Earth, Wind & Fire with Chicago in Phoenix: Footprint Center concert guide

Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago bring their co-headlining Heart & Soul Tour to downtown Phoenix on Thursday, Aug. 29 for a night at Footprint Center.

The Live Nation-produced, 30-city tour will feature epic sets from each act, culminating in an encore performance with both bands on stage together.

In making a case for Chicago's 2016 induction on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website, Rob Bowman writes , “Chicago stands as one of America’s most successful rock bands of any epoch in terms of both sales and longevity," going on to note, "The statistics are simply staggering,” which they are.

Fellow Hall of Famers Earth, Wind & Fire, who were enshrined in 2000 , took funk to the masses with such consistency and soul that "The Rolling Stone Album Guide" suggests, "It could be argued that 'The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire' portrays the best singles band of the '70," which they were.

We recently posted a countdown of the 20 best Earth, Wind & Fire songs with a Spotify playlist included if you’re looking to get in the mood before the concert.

Either way, here's everything you need to know before you go to Footprint Center, including where to park, the clear bag policy and what to expect from the concert.

Where is the Earth, Wind & Fire concert in Phoenix?

The Heart & Soul Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago will play Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., in downtown Phoenix.

Earth, Wind and Fire/Chicago tour tickets

As of Monday, Aug. 26, tickets were available at ticketmaster.com starting at $34.50.

What time should I arrive for the Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire concert?

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Chicago setlist 2024

Here's every song Chicago played at Dickies Arena in Forth Worth, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 23:

• “Introduction”
• “Dialogue (Part I & II)”
• “Call on Me”
• “If You Leave Me Now”
• “Make Me Smile”
• “So Much to Say, So Much to Give”
• “Anxiety's Moment”
• “West Virginia Fantasies”
• “Colour My World”
• “To Be Free”
• “Now More Than Ever”
• “Old Days”
• “Hard Habit to Break”
• “You're the Inspiration”
• “Beginnings”
• “I'm a Man” (Spencer Davis Group cover)
• “Just You 'n' Me”
• “Hard to Say I'm Sorry”/ “Get Away”
• “Saturday in the Park”
• “Feelin' Stronger Every Day”

Encore:

• “In the Stone” (with Earth, Wind & Fire)
• “Free” (with Earth, Wind & Fire)
• “Sing a Song” (with Earth, Wind & Fire)
• “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” (with Earth, Wind & Fire)
• “Got to Get You Into My Life” (The Beatles cover with Earth, Wind & Fire)
• “25 or 6 to 4” (with Earth, Wind & Fire)

Earth, Wind & Fire setlist 2024

Here are all the songs Earth, Wind & Fire played at Dickies Arena in Forth Worth, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 23. They also joined Chicago on the encore, as noted above.

• “Shining Star”
• “Let Your Feelings Show”
• “System of Survival”
• “Serpentine Fire”
• Verdine White Bass Solo
• “Jupiter”
• “Saturday Nite”
• “Kalimba Story”
• “Sun Goddess” (Ramsey Lewis cover)
• “Devotion”
• “Reasons”
• “After the Love Has Gone”
• “That's the Way of the World” (followed by introduction of the band)
• “Fantasy”
• “Boogie Wonderland”
• “Let's Groove”
• “September”

Can I bring water or food 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 will be allowed.

Is Footprint Center air-conditioned?

According to its website, Footprint Center "maintains certain temperatures during all events." These temperatures are determined event by event.

Footprint Center bag policy: Can you bring a purse or backpack?

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 as long as they meet the NBA bag-size requirements of 14 by 14 by 6 inches.

Guests with bags larger than 4 inches 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 for quickest entry.

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 provided that 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 may not to be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guest is 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 or banner?

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.

Footprint Center is a cashless venue

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

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, so you do not want to take it to that limit.

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 concerts

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 lon the main concourse across from Section 116.

Funk classics: Best Earth, Wind and Fire songs, from 'September' to 'Let's Groove'

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 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 the Footprint Center.

If you're coming from west/southwest Phoenix:

Take Interstate 10 East to 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 1st Street.

If you're coming from east Phoenix :

Take Loop 202 west to I-10 west. Take I-10 west to 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 the 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 the 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 must show your ticket 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.

Is park and ride available?

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/dropoff 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).

Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more. He did the same in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Earth, Wind & Fire with Chicago in Phoenix: Footprint Center concert guide