Posted: Oct. 20, 2005

Basketball hoops of varying heights will let kids of all ages and sizes dunk like the pros.

With the start of the new season right around the corner, the Phoenix Suns unveiled to the media today its newest kid and family-friendly amenity inside US Airways Center – The Verizon Wireless Jungle.

>>> Video: Verizon Wireless Jungle Press Conference

The Verizon Wireless Jungle, the latest addition to the arena which has undergone a series of dramatic expansion and enhancement projects over the past few years, is 6,400 square feet of interactive jungle fun for kids and families located on the west side of the 200 Level concourse.

The focal point of the venue is the jungle gym, which features two slides, a 25-foot long zip line, basketball hoops set at various heights and a playground. In addition, there are 30 arcade games, including 11 video games, eight Supershot basketball games and The Gorilla’s favorite game, “GO’s Talkin’ Smack.” There is also a seating area for parents to socialize while keeping an eye on their children, with room for up to 100 people along with eight flat screen televisions tuned into the Suns game. And hanging from the rafters is a massive Rawlings basketball measuring six feet in diameter.

“As we progress along with our $70 million expansion and renovation of America West Arena, the family-friendly Verizon Wireless Jungle is the perfect amenity to enhance the game experience for our young fans and 200 Level ticket holders,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman and CEO of the Suns. “Upon testing out the games the other day, my grandchildren gave it the official seal of approval on behalf of all young Suns fans.”

As title sponsor of the jungle, Verizon Wireless will display an interactive wall to showcase its latest technologies in a fun and engaging way. "We are excited to be the title sponsor of the Jungle. It's a great extension of both our long term partnership with the Suns, and Verizon Wireless' leadership in providing our customers with fun, mobile entertainment using new interactive wireless technologies," said Tami Erwin, Regional President, Verizon Wireless.

Also introduced were members of the Verizon Wireless Safari Squad, a new young, hip, entertainment team that will cater exclusively to fans in the 200 Level at all Suns games.

Arena guests will know they are close to Verizon Wireless Jungle as they approach the west side of the 200 Level concourse, which is jungle themed with colorful walls and The Gorilla’s family pictures. Once inside the jungle, fans will have an opportunity to have their photograph taken with The Gorilla at designated times during each Suns game.

Designed by Rip Bang Studios, The Verizon Wireless Jungle will open to the public at the Suns regular season home opener versus the Dallas Mavericks on November 1.

Verizon Wireless Jungle Fun Facts