The season is close. You can feel it in the air, like static on the edge of a storm. All the little bells and whistles of basketball’s return are starting to go off, and it’s as if we’re staring into some old Cold War radar screen, watching the first blips crawl into focus. They’re distant, faint, but they’re coming straight for us. And the closer they get, the harder it is to sit still.
One of those blips? The Phoenix Suns dropping their Theme Nights schedule.
Now, I’ve never been the type to plan
my calendar around a promotional giveaway. I’m more of a creature of convenience, the kind who goes to a game because it fits, not because there’s a trinket dangling at the gate. But I’ll admit that if a bobblehead’s on the line, I’ll crawl out of my comfort zone and fight through the lines. Because I kind of like them. There’s something weirdly satisfying about walking away from a game with a miniature, big-headed version of a player frozen in plastic glory.
Theme nights are like a wink from the franchise. They’re not why you go — you’re already juiced to be there — but they sweeten the deal. It’s the sports equivalent of a fast-food joint not nickel-and-diming you for extra sauce, or a hotel slipping you a late checkout without asking. It’s the bonus round, and it feels good.
So what do the Suns have cooking this year? Let’s take a look. Because if the blips on the radar are this loud already, the season itself is about to hit like a thunderclap.
October
- Oct. 22 vs. Kings – Coca-Cola/Fry’s Tip-Off (Free t-shirt for all fans)
November
- Nov. 2 vs. Spurs – Dia de los Muertos presented by Hornitos
- Nov. 10 vs. Pelicans – Hoops for Troops
- Nov. 13 vs. Pacers – Valley Creators Night
- Nov. 16 vs. Hawks – ORIGINATIV
January
- Jan. 4 vs. Thunder – Mascot Madness
- Jan. 9 vs. Knicks – Legacy Night
- Jan. 11 vs. Wizards – Sneaker Night
- Jan. 25 vs. Heat – First Responders Night
- Jan. 27 vs. Nets – Pride Night
February
- Feb. 10 vs. Mavericks – Black Excellence Night
- Feb. 11 vs. Thunder – Lunar New Year
- Feb. 21 vs. Magic – Kids Day
- Feb. 22 vs. Trail Blazers – 2027 All-Star Countdown
March
- Mar. 5 vs. Bulls – El Valle presented by Dos Equis
- Mar. 6 vs. Pelicans – Sustainability Night presented by Footprint
- Mar. 21 vs. Bucks – Women’s Empowerment Night presented by CarMax
- Mar. 28 vs. Jazz – STEM Night presented by Honeywell
April
- Apr. 7 vs. Rockets – Western Night
- Apr. 8 vs. Mavericks – Fan Appreciation Night
So start circling dates, Suns fans. Mark them with a star, a doodle, a reminder that something worth your time is coming. The season is almost here, the blips are screaming louder, and the arena will be waiting. I’ll see you there.
