A Match Made in Heaven: Professional Soccer and College Hardball Lead the Way in Phoenix
Valentine’s Day Sports: Phoenix Rising and Sun Devils Take the Field
While the NBA’s brightest stars have descended upon Southern California for the 2026 All-Star festivities, Phoenix sports fans still have plenty of reasons to celebrate at home this Saturday, February 14, 2026. This Valentine’s Day marks a high-stakes afternoon for local soccer and baseball enthusiasts, featuring the professional debut of the valley’s 10th anniversary soccer season and a classic collegiate matchup at the historic Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Professional Soccer: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
For those looking for a high-energy date or a family outing, professional soccer takes center stage as Phoenix Rising FC hosts its preseason opener. As part of the club’s 'Decade in the Desert' celebration, the Rising will take on their USL Championship rivals, the Las Vegas Lights FC. This match offers fans the first live look at the 2026 roster under head coach Pa-Modou Kah before the regular season kicks off in March. The atmosphere at the stadium, located at 38th and Washington, is expected to be electric as supporters get their first glimpse of the team’s official kits and new signings.
- Match: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
- Venue: Phoenix Rising Stadium (38th St & Washington)
- Time: 12:00 PM MST
- Admission: General admission tickets are available at the gate for approximately $10, with complimentary access for season ticket members.
Collegiate Hardball: Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Omaha Mavericks
If your heart belongs to the diamond, the Arizona State Sun Devils are back in action at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Today, the Sun Devils continue their home series against the Omaha Mavericks. With the MLB Cactus League regular spring training games still a week away, this collegiate matchup is the premier opportunity for baseball fans in the city to catch high-level hardball. Phoenix Municipal Stadium remains one of the most scenic venues in the valley, providing a perfect backdrop for a Saturday afternoon game.
- Match: Omaha Mavericks at Arizona State Sun Devils
- Venue: Phoenix Municipal Stadium
- Time: 1:05 PM MST
National Context: NBA All-Star Saturday
Local fans wondering why the Phoenix Suns are not at the Footprint Center today should look toward the coast. Today is NBA All-Star Saturday Night, hosted at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. While the Suns are on hiatus, the valley will be watching closely as the league’s top talent competes in the Three-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest starting at 6:00 PM local time. For those staying in Phoenix, the local matches provide the perfect live-action appetizer before the national broadcasts begin this evening.