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Phoenix unveils new South Mountain Activity Complex

After more than two years of work, Phoenix unveiled the South Mountain Activity Complex.

News

If you&#x27;re looking for a scenic event space, a spot for a family picnic or a good place to start a hike, the new South Mountain Activity Complex may be the place for you.State of play: After more than two years of work, the city of Phoenix unveiled the new activity center, off Central Avenue near the South Mountain Visitor Center.

Sneak peek: Phoenix gets a smaller Ikea store

Arizona&#x27;s newest Ikea will have the meatballs, the iconic showroom and a grab-and-go marketplace, but it won&#x27;t take you an hour to peruse.What it matters: Phoenix residents have been clamoring for another, more central Ikea for decades.

Turf Paradise may relocate under new owner over land issues

The horse track's new owner may need to find a new location as his predecessor seeks to sell the land.

Turf Paradise is under new ownership, and in a few years it&#x27;ll likely have a new location as well.Why it matters: Moving Turf Paradise would bring the end of a long era for that region of north Phoenix, which has been home to the racetrack for generations.

How Trump's mail voting order could affect Arizona voters

Arizona officials will challenge a Trump order affecting how mail ballots are sent.

Arizona is again in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s mission to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationalize elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" data-vars-content-id="107a3dd6-dff7-455f-895f-cff4673c604c" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s mail voting order could affect Arizona voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" target="_self">nationalize elections</a> and limit voting by mail.Why it matters: The vast majority of Arizonans cast mail ballots, and critics say Trump&#x27;s latest move would disenfranchise some of those voters ahead of a crucial November election in the battleground state.

What to check out at Final Four fan events

Fans can enjoy games, panels and concerts during Final Four weekend festivities.

Sports

<figure><img alt="A gif of kids shooting baskets with &quot;Fina Four&quot; branding." height="450" id="daf4e127-5a00-43de-a698-587eaa09efc8" src="https://images.axios.com/I06J-oWCyFHdNiDpPOyxgIGkPLY=/2026/04/02/1775166745955.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>There are too many hoops to count at Tourney Town. GIF: Jessica Boehm/Axios</figcaption></figure>Downtown Phoenix is abuzz with basketball fever and plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fan fun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/25/phoenix-womens-final-four-free-fan-events-downtown" data-vars-content-id="2e15843e-5794-46b9-a86a-f08d69c96b2a" data-vars-headline="What to check out at Final Four fan events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/25/phoenix-womens-final-four-free-fan-events-downtown" target="_self">fan fun</a> for locals to enjoy.Why it matters: This is Phoenix&#x27;s first time hosting the women&#x27;s Final Four.

Charles Barkley blimp returns to Phoenix skies

The Charles Barkley blimp is back as Final Four week begins.

Keep an eye on the sky for a rare migratory sighting: The 128-foot Charles Barkley blimp is back in Phoenix for the first time in two years.Why it matters: We&#x27;ve missed Soar Charles (also called: Charles Flightly, The Up Chuck, Air Chuck One and The Ugly Chuckling).

Krav Mama: A self-defense class designed for new moms

A Tempe instructor created a postpartum workout where moms train with their babies.

<figure><img alt="A gif of a woman holding a baby and kicking a heavy bag in a gym." height="600" id="671d5f45-200d-469c-8060-0a3462c8e142" src="https://images.axios.com/ZstKyMUT41Amr56A_Usmnb3bB_w=/2026/03/26/1774548998563.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Jessica and her daughter test out Krav Mama. Photo: Courtesy of EVKM Self Defense &amp; Fitness</figcaption></figure>Tempe Krav Maga instructor and new mom Sara Ullenbruch-Zarezadeh has developed a postpartum version of the popular Israeli self-defense training. <ul><li>She&#x27;s calling it Krav Mama.</li></ul>Why it matters: Protecting yourself looks different when you have a baby in your arms or a tot by your side.

Heat wave forces changes to Valley events

We only get so many mild weekends a year, and this heat wave is disrupting one.

This weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/11/poll-phoenix-heat-100-degrees" data-vars-content-id="0ef03278-e5ac-431e-8d5d-5e26719e24d8" data-vars-headline="Heat wave forces changes to Valley events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/11/poll-phoenix-heat-100-degrees" target="_self">extreme heat</a> — with temperatures expected to hit 105 degrees — is derailing the Valley&#x27;s prime <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="0ef03278-e5ac-431e-8d5d-5e26719e24d8" data-vars-headline="Heat wave forces changes to Valley events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/things-to-do" target="_self">event</a> and tourism season.Why it matters: We only get so many mild weekends a year, which is why many of our festivals and outdoor activities are crammed into March.

Valley splash pad season starts as temps climb

Many splash pads are open now, with more set to open through May.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Triple-digit temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/11/poll-phoenix-heat-100-degrees" data-vars-content-id="9efbaa19-a25f-4f69-89ee-b821dadb1ba4" data-vars-headline="Valley splash pad season starts as temps climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/11/poll-phoenix-heat-100-degrees" target="_self">Triple-digit temperatures</a> in March mean the Valley&#x27;s splash pad season has arrived early.Why it matters: It&#x27;s too early for indoor-only days — water features make the heat manageable.

Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball's home away from home

Fans flock to the Cactus League for sunshine, community and $764M in impact.

Baseball fans from across the country are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fleeing winter for the desert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" data-vars-content-id="1fae854b-3591-48fa-8d92-4dd40cb835db" data-vars-headline="Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball&#x27;s home away from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" target="_self">fleeing winter for the desert</a> this week as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spring Training season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/10/catchers-and-pitchers-report-for-arizona-spring-training" data-vars-content-id="1fae854b-3591-48fa-8d92-4dd40cb835db" data-vars-headline="Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball&#x27;s home away from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/10/catchers-and-pitchers-report-for-arizona-spring-training" target="_self">Spring Training season</a> kicks off across the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th year of the Cactus League, which now boasts 15 teams training across 10 Valley stadiums.

Free NCAA Women's Final Four fan events in downtown Phoenix

Free fan festivals, concerts and open practices will take over downtown April 2–5.

Phoenix is weeks away from hosting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/10/pic-du-jour-final-four-southwestern-style" data-vars-content-id="f8397986-95c5-4770-9f48-e98b095f39d3" data-vars-headline="Free NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four fan events in downtown Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/10/pic-du-jour-final-four-southwestern-style" target="_self">NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four</a> for the first time and the local organizing committee on Tuesday announced a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballin&#x27; lineup of fan events" data-vars-click-url="https://phoenixfinalfour.com/arizona-prepares-for-states-ncaa-womens-final-four/" data-vars-content-id="f8397986-95c5-4770-9f48-e98b095f39d3" data-vars-headline="Free NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four fan events in downtown Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phoenixfinalfour.com/arizona-prepares-for-states-ncaa-womens-final-four/" target="_blank">ballin&#x27; lineup of fan events</a> leading up to the games.Mark your calendars: All events are free and in downtown Phoenix.

Global virtual reality company Sandbox VR opening first Arizona location

Sandbox VR will bring its immersive "full body" virtual reality experience to Arizona this spring.

A virtual reality company that offers immersive &quot;full-body&quot; gaming experiences is opening its first location in Arizona.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sandbox VR" data-vars-click-url="https://sandboxvr.com/about-us" data-vars-content-id="2dfa0e6b-1811-4f29-964a-638e13ebf2ec" data-vars-headline="Global virtual reality company Sandbox VR opening first Arizona location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sandboxvr.com/about-us" target="_blank">Sandbox VR</a>, which has 74 locations globally, is coming to Gilbert this spring.

Things to Do 🗓

Sneak peek: Phoenix gets a smaller Ikea store

What to check out at Final Four fan events

Phoenix unveils new South Mountain Activity Complex

Charles Barkley blimp returns to Phoenix skies

Krav Mama: A self-defense class designed for new moms