When you think about Metro Phoenix, “car culture” is not top of mind. However, Mecum Auctions is proving otherwise.
Mecum Glendale will return to State Farm Stadium from Tuesday, March 17, to Saturday, March 21, with approximately 2,000 consigned vehicles, including 100 motorcycles. The family-friendly event is open to the public.
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“There’s a car community there that’s pretty special,” said Sam Murtaugh, Mecum Auctions’ chief operating officer.
“Obviously, the weather helps with the ability to enjoy classic cars and get them out on the road. It’s exciting to be a part of that and have an automotive event inside of that culture, which is the most exciting thing for us.”
The only collector car auction in an NFL stadium, the 40-year-old Mecum Auctions had total sales of more than $39 million during its inaugural Metro Phoenix stop in 2019. That marks an 85% increase over the company’s previous record total for a debut. This year, the auction is expected to attract about 15,000 guests.
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers — a proud “car guy” by his own telling — spent years courting Mecum, determined to bring the auction to his city. His persistence paid off, and Glendale now reaps the economic and community benefits of hosting the event.
“It brings a lot of revenue to the city of Glendale,” Weiers said. “As mayor, I’m always trying to make our city better, which most people don’t think about. Money is the root of all evil, but it’s also the answer to a lot of problems, too.
“We figure out ways to get more people to Glendale who don’t live here. … People come out here and go, ‘There’s a lot going on here.’ Frequently, people decide to move here. We have international people coming from Canada and other countries. All they have to do is come down here this time of year when it’s 20 below 0 up north.”
Weiers said Mecum Glendale brings “another layer of sophistication to Glendale.” “Some people might not think cars are sophisticated. However, when you start looking at cars that cost $400,000 or $500,000, they get people who are on a budget, and they get people who don’t know what a budget means. [Mecum Glendale] brings a little bit of everybody.
“I can’t tell you exactly how much comes into the city because we have a lot of other activities going on, such as the Dodgers — the two-time World Champions — here for spring training. There’s a lot going on.”
State Farm Stadium officials agreed, according to a statement.
“The Mecum Auto Auction continues to be a strong event for State Farm Stadium and the surrounding community,” the statement read.
“Since launching in 2019, the market has proven to be an excellent fit, with both vehicle inventory and bidder participation growing year over year. The event also delivers a significant economic boost to the area, filling hotels and driving business to local restaurants, bars, and spring training venues. State Farm Stadium’s unique features, including the removable field tray and versatile premium spaces, make it an ideal venue, while the strong corporate partnership with Mecum and the use of multiple Legends Global venues help streamline planning and execution each year.”
Murtaugh said patrons don’t need encyclopedic knowledge of automobiles to enjoy Mecum Glendale.
“You don’t even have to buy a car or sell a car. Spectators can come, walk around, see great cars in one place,” he said.
“The cool thing about our event is it’s like an ‘automotive sporting event.’ The vehicles are parked there; people can walk around, see them, and, once the cars start moving across the auction block, fight for them. It turns into a bit of a sporting event in that regard.”
Mecum Auctions is a family event, with activities for children, including an adventure zone for kids to ride in cars and color.
“At the end of the day, we’re a family-owned and -operated company. All of the owners are car enthusiasts, so that is what fuels the family atmosphere.”
To further entice the next generation, about 50 students and instructors from Arizona Automotive Institute-Glendale Campus will attend Mecum Glendale 2026 for an introduction to the collector car hobby.
“It’s important for us to continue to educate youth, so they’re a part of our industry, as technology continues to evolve as quickly as it is,” said Murtaugh, whose first car was a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
“At the event, they can witness the evolution of the automobile. They might be into the new stuff but may appreciate the old stuff. In the collector car world, nostalgia and passion play a big part. People collect and buy what they remember.”
The Glendale stop follows $445 million in sales at the 13-day Mecum Kissimmee 2026 event — January’s largest collector car auction. More than 4,000 cars cross the block.
“We’ve exceeded $200 million in sales for the last four years, which is an incredible accomplishment,” Murtaugh said. “This year, in particular, we absolutely smashed the record, our own record, and the world record for the most successful event in collector car auction history with over $445 million.”
In Florida, the lineup included a 46-car Ferrari collection, the Bachman Ferrari Collection, whose sales totaled over $125 million. A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $38.5 million.
“Even if you take those two record-setting auctions — the Ferrari collection and the GTO — out of the mix, we still had over $300 million in sales and still broke the record,” he said.
“It was really a testament to the health of and the quality of the market and where it is right now. It was a special event and something I’m extremely proud to have been a part of.”
Information: Mecum Glendale
