SLS Championship Tour Lands at Tempe’s Mullett Arena
The world’s premier professional street skateboarding competition is heading to the Valley as the Street League Skateboarding Championship Tour takes over Mullett Arena. Phoenix-area action sports fans can expect to see elite international athletes competing on a custom-built concrete plaza inside Tempe’s state-of-the-art venue. This high-stakes event brings world-class sports entertainment directly to the heart of the Arizona State University campus.
Transforming Mullett Arena for Elite Skateboarding
Mullett Arena, best known as the home of Arizona State University Sun Devil hockey, is undergoing a temporary transformation. Crews are laying down concrete and custom-designed steel rails, ledges, and stairs to convert the ice surface into a world-class street skateboarding course. This shift showcases the multi-purpose versatility of the Tempe venue, which has rapidly become a premier entertainment hub for the Phoenix metropolitan area since opening in late 2022.
With a seating capacity of around 5,000, Mullett Arena offers an incredibly intimate atmosphere compared to massive stadiums. Local fans will get an unobstructed look at complex technical tricks, feeling the energy of every landed run and high-impact crash right from the bleachers. The tight configuration ensures that every seat in the house feels close to the action.
The SLS Competition Format and Star Power
Street League Skateboarding features a unique, high-pressure format designed to test creativity and consistency. Skaters complete individual timed runs before moving on to the crucial “Best Trick” section, where they have multiple attempts to showcase their most difficult maneuvers on specific obstacles. Judges score each trick in real-time, leading to dramatic, down-to-the-wire finishes that keep spectators engaged.
The event brings Olympic medalists and street skating icons to Arizona. Spectators can watch global superstars push the boundaries of modern street skateboarding on a course designed to encourage maximum speed and technical precision. This stop is a critical component of the tour, meaning athletes will be executing high-risk tricks to secure their standings.
Comparing Skate Contest Formats
To help you understand how SLS differs from other skateboard competitions, here is a breakdown of the key elements that set this tour apart:
| Feature | SLS Championship Tour | Traditional Open Contests |
|---|---|---|
| Course Design | Custom-built street plaza mimicking real urban obstacles | Standard concrete public skateparks or bowls |
| Scoring System | Instant real-time scores per trick with decimal precision | Overall impression score after complete runs |
| Format Structure | Timed line runs combined with individual best trick attempts | Multiple full runs with the best overall score winning |
What This Means for the Phoenix Action Sports Scene
The Valley has a deep-rooted skateboarding culture, home to legendary skateparks like the Tempe Sports Complex and desert spots that have shaped generations of riders. Hosting a major international event like SLS validates the region’s passion for the sport and inspires local youth skaters. It also boosts the local Tempe economy, drawing visitors to the downtown Mill Avenue district for dining, shopping, and nightlife before and after the competition.
Navigating Mullett Arena and Tempe
If you are heading to the event, plan for campus traffic around Arizona State University. Utilizing the Valley Metro Rail is highly recommended, as the Veterans Way and College Avenue station sits just a short walk from the arena doors. For those choosing to drive, pre-booking parking at the nearby Packard Drive Structure will save time and ensure a parking spot close to the venue entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Mullett Arena located?
Mullett Arena is located at 411 South Packard Drive in Tempe, Arizona, on the main campus of Arizona State University. - Can I buy tickets at the door?
While some tickets may be available at the box office, purchasing online in advance is highly recommended as high-profile SLS events frequently sell out. - Is there a clear bag policy for this event?
Yes, Mullett Arena enforces a strict clear bag policy; bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. - Will there be food and drinks available inside?
Yes, the venue features multiple concession stands offering classic stadium fare, local craft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the concourse.
Whether you are an active skateboarder or a fan of high-energy live sports, attending the SLS Championship Tour at Mullett Arena is a premier opportunity to experience elite, world-class athletic talent right in your backyard this weekend.
SLS Championship Tour Lands at Mullett Arena
