center, located just 15 minutes from Rose Mofford Sports Complex, attracts endless visitors to the Phoenix area. This interactive museum is an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike, featuring three floors of exhibits you have to see to believe. Casts of victims from Pompeii, a planetarium, a maze of mirrors, and exhibits about everything from eating healthy to the extreme forces of nature are just a few things you’ll see at Arizona Science Center.

After challenging yourself at an event at Rose Mofford Sports Complex, visit the museum to spark your creativity and expand your knowledge.

Roosevelt Row

Roosevelt Row, or RoRo, is Phoenix’s walkable art district and is only 15 minutes from Rose Mofford Sports Complex. This attractive area downtown features art around every corner. While in RoRo, you’ll see colorful murals, galleries with impressive art exhibits, locally owned boutiques, and delicious restaurants.

The huge murals sprinkled throughout RoRo are some of the most popular attractions, since they make the perfect photo op. RoRo is a vibrant place to explore, admire art created by local talent, and have a delicious lunch. If you’re more of a night owl, the neighborhood features plenty of nightlife destinations, such as arcade bars.

RoRo is growing in popularity and attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually. Find out why by paying it a visit!

Wrigley Mansion

William Wrigley Jr., member of the successful gum mogul family, built Wrigley Mansion in 1932 as a 50th anniversary gift for his wife. The mansion is located at the top of a hill, and boasts one of the best views of Phoenix.

Visitors can tour this long-standing landmark, which now serves as an upscale restaurant and venue for special events. A tour of the Wrigley Mansion provides background into the Wrigley family and a view of the various rooms throughout the estate. Each room has a different personality; some are regal with white walls, white tables, and bright red curtains. Others are more modern, with bold, blue decor, modern art, and large mirrors.

The lavish Wrigley Mansion is only 20 minutes from Rose Mofford Sports Complex, making it easy for you to check out during your trip.

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

Phoenix’s Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is an unexpected oasis in the middle of the desert. This hidden gem was created in the late 1990s to celebrate the relationship between Phoenix and its sister city of Himeji, Japan. The official name of this 3.5-acre traditional Japanese garden is Ro Ho En, which is full of symbolism. Ro is the word for heron in Japanese, which is the symbol for Himeji. Ho is Japanese for the fantasy Phoenix bird, and En means garden in Japanese.

This picturesque destination features 1,500 tons of rock, more than 50 varieties of plants, a 12-foot waterfall, ponds with more than 300 koi fish, countless lanterns, and more. Ro Ho En also hosts events such as tai chi, yoga, tea ceremonies, a spring celebration, and the Moonviewing Festival. The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is an escape into an unexpected side of Phoenix and is 23 minutes away from Rose Mofford Sports Complex.

Desert Botanical Garden

Although Phoenix may be located in the middle of the desert, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking an impressive variety of plant life. In addition to the impressive Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix contains the Desert Botanical Garden.

This destination showcases plants native to the desert, including various species of cacti, bright flowers, and enormous trees. Explore these plants via a winding path that takes you through the variety of regions that these plants grow in.

A visit to the Desert Botanical Garden doesn’t have to be just a leisurely walk; the park regularly hosts events, such as The Electric Desert Light Show. This event illuminates the entire garden, showcasing desert plants like they’ve never been seen before. The beauty of Arizona’s biome is on full display at Desert Botanical Garden, 25 minutes away from Rose Mofford Sports Complex.

Hole-in-the-Rock and Camelback Mountain

Phoenix’s warm and sunny climate makes it the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. If you’re not worn out after a visit to Rose Mofford Sports Complex, we recommend taking a hike at one of Phoenix’s picturesque trails that feature unbeatable views.

One of the most popular hiking destinations is the Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park. This attraction is exactly what it sounds like: an enormous hole in the side of a cliff. This cave-like wonder has been fascinating people for decades. Visitors hike to the location, relax in the shade, and enjoy the views of downtown Phoenix, various lagoons, and especially the sunset. It’s an easy hike with smooth trails and minimal elevation, making the Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park worth the 20-minute drive from Rose Mofford Sports Complex.

In addition to the hike at Papago Park, Camelback Mountain is an ideal destination for Rose Mofford Sports Complex visitors. Camelback Mountain is located right in the middle of Phoenix Valley making it easy to spot throughout the entire city. This city park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, as it has beginner-friendly trails and excellent views. Consider taking the 30-minute trip from Rose Mofford Sports Complex to hike this local landmark.

In addition to these bucket list landmarks, there are endless places to eat and drink. This popular city can keep any visitor busy during their entire visit. No matter what you do during your visit to Rose Mofford Sports Complex, you’ll be amazed at everything Phoenix has to offer.