Lainey Wilson talks at her new exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lainey Wilson talks at her new exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind World Tour begins at PHX Arena in Phoenix on Aug. 14.
- Ernest and Kaitlin Butts will open for Wilson in Phoenix.
- The concert begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Lainey Wilson is launching the Whirlwind World Tour 2025 at PHX Arena in downtown Phoenix on Thursday, Aug. 14.
The Whirlwind World is in support of “Whirlwind,” which hit the Billboard album chart at No. 8, a new career high. It includes concerts in Zurich, Paris, New York City, Nashville, Austin, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles and Denver.
But fans in Phoenix get to see it first because that’s just the way we roll in Arizona.
Wilson headlined Country Thunder Arizona in 2024, rocking the stage in a feathered cowboy hat, gold denim vest and matching bell-bottoms at the helm of a stellar backing band.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go to the Lainey Wilson concert at PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center.
Get tickets to Lainey Wilson in Phoenix
Is Lainey Wilson coming to Phoenix?
Yes. Lainey Wilson is launching her Whirlwind World Tour 2025 on Thursday, Aug. 14, at PHX Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix.
Who is opening for Lainey Wilson?
Opening acts for Lainey Wilson in 2025 include Ernest, Muscadine Bloodline, Kaitlin Butts, Maddox Batson, Drake Milligan, Lauren Watkins and Zach Meadows.
Ernest and Butts are opening for Lainey Wilson at the Phoenix tour launch.
Lainey Wilson tickets 2025
As of Aug. 8, verified resale tickets were $110 and up at ticketmaster.com.
Get tickets to Lainey Wilson in Phoenix
What time does Lainey Wilson concert start?
Doors open at 6 p.m. The concert starts at 7 p.m.
Can I bring water to Footprint Center?
No outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be brought, although one sealed plastic water bottle is allowed per guest for Suns, Mercury and Rattlers games. Sealed water bottles may be prohibited for select concerts.
Children’s items, such as baby bottles and formula, are allowed.
Footprint Center bag policy for concerts
Standard backpacks are not permitted inside PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center.
Single-compartment drawstring bags, purses and diaper bags that have the appearance of a standard backpack and media backpacks are allowed if they meet the NBA bag-size requirements of 14 by 14 by 6 inches.
Guests with bags larger than 4 inches by 6 inches are required to be screened through X-ray machines. Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes.
What is prohibited at Footprint Center?
The following items are not allowed inside PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center, for concerts:
- Backpacks (with the exception of single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA bag-size requirements and media backpacks that have been screened at the media entrance. Purses and diaper bags are allowed if they meet the size requirements.
- Bottles, cans and coolers.
- Professional cameras, video and recording devices including Go Pros & Google glasses.
- Fireworks.
- Illegal substances.
- Laser pointers.
- Outside food and beverages.
- Whistles, horns or other noise makers.
- Weapons of any kind (no knives or mace/pepper spray of any size).
- Computers and laptops.
- Halloween-style may not to be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guest is in seats.
- Selfie sticks.
- Offensive clothing or masks.
PHX Arena reserves the right to amend the above list without notice.
Can I bring a sign to Footprint Center?
Banners and signs are allowed at PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center; they must be constructed of flame-retardant material. Signs must be made of a soft material that can be folded (e.g., poster board or cloth). Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature or obscene, or cause any disturbance to other fans.
Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or PHX Arena advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. PHX Arena reserves the right to remove any banner or sign. Signs should not be larger than 11 by 17 inches.
Is Footprint Center cashless?
Cash is not accepted at PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center. Use Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.
You can convert cash onto a preloaded Mastercard by visiting one of the venue’s reverse ATMs near the Ticket Office or Section 218.
Footprint Center smoking policy
PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center, is a smoke-free facility with no designated smoking area outside. Smoking of all kinds, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited. Guests who fail to comply will be asked to cease smoking. Those continuing to violate the policy will be ejected.
Footprint Center reentry policy
Reentry is not available for any games, concerts or events at PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center.
Footprint Center lost and found
Contact a PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center, staff member for assistance. Found items may be turned in to the Guest Services Office. Guests may also call the PHX Arena security department at 602-379-2055.
First aid at Footprint Center
In the event of an emergency, notify any PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center, representative or uniformed police officer to ensure that emergency personnel are notified.
Paramedics and EMTs are present during all events at PHX Arena. First aid is located on the main concourse across from Section 116.
Footprint Center parking
PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center, has more than 700 parking spaces, including parking for guests with disabilities. Parking prices vary by event. Call the PHX Arena Parking Office at 602-379-2003 for specific information.
You can purchase parking at PHX Arena and nearby lots in advance at parkwhiz.com.
Footprint Center driving directions
PHX Arena (formerly Footprint Center) is at 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix.
If you’re coming from north Phoenix/Scottsdale:
Take State Route 51 south to Interstate 10 East interchange. Exit I-10 at Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to PHX Arena.
If you’re coming from west/southwest Phoenix:
Take Interstate 10 East to Seventh Avenue exit. Turn right on Seventh Avenue to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. PHX Arena is on the corner of Jefferson Street and 1st Street.
If you’re coming from east Phoenix:
Take Loop 202 west to I-10 west. Take I-10 west to Seventh Street exit. Turn left on Seventh Street to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to PHX Arena.
If you’re coming from northwest Phoenix/ Glendale:
Take Interstate 17 south to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. PHX Arena is on the corner of Jefferson Street and First Street.
If you’re coming from the East Valley:
Take I-10 west to Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn left on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to PHX Arena.
Valley Metro light rail to Footprint Center
The Rail Ride Event program allows guests who purchase a ticket to an event at PHX Arena/Footprint Center to ride Valley Metro light rail at no additional cost on the day of the event.
Valley Metro will recognize the event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.
Two important things to know:
- You must have your event ticket on your person when riding light rail and must show your ticket to a fare inspector upon request. Failure to show a valid ticket can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500.
- PHX Arena event tickets are good for light rail only; they are not valid as bus fare.
Valley Metro park and ride locations
Here’s a list of Valley Metro park and ride lots:
Phoenix: 19th and Dunlap avenues, 19th and Montebello avenues, 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road, Central Avenue and Camelback Road and 38th and Washington streets.
Tempe: Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard, McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, Loop 101 and Apache Boulevard.
Mesa: Sycamore and Main Street; Mesa Drive and Main Street; Gilbert Road and Main Street.
Where are Uber and Lyft at Footprint Center?
There are four recommended pickup/dropoff spots for ride shares: First and Jefferson streets (PHX Arena Plaza); Second Street (The Ryan); Third Street (Phoenix Convention Center) and Jefferson Street (Hotel Palomar/Arrogant Butcher).
Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more. He did the same in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at [email protected].