It’s a big weekend in the Valley as Alabama and Clemson go head-to-head in the National College Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium!
Don't forget to follow @abc15 and @abc15sports on Twitter for game updates.
As part of the big game, this weekend downtown Phoenix becomes Fan Central. Enjoy free concerts, a self-guided culinary tour, exhibits and special guest appearances, and more.
To help you get around and plan, we’ve put together a guide that you can easily pull up on your phone as you’re walking downtown. Download the ABC15 mobile app here.
This is your guide to parking and shuttles, events going on, places to eat and the free concerts.
PARKING/SHUTTLES
Plan ahead and get out early. Thousands of people will be headed downtown for all the festivities. Roads will be closed so there will be more traffic downtown than usual.
City officials recommend everyone take advantage of public transportation — Valley Metro Light Rail, buses, Park N Ride, Grid Bike Share.
There are over 25,000 parking spaces available in structures throughout downtown. They will have fees, so it is recommended that you bring cash.
There is also metered parking and taxi pick-up and drop-off at various spots. Meters can be paid with coins or credit card. Click here for specific drop-off/pick-up locations.
To check current available, call a Downtown Phoenix Ambassador, 602-495-1500.
HOTEL SHUTTLES
For those staying at nearby hotels, there will be a free shuttle between downtown and the JW Marriot Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley-Scottsdale, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Biltmore. The bus will operate from 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday. Click here for more details on the shuttle.
GAME DAY SHUTTLE
If you’re going to the game, there is a shuttle option between the hotels above and the Phoenix Sky Train to University of Phoenix Stadium. The shuttle ride costs $30. Tickets must be purchased online. Cash will not be accepted. Click here for details.
THINGS TO DO:
PLAYOFF FAN CENTRAL All weekend
Hours: Friday, Jan. 8: 3 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10: Noon to 8 p.m.
Admission: $12 – adults; $7 – children, students, seniors, military
Click here to purchase tickets
Address: Phoenix Convention Center, North Building, Halls 1-6
Similar to when Phoenix hosted Super Bowl XLIX, the Phoenix Convention Center has become the ultimate fan experience for the College Playoff Football Championship. Football fans can go inside to for various exhibits, games, and special guest experiences.
AT&T PLAYOFF PLAYLIST LIVE! Free outdoor concerts
All weekend
Friday, Jan. 8: The Band Perry, David Nail, Campus DJ
Saturday, Jan. 9: Ciara, WALK THE MOON, X Ambassadors, campus DJ
Sunday, Jan. 10: John Mellencamp, Andy Grammer, Moon Taxi, Campus DJ
The concerts are free and will take place in downtown Phoenix between First, Second, Washington and Jefferson streets. Gates open at noon each day and performances will start at 5 p.m. It's probably a good idea to head down early in order to get a good seat.
EXTRA YARD 5K
Sunday, Jan. 10
Race start: 9 a.m.
Pre-registration: $25
On-site registration: $35
Run 3.1 miles through downtown Phoenix and support the CFP Foundation. This is the second annual race. The top overall male and female racers will receive two tickets to the Championship game. Packets can be picked up starting at 7:30 a.m. outside Talking Stick Resort Arena Click here to register.
TASTE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Convention Center, South Ballroom
Enjoy cuisine from around the World prepped from chefs from across the country at this upscale dinner benefiting the CFP Foundation. General admission is $250 or $3,000 for a table of 10. Reservations required. Click here to purchase a ticket.
Championship Tailgate
Headlined by Eric Church, Moon Taxi
Monday, Jan. 11
Going to the Championship game between Alabama and Clemson? Head over to University of Phoenix Stadium early for the official Championship Tailgate Party. Country singer Eric Church will perform along with Moon Taxi. The tailgate is free, but you must have a ticket to the game.
DTPHX City Sampler Culinary Tour
Wherever, whenever you’re hungry
Various downtown bars and restaurants will be offering specials throughout the College Football Playoff Championship festivities. Click here to find a restaurant and see their specials.
