Where are you most likely to see big name athletes, actors and big wigs in Phoenix and Scottsdale? These are some of the local spots to see and be seen.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Unknown
Here's How:
- Sky Harbor International Airport, Executive Terminal in downtown Phoenix. There's basically only one way in and one way out. Try the Executive Terminal for those that own their own jet.
- Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark), behind home plate. When big shots roll into town and want a couple of tickets to a Diamondbacks game, the front office can usually scare up some decent seats.
- Morton's Steakhouse, Scottsdale. Big hunks of meat. Very popular. You almost have to be famous to get a reservation.
- The Arizona Biltmore. If money is no object, here's one of the finest resorts in the area. The rich and famous often lounge around here. Other resorts that famous people enjoy are the Phoenician and the Boulders.
- Rolf's Salon. If you think this place just cuts hair, you're mistaken. A person (male or female) could spend all day there getting pampered. Some of the rich and famous do just that!
- There are some public golf courses in the area where you are more likely to come across famous people, although many of them will play at private clubs.
- US Airways Center (formerly the America West Arena), seats on the floor. See Chase Field, above. Same concept, taller people playing a different sport.
- Cooper'stown, downtown Phoenix. Alice Cooper is a local resident (and a darn good golfer) and opened this hot bar/eatery downtown. Maherle's, downtown Phoenix.
- On the north end of town you'll find athletes and some other notables at the Fox Sports Grill. From time to time they interview famous folks and broadcast from there.
- The Borgata, Scottsdale. Step into Italy when you enter this shopping area with exclusive stores.
- AJ's Fine Foods, Gourmet Grocery. Need some caviar, imported cheese or that special wine? Even famous people need to buy the basics. . . .
- The Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix, at 24th Street and Camelback, is known for hosting many local athletes and bands that come to town. It is common to find people sitting on the concrete wall across from the valet parking, waiting for an opportunity for an autograph.
- The Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction. Every January you can hob-nob with people who bid on classic and expensive cars.
- The Phoenix area is not known for its night clubs or night life, but if the rich and famous are looking for a place where they can dress up and go out, Axis/Radius is a "two clubs in one" spot in Scottsdale that might very well be the place.
- During the month of March baseball autograph hounds are everywhere around town for Spring Training Baseball, where you can get up close to the players at practices and at the games.
Tips:
- When seeing a famous person, try not to be a pest, particularly if he/she is with family or engrossed in conversation. Try to make eye contact. If you get some favorable sign, ask for an autograph, say thanks, and quietly leave.
- If you are lucky enough to be playing golf with a famous person, be gracious if they cheat, uh, I mean, make a mistake.
