Platinum Club at the America West Arena
Phoenix
Belzberg Architects

A plush club setting uplifts spectator sports to heights of luxury

© Mark Boisclair

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Occupying a quarter of the third level of the American West Arena, the Platinum Club is an intimate, upscale lounge that operates food and bar service while remaining completely open to the arena’s events.

In plan, the club is divided into six zones, each separated by a gap in the ceiling, which is a wood paneled arc, and a circulation axis below. A bar serves as a local service hub for the two seating zones flanking it. Within each zone, four situationally distinct seating areas occur proceeding from the outer most area of the club into the core of the stadium. These four tiers include the lounge, bar seating, "living room" suites, and club-level arena seats. Each poses a unique relationship between the guests and the action on the court, between guests and their neighbors.

The most public and open area is the lounge, and it’s also the most physically removed from a direct view of the game. With its luxurious couch and table arrangement, this section offers intimate drinking and dining for before, during, and after the game. Architectural separation between the lounge and living room sections is achieved by introducing a fourth component—bar seating. This section incorporates a curved elevated platform with 20 bar seats in each section and a floating glass counter. Here the occupant can view the arena events or participate in the club activity. Seating includes segmented sofa/ottoman configurations and table seating for maximum lounging comfort, while offering full event viewing. The table seating incorporates a floating glass counter and full cushioned seats, which swivel back to the sofa, thus completing a "living room" arrangement for small gatherings. In front and below these zones are the club level arena sections, which provide full-cushioned upholstered seating with eating trays and beverage holders. Here, guests have access to the lounge but can feel effectively extended out into the main seating area of the arena.

Formal name of Project:
Platinum Club at the America West Arena

Location:
Phoenix

Gross square footage:
10,000 sq ft

Owner:
City of Phoenix

Architect:
Belzberg Architects
1655 Stanford St.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310.453.9611/ fax 310.453.9166