Evan Schaefer, a former member of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, now plans large-scale events for the Downtown Tempe Authority in the Mill Avenue District.
For Live Entertainment
As a season ticket holder of Arizona State University Gammage, I am able to experience several different types of professional Broadway productions at Grady Gammage Auditorium on the campus of Arizona State University.
For a Lunch Meeting
Either for a meeting or lunch with a friend, I always get the sirloin burger with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, arugula, and garlic aioli at House of Tricks.
For a Glass of Wine
My wife and I love to have date night in downtown Tempe. We will traditionally start by enjoying a nice dinner at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar, a casual yet sophisticated place known for bruschetta planks and a superb wine selection.
To Catch the Game
As avid Midwesterners, my wife and I both enjoy attending Chicago Cubs Spring Training baseball games. There’s nothing like going to a game in Sloan Park and enjoying a cold beverage and an Iowa pork tenderloin.
To Relax
This is such a Midwesterner thing to say, but it would have to be the front porch of my aunt’s house in central Iowa. From there, I am able to relax with a cold beverage of my choice and take in the sights, sounds, and beauty that a rural town can offer. The serenity that this place offers allows me to clear my mind, and I find that my imagination and creativity can be more fully engaged when I return to work.
To Entertain Clients
I like to bring them to the historic Mill Avenue District in downtown Tempe, Arizona. This particular area abounds with bars, restaurants, and shops that help to showcase the footprint for which I program and to give them a sense of what to anticipate for their investment.
To Start the Day
Nothing beats the great taste of a Green Flannel [corned beef, eggs, and roasted peppers] from Orange Table.
For an Intimate Meeting
I enjoy going to the Handlebar Tempe. The bike-friendly American beer garden works for meeting a few friends or vendors to discuss events. There are 48 craft beers that rotate depending on the time of year and food that’s great for a light snack or a full meal. One of the many unique qualities of the establishment is that the interior and exterior are covered in wood that was brought in from a reclaimed barn in the Midwest. Being in Arizona, you can enjoy the patio year-round.