Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty @ US Airways Center The Phoenix Mercury could not figure out the New York Liberty last year. While this was hardly a unique problem (let's face it, the Merc struggled with everyone last year) the Liberty really had the Mercury's number: New York outscored Phoenix by an average of 20 points while sweeping the season series.
The good news for the Mercury is that a year is an eternity in sports, and this year's iteration of the Mercury (while inconsistent so far) does not look quite so easy to push around. The Mercury figure to have revenge on their minds on Tuesday, July 2, when they host the Liberty at US Airways Center, 201 East Jefferson Street. But the Liberty, who have a strong claim as the best team in the East, should provide ample challenge.
The game will tip off at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15 via www.ticketmaster.com or 602-252-9622. -- Ed Kummerer
Indie Week Pub Crawl @ Mill Avenue District When it comes to Tempe, there's only one spot that embodies the local spirit -- in all its drunken, collegiate co-ed glory -- and that's Mill Avenue. During the 11th anniversary of National Independents Week, a celebration of all things locally-owned, Local First Arizona invites booze hounds to bar hop to all the most popular spots on Tempe's infamous drinking street.
The ambulatory party kicks off at Monti's La Casa Vieja and ends at Bison Witches after hitting such hot spots as Robbie Fox's Public House and Handlebar. Each stop will offer a $4 drink special and will host local trivia with prizes including gift cards to local restaurants.
The pub crawl starts at 100 South Mill Avenue at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. The event is free to attend, though drinks and food will have to be purchased by participants. RSVP to [email protected] For more information, see www.localfirstaz.com. -- Lauren Saria
