Avondale, Then and Now

The town of Avondale traces its roots to an early settler, Billy Moore. In 1880, he built a stagecoach stop to draw people to the area. A saloon and general store were a welcome sight to travelers on their way to or from California.

He called it Coldwater, reflecting the temperature of the Agua Fria River. The name was soon changed due to its proximity to the prominent Avondale Ranch. Ranching and cotton farming were essential to the economy.

The community was incorporated in 1946.  In 1950, the census showed 2,506 residents.

The Phoenix International Raceway was literally a ground-breaker for the quiet Avondale area of the early 1960s. In 1964, the founders wanted to build a track near Phoenix. They found the land they wanted near Avondale.

It didn’t take long for the racetrack to establish itself with racing fans.  By the 1970s, the racetrack could boast about attracting the big names in NASCAR and other racing series.

By 2000, the population was 36,000.  The population jumped to 76,000 by 2010.  It’s also when the Avondale AutoMall began growing with more and more new car dealers.

By the 2020 Census, there were over 89,300 residents. The population is expected to grow with more neighborhoods being built.

Fast Facts About Avondale

With an area of just over 45 square miles, the Avondale zip code includes the convergence of the Gila, Agua Fria and Salt Rivers. 

The town borders the Tres Rios Wetlands, part of the Arizona Base & Meridian Wildlife Area.  Just south of Avondale, Estrella Mountains Regional Park offers more natural wilderness areas, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. 

Recently dubbed the BLVD, the Avondale City Center is a hub of activity. A new half-acre lake adjoins walkable green space, a koi pond, and splash pad. This is part of a mixed-used destination development. Checkered crosswalks remind visitors of the racetrack-Avondale connection.

Avondale has bragging rights since it is the site of the state’s largest multi-sport indoor facility. On the BLVD, the American Sports Center has 4,000 square feet of space for soccer fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and more. 

Old Town Avondale includes pedestrian-friendly Western Avenue and carefully restored historic buildings. There’s an eclectic mix of urban art, cultural sites, and public plazas. 

The city has ten parks, including the award-winning Festival Fields Park. A Japanese Friendship Garden and walking trails are unique to Friendship Park. Both offer a fishing pond, playgrounds, and sports fields.

Seasonal events bring the community together. In February, the Tres Rios Festival celebrates the river with water activities, live music, and more.  In October, Billy Moore Days brings back memories of the town’s wild west past. A parade, western stunts, and live music bring people to Old Town Avondale for two days of fun.

Sports in Avondale

The Phoenix International Raceway continues to be a major sports destination.  It hosted the NASCAR championship for the last few years, raising Avondale’s profile in the sporting world.

Golf is a big game in Avondale just as it is for people across the Phoenix area.  In fact, one of the most unique Arizona golf courses is at Coldwater Golf Club.

Instead of being Arizona desert flat, this Avondale golf course has rolling links and undulating fairways. Elevated tee boxes complete the feeling that this course belongs in England or Scotland. Of course there’s plenty of desert sand for bunkers. 

For those who love major-league sports teams, it’s a relatively easy drive to  the Footprint Center in Phoenix for NBA and WNBA basketball. Likewise, it’s easy to head to Glendale for pro football at the State Farm Stadium.

In the spring, Goodyear Ballpark is the closest hub for the Cactus League.  This gives Avondale baseball fans a chance to see the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians in spring training.