Avondale is a modern city near the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Nestled at the base of the scenic Estrella Mountains where the Agua Fria and Gila Rivers meet, Avondale is located along the Interstate 10 corridor. Avondale’s close proximity to metro Phoenix and the easy freeway access provides opportunity for plenty of places to shop, dine, and stay.
National Sporting Events
Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Avondale yearly to experience all types of national sporting events. Avondale is home to Phoenix International Raceway (PIR), which hosts two NASCAR races annually. If you’re a NASCAR fan (or if you’ve always wanted to see what it’s about), consider staying on and taking in the Fall racing weekend from November 9 through 11 (see more). Avondale is also minutes from the University of Phoenix Stadium, Jobing.com Arena, and many Cactus League stadiums.
Outdoor Recreation
For nature lovers, Avondale offers wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and trail running opportunities on the developing Tres Rios Recreation Corridor and Maricopa County’s Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The Audubon Society and Bird Life International have recognized the Tres Rios as an “Important Bird Area” with over 150 species of birds attracted to the area.
Monument Hill: The Heart of Arizona
The initial survey point for the State of Arizona, where the Base Line and Principal Meridian meet, is in Avondale. Below Monument Hill, is the Base & Meridian Wildlife Area. The approximately 198-acre Base and Meridian (B&M) Wildlife Area is at the confluence with the Salt River with the Gila River and contains primarily all riparian habitat in and along the river and its associated upland banks. Many specifies of bird, fowl, mammal, and fish can be found here, and the area also contains riparian vegetation including cottonwood, willow, salt cedar, seep willow, desert broom, and mesquite trees.
Take a look at our Special Events Calendar or visit the Chamber of Commerce website to check out all the local amenities that the Southwest Valley provides.
Art Exhibit at the Civic Center: “Family at Play”
When artist James Moore toured the Civic Center Campus in April, 2007, he was inspired by the families with young children coming and going. His composition brings to mind the many first steps of an individual, a family, and a community. After all, Avondale City Hall is not just about issuing certificates and licenses–it is about moving a city forward and doing so from a place of caring. “Family at Play,” which is crafted in stainless steel and stands over 9 feet high, echoes these qualities and the work done in this building.