Suns to Replace FanDuel Sportsbook with Exclusive, Members-Only Lounge
The Phoenix Suns are revamping their partnership with FanDuel, replacing the first-of-its-kind retail sportsbook at their downtown arena with a new, exclusive “FanDuel Lounge.” The new 6,000-square-foot space, scheduled to open in October for the first home preseason game, will not feature any betting windows or kiosks, a stark departure from its predecessor.
A New Model: From Betting Hub to Exclusive Club
The FanDuel Lounge is designed as a high-end club for the team’s most dedicated fans. Access will be limited to Suns season ticket members and members of the PayPal Sixth Man program. The space will also be available to Phoenix Mercury fans during the WNBA season starting in 2026.
The lounge will feature an outdoor terrace and a full-service kitchen with a unique food and beverage menu not available elsewhere in the arena.
“The FanDuel Lounge is another investment in our membership experience and provides a premium space for all members to enjoy together on gamedays,” said Josh Bartelstein, CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.
The End of an Era for the Retail Sportsbook
The decision to transition to a lounge model comes after the original FanDuel Sportsbook, which opened in 2021, was closed in July due to disappointing profits. That 7,400-square-foot facility was a landmark at the time, being the first retail sportsbook to open inside an NBA arena. It featured five betting windows and over 20 self-service kiosks.
The closure and subsequent pivot to a members-only lounge suggest a re-evaluation of the retail sports betting model within sports venues, with a new emphasis on providing exclusive perks rather than facilitating on-site wagers. While the FanDuel brand remains, its physical presence will now serve as a loyalty-building amenity rather than a transactional betting hub.
Part of a Broader Fan Experience Strategy
The new lounge is part of a wider initiative by the Suns organization to enhance the overall gameday experience for its fans. This strategy has included other fan-focused amenities like the in-arena “$2 Menu” and the “Ra Ra Room” entertainment space.
The project is a collaboration between several partners. The architectural firm Gensler handled the design, working with FanDuel’s construction team, while Okland Construction managed the build-out.
The goal is to create a premium destination within the arena that adds value beyond the game itself, rewarding the team’s most loyal supporters with an exclusive new space.
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