Does Phoenix have an identity problem? (Glendale, Benson: bill, deal, metro)

[KurtAZ]

I think they were just trying to emphasize that the game is taking place in the "Grand Canyon State"

[timothyaw]

And another one - https://www.azcentral.com/story/news...y/69855410007/

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by OUgrad09

No one said that. Phoenix just combines the outdoor recreational opportunities and a desert climate with the amenities of a big city, with job opportunities, a great airport, great hospitals with access to specialists, low income taxes, and plenty of schools to choose from. You’re not finding that in Palm Springs or freakin Yuma lol. That’s the difference, and that’s why PHX is now one of the 10 largest metros in the country. And super desirable for families like mine : )

That's fine, but I was responding to your earlier statement that people move to Phoenix for "weather, natural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities". It made it sound like those are the only (or main) things everybody is moving here for. To be honest, a fair share of people actually do come here only for those things, which is pretty lame. If I was considering relocating to a large city like Phoenix, I'd be looking at job opportunities & earning potential, traffic/commute times, cost of living, and amenities like entertainment & sports. Weather & outdoor recreation would be low on the list. I could live in Casa Grande if I was just looking for a warm desert climate and outdoor stuff, but little else. Heck, they have golf courses & Picacho Peak close by. Whoo hoo!

[OUgrad09]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

That's fine, but I was responding to your earlier statement that people move to Phoenix for "weather, natural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities". It made it sound like those are the only (or main) things everybody is moving here for. To be honest, a fair share of people actually do come here only for those things, which is pretty lame. If I was considering relocating to a large city like Phoenix, I'd be looking at job opportunities & earning potential, traffic/commute times, cost of living, and amenities like entertainment & sports. Weather & outdoor recreation would be low on the list. I could live in Casa Grande if I was just looking for a warm desert climate and outdoor stuff, but little else. Heck, they have golf courses & Picacho Peak close by. Whoo hoo!

I see, sorry if I implied that. If Phoenix didn’t have the amenities of a big city that I listed, then yes it would basically be another Palm Springs. Which is why we find Phoenix attractive and not Palm Springs: jobs, schools, healthcare, and a great airport. But weather and the outdoors are a big reason Phoenix has become such an attractive place among the biggest metros.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by timothyaw

When I lived in Las Vegas I had zero interest in gambling and did not participate in it in any form. I actually moved there for the great outdoors and towering snow-capped mountains. Like here there are a plethora of outdoor activities/places to do and see. The entertainment there was just the icing on the cake. Just like a lot of people think all of Arizona is hot all year and all desert which we know is not true, it's the same for Las Vegas. People think there's just gambling there and nothing else. YMMV.

There are differing opinions, but I think the Vegas area has better mountain scenery than Phoenix does. The Spring Mountains are often covered with snow in the winter, and Mount Charleston rises to over 11,000 feet, which actually makes a decent escape for Vegas residents during the hot summer. What mountain ranges around Phoenix have those elevations? None!

Vegas is known for gambling first and foremost, but it's a big city now, and has plenty of amenities for residents & tourists besides casinos. It has become a mecca for large conventions (Consumer Electronics Show as one example), big name entertainment (iHeart music festival + many other shows to choose from), and even pro sports. In fact, despite their infancy in the sports market, I think Vegas has a better grip on pro sports than we do. Their venues are located in close proximity to the Strip ... not in some far flung area like Westgate is. Their NHL team already won 2 division championships, and the Raiders are much more respected than the Cards. They also name their teams for the home city ... not the state.

[YAZ]

There's a reason why I'm not on ANY marketing team.

I would've promoted the Waste Management Open. Have the NFL players gaze fondly at the 17th Hole.

[DAXhound]

I used to say the difference in Phoenix and Denver is that the Phoenicians will admit it isn't an international city and likely prefer it that way..oh..I forgot, Aeromexico has 12 flights per day out of phx.

[kytoaz]

I think the real story here is that people on social media will complain about ANYTHING.

[OUgrad09]

Originally Posted by kytoaz

I think the real story here is that people on social media will complain about ANYTHING.

Who knew one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World could be so offensive?

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by DAXhound

I used to say the difference in Phoenix and Denver is that the Phoenicians will admit it isn't an international city and likely prefer it that way

I certainly don't prefer it that way. If Phoenix was the size of Bakersfield or Boise, then I'd say we don't need to be in the global spotlight. Fact is, Phoenix hasn't been a small or mid sized city in over 40 years, and I'm one who believes that a city should look & act its size for the most part. No reason to come here for a laid back, slow paced atmosphere because that's not what we're all about anymore. Somebody who wants that should go to a sleepy little town far away from here.

Originally Posted by OUgrad09

Who knew one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World could be so offensive?

It's not offensive in general, but it takes away identity from the main city/metro area where the Super Bowl is being held this year. Promoting something which is over 200 miles from Phoenix is pretty ridiculous ... especially when most people coming here for the Super Bowl will be staying somewhere in or around the city, taking part in the festivities, and likely won't be going anywhere near the Grand Canyon.