Chandler's sports scene has leveled up with Arena 23, Arizona’s fresh indoor sports amusement park, engineered to beat the heat and boredom in equal measure. As detailed in ABC15's recent piece, this entertainment hub features eight high-tech sports simulators ranging from football and basketball to skiing and boxing.
In a move that blurs the lines between competitive athletics and casual play, Arena 23 offers guests a respite from the scorching desert sun. With no time limits on game play, those with an RFID wristband—loaded with points—are free to explore sports of their choice, as they shuttle between activities like human foosball and "dunk jam basketball". Found near Arizona Avenue and Warner Road, the venue welcomes enthusiasts daily, ensuring that the weekend warriors have some extra hours to indulge in their virtual athletic endeavors.
Former NBA player and the brains behind the project, Casey Jacobsen, was quoted in an AZFamily interview, where he reminisces on Arena 23's origin, "I’ve been working on this concept for five years," he said. "It first started as just a seed. I love sports, but how can I bring sports and make it more entertaining?"
Jacobsen's mission to create a pressure-free sports environment flows from a simple question: "What happened to sports being just for fun?" His solution is a space where children and adults alike can engage in physical sports, enhanced, not replaced, by technology. “You are authentically playing the sports where technology is just aiding the experience. You’re going to be throwing real footballs, hitting real baseballs, kicking real soccer balls,” Jacobsen emphasized, clearing up any misconception that Arena 23 is another virtual reality arcade, as noted by the AZFamily interview.
After a round of basketball or virtual skiing, visitors can recharge at Arena 23’s in-house cereal and soda bars, offering a quick energy boost during a full day of activities. Designed for all ages, the venue positions itself as a family-friendly hub for sports and entertainment.
