Where the Boys Are: University of Florida Gators Found at Scottsdale Plaza
Everyone wants to party with the players, especially if they win Monday’s Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game. I won’t wager on the Tostitos BCS Championship, but I can tell you where to find the members of the University of Florida football team while they are in town: the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Check Rates
No public statement to the media has been made, but stepping inside the lobby and the secret is out. A huge Welcome sign, complete with the Gator logo is displayed along with several tables of Gator, Florida and Bowl Championship Series (BCS) memorabilia and clothing.
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort is located at
7200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona.For those familiar with the area, that’s the northwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Indian Bend Road. There is some construction on Scottsdale Road, so visitors might be better off entering the property from Indian Bend Road, unless it rains. No rain is forecast today, but just in case you aren’t currently staying at the Plaza, which shows no availability until the 9th, keep in mind that Indian Bend Road is subject to flooding and closure in wet weather.
This urban oasis is nestled between Camelback Mountain and the hustle and bustle of the
Scottsdale Road corridor. The Scottsdale Plaza is an independent resort, making it an exception among the area’s many chain resorts and hotels. During my visit on the afternoon of Saturday, January 6, things were pretty quiet and relaxing. There was also a bus full of Gator fans departing for the Glendale Glitters and Glows Block Party, which might explain the dearth of fans wandering around the grounds. Those I did encounter were dressed like locals, that is in sweaters and jackets, as if 60 degrees Fahrenheit was cold, except in University of Florida colors. 
After the big game today, it is doubtful fans or players will gather at Remington’s, the resort’s premier restaurant and one of the best dining experiences in the Valley. Assuming they stay on the property, J.D.’s Lounge, which is open from 11 a.m. to midnight, is a more likely candidate for celebrations. Of course, with the Plaza’s central location, some may choose to leave the property and cross the street to the Terroir Wine Pub in the Seville Center. Any of the many popular spots in “Old Town” Scottsdale might also attract fans and players, however they are not within easy walking distance from the resort.
Security appeared to be toughening up Saturday afternoon. I drove right in and parked but by the time I left, guards were turning up at the entrances, presumably making sure that only those staying on the property were admitted. This might be a more difficult task on Monday, as the resort is a popular place for meetings. Of course, if you aren’t staying on the property, you can always park across the street at the Seville or at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
