Arizona Financial Theatre

The theater and its four names

Arizona Financial Theatre is a 5,000-seat concert and comedy theater in downtown Phoenix, at 400 West Washington Street, run by Live Nation. It books mid-size tours too big for clubs and too small for an arena, plus comedy specials, Broadway and family shows, and award events. For most concerts, the best seats are on the main floor and orchestra near center; the balcony is the budget choice and still faces the stage head on.

The building has changed names three times since it opened in spring 2002:

• Dodge Theatre, 2002 to 2010;
• Comerica Theatre, from October 2010, after Comerica Bank bought the naming rights;
• Arizona Federal Theatre, from December 18, 2019, under Arizona Federal Credit Union;
• Arizona Financial Theatre, since July 11, 2022, when the credit union rebranded as Arizona Financial.

Many fans still call it the Comerica, and older tickets and maps show the earlier names. It is the same building.

How the seating levels stack up

The theater was designed by Dan Meis of NBBJ as a flexible room that can play to its full 5,000 or close off seats for a smaller show. Ticketmaster describes three main areas: main floor seating, club seating and balcony seating. Seating guides such as RateYourSeats break the room into more specific zones that show up on tickets:

• Pit: the area directly in front of the stage, used as standing or seated space depending on the show.
• Main Floor and Orchestra: the lower seating closest to the stage, the most expensive non-premium seats in the house.
• Parterre: a middle tier that RateYourSeats calls a good compromise for fans who are not set on being close or on premium perks.
• Club seating and suites: premium areas with lounge access and more space.
• Balcony: the upper level, farthest from the stage and usually the lowest-priced reserved seats.

Section numbering and row counts vary with each show's configuration, so read the event's own seat map rather than a generic chart before you buy.

Best seats for concerts and comedy

• For the closest experience: the pit, if your show sells it. Expect to stand and arrive early if it is general admission.
• For the best all-around view: center main floor or orchestra seats a little back from the stage, where you can see the whole stage without craning your neck.
• For value: center parterre or the front of the balcony. The room is a theater, not an arena, so even the upper level is far closer to the stage than the upper deck of a sports venue.
• For comedy: sit centered. A comedian works one microphone at center stage, so a center seat farther back beats an extreme side seat up front.

Seats to think about twice

• Far side seats in the front rows, where speaker stacks and stage wings can block part of the set.
• The back corners of the balcony for visually heavy productions; you will see everything, but small.
• Seats behind a pit for shows where the pit crowd stands the whole time, if you plan to sit.

Parking and getting downtown

The theater's own option is the Adams Street Garage, next door at 4th Avenue and Adams Street. As of 2026 it typically opens at 6 p.m. on weekdays and earlier on weekends, and spaces can be bought online, at the box office or at the garage entrance on show days. Weekday shows that start before 6 p.m. are not covered by this event parking. The garage is cashless and has accessible spaces on every level with elevator access. Drop-off guests are directed to 4th Avenue and Adams Street, near the main entrance.

Valley Metro Rail serves downtown Phoenix, and transit guides list the Downtown Phoenix Hub on the A and B lines within walking distance of the theater; several local and express bus routes also stop nearby. Downtown garages fill on busy nights when events overlap, so leave time. Rates and hours change, so check the theater's visit page before you go.

Bag policy and entry

As of 2026, Arizona Financial Theatre allows bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Every bag is searched, non-clear bags may get an extra search, and backpacks are not allowed. A clear bag gets you through security faster.

• Doors generally open one hour before the listed start time.
• The venue is cashless, including concessions and the garage; cash can be converted to a card at the upgrade podium.
• You can bring up to two factory-sealed water bottles of up to one liter each; insulated bottles such as Hydro Flasks are not allowed.

Policies vary by show, so confirm with the box office or the venue's site before you go.

Accessibility

Accessible seating is sold through the event's seat map: on the theater's ticketing site, open Filters, turn on Show accessible tickets and apply. For reserved shows, the exact location appears after you pick a ticket. The Adams Street Garage has accessible spaces on every level and elevators, and the box office can help with other requests.

A short history

Jerry Colangelo, the longtime owner of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, was among the original investors. Construction began in September 2000, and the theater opened in spring 2002 as part of the push to revive downtown Phoenix. Live Nation took over operations in 2007, and the theater passed 2 million in total attendance in 2009.

The stage has a strong record for recorded events: it was the setting for Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie, George Lopez's HBO special America's Mexican, and the Chickenfoot live album Get Your Buzz On. It hosted the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and the 2015 NFL Honors, and in its early years the Arizona edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Wikipedia entry has more.

Sources

• Wikipedia – Arizona Financial Theatre
• Arizona Financial Theatre – Visit
• Arizona Financial Theatre – Accessibility
• Ticketmaster – Arizona Financial Theatre venue guide
• RateYourSeats – Arizona Financial Theatre seating
• Transit Wiki – Arizona Financial Theatre