Suns Surprise Al McCoy during Home Opener
The Phoenix Suns will induct “The Voice of the Suns” and Broadcasters Hall of Fame member, Al McCoy, into the Suns Ring of Honor on Friday, March 3, at halftime of the Suns-Oklahoma City Thunder game at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
The Suns surprised McCoy with the announcement following the first quarter of Wednesday’s Suns-Kings game, when they aired a tribute video highlighting McCoy’s legendary career. Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver then spoke briefly about McCoy’s legacy and contributions to the organization, before declaring that “The Voice of the Suns” will become the fifteenth member of the Suns Ring of Honor.
“Tonight’s announcement was quite the surprise,” McCoy said. “Earning a place in the Suns Ring of Honor is truly unbelievable, and March 3 will certainly be the highlight of my career. I’ve had an incredible run with the Suns, and I’m very appreciative of this recognition.”
[[{"fid":"104925","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{"style":"float: right;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]The Suns will give away an Al McCoy bobblehead to the first 5,000 fans in attendance when he is inducted on March 3.
A pioneer in the sports broadcasting field, McCoy began serving as the play-by-play voice of the Phoenix Suns on Sept. 27, 1972, and owns the impressive distinction as the longest-tenured NBA broadcaster of all-time. His passion and dedication to his craft has brought Suns basketball to life over the airwaves for countless numbers of fans for nearly five decades.
McCoy continues to add to his undeniable legacy with the organization as he enters his 45th season calling Suns games. He was the soundtrack for the most iconic seasons and moments in franchise history, including the team’s two trips to the NBA Finals in 1976 and 1993.
McCoy’s career accomplishments garnered him the 18th Annual Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame during Enshrinement Weekend in September 2007. Just one month later, the Suns honored him with the dedication of the Al McCoy Media Center in October 2007.
McCoy will become the fifteenth member of the Suns Ring of Honor, joining Alvan Adams, Charles Barkley, Tom Chambers, Jerry Colangelo, Walter Davis, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Connie Hawkins, Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, John MacLeod, Steve Nash, Joe Proski, Dick Van Arsdale and Paul Westphal, as those who have received the Suns’ highest honor.
If you'd like to attend the induction ceremony in person, you can purchase tickets to the game here.