Volunteer
Click The Helping Hands To Get StartedDecember 28-31, 2025
Mesa, Arizona
Mesa Convention Center
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Registration
Click The Helping Hands To Get StartedHotels
Delta Hotel Mesa
The on-site and official Hotel of the Diamond in the Desert.
Use code 'DID' when calling.
$175 per night
Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
Book HereMesa Convention Center Address
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Location & Appeal
Adjacent to the Mesa Convention Center, this stylish hotel offers seamless access to local attractions—Mesa Amphitheater, Mesa Arts Center, spring-training stadiums, museums, shops, and more.
Comfort & Amenities
- Updated, pet-friendly rooms & suites with smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, daily bottled water, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, workspace, and modern décor
- AZ Brew Coffee Bar (Starbucks, pastries, lunch, dinner, cocktails)
- Grab-and-go market for snacks
- Outdoor heated pool & whirlpool (6 AM–10 PM, free towels)
- 24-hour fitness center
- Restaurant & bar/lounge (à la carte, buffet, local specialties)
- Free self-parking, meeting/event spaces, business center, laundry, concierge, 24-hour front desk
This combination of thoughtful amenities and location makes it perfect for business travel, events, and family stays.
Getting Here:
Airports &
Transit
Getting to the Mesa Convention Center from the Airports
Mesa Convention Center Address
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
From Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
- Drive or Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Around 20–30 minutes to the hotel and convention center.
- Shuttle: Shared-ride shuttles start at approximately $29–$37 one way.
- Note: No direct public transit routes from AZA to the Mesa Convention Center.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- PHX Sky Train to Valley Metro Rail: Board the free PHX Sky Train from your terminal to the Valley Metro light rail station (44th Street Station).
- Switch to the Valley Metro A Line heading east toward Mesa.
- Disembark Options Near the Convention Center:
- Center/Main St Station: 1–2 block walk—most convenient.
- Alma School/Main St (~12 min walk) or several bus stops 5–10 min walk away.
- Rail Frequency & Hours: Light rail runs every 12–20 minutes, operates ~18–22 hours/day—very reliable.
Agenda
Middle School & VEXU
Sunday, December 28
- 2:00 PM: Doors Open
- 2:30 PM: Team Registration and Inspection Opens
- 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Skills Open
- 7:00 PM: Venue Closes
Monday, December 29
- 7:30 AM: Doors Open & Inspection Opens
- 8:30 AM: Inspection Closes
- 8:30 AM: Opening Ceremony
- 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Qualification Matches and Skills
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Qualifying matches and Skills
- 7:00 PM: Venue Closes
Tuesday, December 30
- 7:30 AM: Doors Open
- 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Qualification Matches and Skills Resume
- 10:00 AM: Alliance Selection
- 10:45 AM: Elimination Tournament and awards Ceremony
High School
Tuesday, December 30
- 10:00 AM: Team Registration and Inspection Opens
- 10:30 AM: Skills Open
- 1:30 PM: Opening Ceremony
- 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Qualification Matches and Skills
- 7:00 PM: Venue Closes
Wednesday, December 31
- 7:30 AM: Doors Open
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills Resumes
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Qualification matches and Skills
- 3:30 PM: Alliance Selection
- 4:15 PM: Elimination Tournament and awards ceremony
- 7:00 PM: 🎉 New Years Eve Party 🎉
Sponsors
Entertainment
Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Phoenix Zoo.
Enjoy dazzling light displays and festive activities.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Mesa Arts Center
Premier arts destination featuring theater, concerts, and visual arts.
Just minutes from the convention center.
1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 644-6500
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Explore dinosaurs, geology, and Southwest history.
Perfect for families and science enthusiasts.
53 N Macdonald St, Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 644-2230
Explore Mesa & Surrounding Areas
Additional Attractions
- Usery Mountain Regional Park - hiking trails and scenic views
- Salt River tubing and recreation
- Downtown Mesa dining and shopping district
- Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman State Park
- Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden (30 minutes)
- Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale (25 minutes)
Dining Recommendations (Within 1 Mile of Delta Hotel)
- Diamond's Sports Grill - casual sports bar with American fare
- Cayomango Steak, Seafood & Grill - upscale steakhouse with a diverse menu
- Downtown Rendezvous - Cafe for handmade hamburgers and salads
- 12 West Brewing Company - local brewery with a rotating selection of craft beers
- Mangos Mexican Cafe - vibrant eatery with traditional Mexican dishes
- Republica Empanada - Latin American bites in a modern setting
Mesa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and dining experiences for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
To get in touch with our leadership team:Diamond in the Desert Leadership
We’d love to hear from you!