Fiesta Bowl Commits $2M To Hance Park Revitalization Project

As part of the Hance Park Partner Coalition, Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) announced today the seven-figure financial donation made by the Fiesta Bowl toward the Hance Park Revitalization Project in Downtown Phoenix. Long celebrated as a leading local community organization, the Fiesta Bowl is the first major financial supporter of the project.

A $2 million Fiesta Bowl legacy gift will be used specifically for the newly developed “Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park,” which will be constructed on the west side of the park and opened in conjunction with the Fiesta Bowl’s 50th Anniversary season. As part of the Fiesta Bowl’s 50th Anniversary celebration, its community efforts will live on through this multi-generational playground for millions of Arizona residents and guests to enjoy.

View renderings of the Fiesta Bowl Play at Hance Park.

“This is an exciting day for the city of Phoenix as the Hance Park Revitalization Project takes an important and impactful step forward,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Construction of this play area will kick off the first phase of the project, and it is fitting that such a valuable community partner is helping to get it started. The city is grateful to the Fiesta Bowl for this significant commitment. Downtown Phoenix is a region where people want to live, work and spend their free time and a renovated Hance Park helps to further our growth.”

“We are thankful that the Fiesta Bowl organization has joined in this momentous project to make the first major commitment to revitalize Hance Park,” added PCA Executive Director Jon Brodsky.  “The Fiesta Bowl is a fantastic partner, playing a major role in the community for nearly half a century. Now hundreds of thousands of people will enjoy fun and healthy activity year-round, thanks to the Fiesta Bowl’s generosity.”

The Hance Park Revitalization Project is a public-private partnership led by the Hance Park Partner Coalition, consisting of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Phoenix Community Alliance and Hance Park Conservancy. The 32-acre Hance Park is located over the I-10 tunnel in downtown, between 3rd Avenue to the west and 3rd Street to the east, and is maintained by the city through a partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The City of Phoenix’s Burton Barr Central Library is located adjacent to the park off Central Avenue. The park also is home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, Irish Cultural Center and Phoenix Center for the Arts.

“When the Fiesta Bowl was created in 1971, our Founders made a commitment that the Fiesta Bowl would be Arizona’s largest and most important community effort in history. We believe this Hance Park revitalization project is an important community effort for our future,” said Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board Patrick Barkley. “This mega playground will promote fun and healthy lifestyles and a child who plays on this playground may one day play in a future Fiesta Bowl.”

“I’m thrilled about the commitment the Fiesta Bowl has made to the Hance Park Revitalization Project,” said Phoenix District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski. “Hance Park hosts numerous festivals, concerts and special events year-round, but the addition of unique amenities like this play area will make it a destination for everyday use and recreation. A vibrant and active park is pivotal to the economic development of downtown, and this sponsorship will have a profound impact.”

As part of the Play at Hance Park commitment, the Fiesta Bowl is teaming up with four supporting partners. The first to join is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona in making this playground dream come true for all Arizonans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is committed to healthy lifestyles and inspiring Arizonans to get healthier faster and stay healthier longer.