Doobie Brothers in Phoenix: Ultimate guide to their Footprint Center concert

Ed Masley, Arizona Republic
·8 min read

The 50th Anniversary Tour they launched in 2021 put Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John McFee back on the road together as the Doobie Brothers for the first time in a quarter-century.

Now, they’re takin’ it to the streets with a new album in the can — their first full album of new music with McDonald since 1980’s “One Step Closer” — and coming to Phoenix for a show at Footprint Center on Wednesday, June 26.

As Simmons joked in an exclusive interview with The Arizona Republic, “Actually, this is the second 50 years of the band we're celebrating now.”

And it seems like it’s off to a pretty good start.

Simmons also talked about the making of their latest album, the hours of unused footage from the early ‘70s he hopes will turn up in the latest Doobies documentary, the glitter-rock phase he swears they went through and what keeps him "going for it” after more than 50 years.

“You write a song and you don't necessarily go, 'Well, that's it. That's what I was going for,’” he said. “You write a song and you go, 'Well, that's close.'”

Here's your ultimate guide to the Doobie Brothers concert in Phoenix, including ticket prices and who's opening for them.

Where are the Doobie Brothers playing in Phoenix?

The Doobie Brothers are playing at Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., in downtown Phoenix, on Wednesday, June 26. Footprint Center doors open at 6 p.m. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

Doobie Brothers Phoenix tickets

As of Friday, June 21, tickets were available at ticketmaster.com.

Doobie Brothers Phoenix tickets price

Doobie Brothers tickets start at $19.50 for the Phoenix concert.

Who is opening for the Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour?

Robert Cray is the opening act in Phoenix.

Can I bring water to Footprint Center?

No outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be brought into Footprint Center, although one sealed plastic water bottle is allowed per guest for Suns, Mercury and Rattlers games. Sealed water bottles may be prohibited for select concerts.

Children's items, such as baby bottles and formula, are allowed.

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What is the bag policy at Footprint Center? Can I bring a bag?

Standard backpacks are not permitted inside Footprint Center.

Single-compartment drawstring bags, purses and diaper bags that have the appearance of a standard backpack and media backpacks are allowed if they meet the NBA bag-size requirements of 14 by 14 by 6 inches.

Guests with bags larger than 4 by 6 inches are required to be screened through X-ray machines. Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes.

What is prohibited at Footprint Center for concerts?

The following items are not allowed inside Footprint Center for concerts:

  • Backpacks, with the exception of single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA bag-size requirements and media backpacks that have been screened at the media entrance. Purses and diaper bags are allowed if they meet the size requirements.

  • Bottles, cans and coolers.

  • Video and recording devices, including Go Pros & Google Glasses.

  • Fireworks.

  • Illegal substances.

  • Laser pointers.

  • Outside food and beverages.

  • Whistles, horns or other noise makers.

  • Weapons of any kind (no knives or mace/pepper spray of any size).

  • Computers and laptops.

  • Halloween-style masks may not be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guests are in seats.

  • Selfie sticks.

  • Offensive clothing or masks.

Footprint Center reserves the right to amend the above list without notice.

Can I bring a sign to Footprint Center?

Banners and signs are allowed at Footprint Center; they must be constructed of flame-retardant material. Signs must be made of a soft material that can be folded (e.g. poster board or cloth). Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature or obscene or cause any disturbance to other fans.

Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or Footprint Center advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. Footprint Center reserves the right to remove any banner or sign. Signs should not be larger than 11 by 17 inches.

Doobie Brothers setlist 2024

This is a fairly representative setlist from a concert the Doobie Brothers did this year in Austin, Texas:

  • "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)” (Kim Weston cover)

  • “Here to Love You”

  • “Dependin' on You”

  • “Rockin' Down the Highway”

  • “You Belong to Me”

  • “Clear as the Driven Snow”

  • “It Keeps You Runnin'”

  • “Eyes of Silver”

  • “One Step Closer” (John McFee and Michael McDonald on lead vocals)

  • “Minute by Minute”

  • “Without You”

  • “Jesus Is Just Alright”

  • “What a Fool Believes”

  • “Long Train Runnin'”

  • “China Grove”

Encore

  • “Black Water”

  • “Takin' It to the Streets”

  • “Listen to the Music”

Is Footprint Center cashless?

Cash is not accepted at Footprint Center. Use Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.

You can convert cash onto a preloaded Mastercard by visiting one of the venue's reverse ATMs near the Ticket Office or Section 218.

Footprint Center smoking policy

Footprint Center is a smoke-free facility with no designated smoking area outside. Smoking of all kinds, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited. Guests who fail to comply will be asked to cease smoking. Those continuing to violate the policy will be ejected.

Footprint Center reentry policy

Reentry is not available for any games, concerts or events at Footprint Center.

Footprint Center lost and found

Contact a Footprint Center staff member for assistance. Found items may be turned in to the Guest Services Office. Guests may also call the Footprint Center security department at 602-379-2055.

First aid at Footprint Center

In the event of an emergency, notify any Footprint Center representative or uniformed police officer to ensure that emergency personnel are notified.

Paramedics and EMTs are present during all events at Footprint Center. First aid is located on the main concourse across from Section 116.

Footprint Center parking

Footprint Center has more than 700 parking spaces, including parking for guests with disabilities. Parking prices vary by event. Call the Footprint Center Parking Office at 602-379-2003 for specific information.

You can purchase parking at Footprint Center and nearby lots in advance at parkwhiz.com.

Footprint Center driving directions

Footprint Center is at 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix.

If you're coming from north Phoenix/Scottsdale:

Take State Route 51 south to the Interstate 10 East interchange. Exit I-10 at Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.

If you're coming from west/southwest Phoenix:

Take Interstate 10 East to the Seventh Avenue exit. Turn right on Seventh Avenue to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. Footprint Center is on the corner of Jefferson Street and First Street.

If you're coming from east Phoenix:

Take Loop 202 west to I-10 west. Take I-10 west to the Seventh Street exit. Turn left on Seventh Street to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.

If you're coming from northwest Phoenix/ Glendale:

Take Interstate 17 south to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. Footprint is on the corner of Jefferson Street and First Street.

If you're coming from the East Valley:

Take I-10 west to Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn left on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.

Valley Metro light rail to Footprint Center

In partnership with Valley Metro light rail, Footprint Center and the Phoenix Suns have established the Rail Ride Event program, which allows guests who purchase a ticket to an event at Footprint Center to ride Valley Metro light rail at no additional cost on the day of the event.

Valley Metro will recognize Footprint Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.

Two important things to know:

  • You must have your event ticket on your person when riding the light rail and show it to a fare inspector upon request. Failure to show a valid ticket can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500.

  • Footprint Center event tickets are good for light rail only; they are not valid as bus fare.

Valley Metro park and ride locations

Here's a list of Valley Metro park and ride lots:

Phoenix: 19th and Dunlap avenues, 19th and Montebello avenues, 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road, Central Avenue and Camelback Road and 38th and Washington streets.

Tempe: Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard, McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, Loop 101 and Apache Boulevard.

Mesa: Sycamore and Main Street; Mesa Drive and Main Street; Gilbert Road and Main Street.

Where are Uber and Lyft at Footprint Center?

There are four recommended pickup/drop-off spots for ride shares: First and Jefferson streets (Footprint Center Plaza); Second Street (The Ryan); Third Street (Phoenix Convention Center); and Jefferson Street (Hotel Palomar/Arrogant Butcher).

Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @EdMasley and facebook.com/ed.masley.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Doobie Brothers Phoenix concert: Tickets, bag policy, setlist