From the tiniest little kickers to the aspiring pro-ballers, if you, or your child, (shout out to the sports parents!) have participated in organized sports, chances are you’ve been to the American Sports Center (ASC) in Avondale. A sports mecca where the sweet sounds of shoes screeching across the court, balls swishing through the hoop and penalty kicks pounding against the indoor pitch can be heard on a loop, the ASC is home to youth and adult basketball, soccer and volleyball leagues, camps, clinics, tournaments and special events.
The Fundamentals
Anchoring the City’s growing entertainment epicenter, the ASC is located at The BLVD – Avondale’s premier mixed-use destination. Since opening in 2010, the ASC has seen more than 2,000,000 athletes come through their doors and is one of the most visited destinations in Avondale, attracting 2.3 visitors annually! For the sports enthusiasts, the ASC has been home to approximately 750 tournaments, however the venue’s impressive versatility has catapulted total events upwards of 25,000. In short, if you need the space, we know a place.
The Playground Breakdown
Step into the ASC, and you’re greeted with:
- Two Indoor Soccer Fields: Rain or shine, the game goes on. ASC is committed to year-round play.
- Four Basketball Courts: Nothing but net for reactional and competitive hoopers.
- Five Sand Volleyball courts: Bringing California beach-style play to the Arizona desert.
- Six Volleyball Courts: Perfect for spiking, serving, and the occasional victory dance.
- 4,000-Square-Foot Multi-Purpose Room: From yoga classes to team meetings, we challenge you to find an activity this space can’t handle.
The Team Captains:
The ASC is powered by a dream team of community champions. The starting lineup includes:
- John Shields: President & General Manager of the American Sports Center. At the heart of American Sports Centers in Avondale is John Shields, a visionary leader whose dedication to youth, community, and sport has helped shape ASC into a true cornerstone of the West Valley. Under John’s leadership, ASC has become more than just a facility—it’s a vibrant gathering place where athletes grow, families connect, and community thrives. From hosting major tournaments and nonprofit events to supporting local entrepreneurs and creating space for mentorship and learning, John’s impact is felt well beyond the court. His commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment has made ASC a launchpad for both athletic and personal growth for countless individuals in the Avondale community.
- Bobbi Barajas: Owner of Phx is Rising. Bobbi has been a key player alongside John since the early days of American Sports Centers, helping shape it into the community hub it is today. As the force behind her family-owned business, Phx is Rising, she’s bringing serious energy to the court—with over three dozen basketball tournaments scheduled at ASC in 2025 alone. But Bobbi’s impact goes far beyond the game. Her newest venture, Ivory House, a stylish new clothing boutique opening at The BLVD, is set to add even more value to the community. With this exciting addition, Bobbi is creating fresh opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth for both locals and ASC visitors alike.
- PHX is Rising 2025 Tournament Schedule:
- October 4-5: Bang Out for Breast Cancer
- October 18-19: Relentless
- October 25-26: PHX Rising
- November 8-9: Rise Up
- November 22-23: Full Court
- November 30- One Day Sunday
- December 6-7: PHX Rising
- December 13-14: Christmas on the Court
- December 20-21: Winter Westside Showdown
- PHX is Rising 2025 Tournament Schedule:
- Jimmy Scroggins: 4Life Foundation President. Completing the “Big 3” is Jimmy, whose nonprofit, 4Life Foundation, is all about motivating, inspiring, and uplifting the community through acts of service and positivity. For the past five years, Jimmy has brought the spirit of giving to life through his free Holiday Workshop, held annually at American Sports Centers. This festive Christmas carnival features inflatable fun, tasty treats, visits with Santa, and a free holiday gift for every child in attendance. By turning his foundation’s mission into real, joyful moments, Jimmy continues to make a lasting and heartfelt impact on families throughout Avondale.
John, Bobbi, and Jimmy are the MVPs when it comes to building community spirit. They’ve cracked the playbook on creating safe, welcoming spaces where sports, friendship, learning, and a little healthy competition all come together. Their events are more than just games—they’re a slam dunk for the West Valley and a big win for the Avondale community.
Where Competition Meets Community
ASC isn’t just about casual play (although there’s plenty of that); it’s a hub for serious competition. It’s a chosen venue for numerous basketball, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, including events organized by Special Olympics Arizona.
The ASC’s cheer and dance program brings the energy, the moves, and the glitter, teaching kids rhythm, teamwork, and how to rock a routine with confidence. Not-to-miss Cornhole Leagues, (yes, there’s a league for that) are in full swing throughout the year. Sports clinics are perfect for athletes who want to level up their game and when school’s out for the summer (you sang that, didn’t you?), the ASC’s sports camps pack the courts with drills, games, laughs, and just the right amount of sweaty, high fives.
That being said, the ASC goes far beyond being a sports facility, hosting several community events tailored for all ages. And yes, if you’re wondering if you can host your own extravaganza there, ASC provides facility rentals for events like birthday parties and corporate gatherings, making it one-stop-shop for any occasion.
Ready to book a tournament, register for a league, or just check out what’s happening at ASC? Visit ascavondale.com or call (623) 792-5504 for current schedules, rental info, and event details.
Whether you’re here for the games, the vibes, or just a good excuse to grab coffee and watch your kid crush it on the court. ASC is where Avondale plays hard and shows up big.
