The city of Glendale, along with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Foundation hit a Wham Bam Slam with the Al McCoy Memorial Park and SHAZAM! Court dedication Sept. 29.

The park, located near North 51st and West Olive avenues, is the community park in the neighborhood McCoy called home for more than 50 years. McCoy diead at age 91 on Sept. 29, 2024.

Phoenix Suns Gorilla and dancers, along with Al McCoy’s sons and grandchildren, attended the event. Glendale’s Copper Canyon High School band, spirit and pom line, boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, as well as their mascot helped unveil the new court.

“Al McCoy Memorial Park and SHAZAM! Court will be enjoyed by people of all ages, and we are honored to continue his legacy in this special way,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps stated in a press release.

Al McCoy Memorial Park features SHAZAM! Court, an eight-acre park, a new playground, upgraded sand volleyball court, LED lighting and irrigation.

Phoenix Suns color analyst and former player Eddie Johnson, former Glendale city councilmember and friend of McCoy, Ian Hugh and Al McCoy’s son, Jerry, were also on hand for the celebration.

“Anyone who knows about the Phoenix Suns, knows Al,” Johnson stated. “To carry on Al’s legacy through a basketball court and in the neighborhood, he loved so much, it doesn’t get any better. I thanked Al every day I was next to him. I thanked him for how professional he was and more importantly for how much he loved the state of Ariona and the Phoenix Suns.”

Known for his signature calls including “Shazam!” and “Heartbreak Hotel,” McCoy became the soundtrack of Phoenix Suns basketball for five decades, calling games for 51 years before retiring in 2023. 

“By choice, he made Glendale his hometown for 50 years while he was calling games for the Suns,” said Jerry McCoy. “He loved bragging about downtown Glendale and the unique restaurants and shops, as well as the Arrowhead Ranch area and the mega events that Glendale hosts.”

Phelps said the city is honored to work with partners at the Phoenix Suns and Mercury Foundation to be able to honor Al McCoy. This park and basketball court are the core of the foundation’s work.

“How many people shut the sound off on the TV while watching a Suns game, so they could turn on the radio and listen to Al?” Hugh asked the crowd. “He was a fantastic man, had a great family and he is surely missed.”