Phoenix Rising FC kicked off their home opener on March 14 with a fiery start to the 2026 season. It was a clear example of why a first match night is so special. Fans were welcomed by the sound of a lively mariachi band as they entered Phoenix Rising FC Stadium, setting the tone for a night that felt local, energetic, and distinctly Phoenix.
The match also marked the start of Phoenix Rising’s 10th season. Before kickoff, longtime season ticket holders were honored on the field as a special way to say thank you to the fans who have supported the club since the beginning.
Powered by the Fans
Of course, the fans were the heartbeat of the night.
The Phoenix Rising supporters’ section was packed, loud, and in constant motion, with banners raised, drums pounding, and fans feeding energy back onto the pitch. The crowd helped define the atmosphere of the home opener and kept the momentum going all 90 minutes.
Adding to the Matchday Atmosphere
As Phoenix Rising’s front-of-kit sponsor since 2018, Carvana helped drive the excitement of opening night from the moment fans entered the stadium.
A clear favorite was the Carvana Cleat, painted by local artist Nyla Lee (@nyla.lee), which brought Phoenix and Rising pride to life. It was so fun to see kids and families climbing the cleat to take pictures and show off their team spirit. Carvana’s hiring table created another point of connection with the community beyond the pitch, offering information to local jobseekers and professionals about career opportunities at Carvana.
Looking Ahead
Opening night was a huge success, with fans showing up in full force and setting Phoenix Rising up for a strong 2026 season ahead. Carvana is proud to help shape the matchday experience, supporting the moments that make game nights memorable from the moment fans arrive to the final whistle.
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