Tempe got a dose of baseball and bands last weekend at Innings Fest 2025, where The Killers delivered a high-energy set to wrap up the festival. They warmed up the crowd with an homage to John Fogerty's "Centerfield," further fusing the music-baseball theming that ran throughout the event. According to AZCentral, lead singer Brandon Flowers confirmed their service industry bona fides with, "Did somebody order a good time?" Meanwhile, Boyz II Men threw it back with classics such as "Motownphilly," also diving into a series of covers that stirred up stadium-sized singalongs.
Yet, fans had to contend with serious dust clouds kicked up by festival-goers that made breathing a challenge, as per the Phoenix New Times, which suggested a possible solution as, "Hey, Tempe, maybe AstroTurf for next year?" On the flip side, the kayakers seen bobbing behind the stage at Tempe Beach Park added a quirky visual that seemingly brought the fest closer to its host city, even as they enjoyed the concerts from a hundred feet away sans tickets.
A noticeable low for some was the steep cost to stay connected during the fest. AZCentral noted a $15 price tag for charging a phone, a service provided by chargeFUZE. This came on top of already high food and drink prices, which Phoenix New Times criticized. From $24 pizzas to $850 passes, the festival's price tag wasn't music to everyone's ears. Despite this, the mood was largely lifted by bands making the most of their hour-long sets. Acts like The Kills and Beck showed off the range of their music, engaging deeply with the crowd.
The Zia Records pop-up shop was a bright spot, hailed by the Phoenix New Times as a "mellow space" offering affordable, curated music selections and a break from the festival frenzy. Despite annoyances like overzealous, chatty crowds that could frustrate more music-focused attendees, Innings Fest 2025 still managed to hit a few home runs in entertainment value. Meanwhile, free naloxone programs from nonprofits such as This Must Be the Place served as a sobering reminder of the risks at such events. These initiatives reflect Innings' commitment to attendee safety, making items like naloxone as essential to the festival kit as sunscreen and earplugs.
