Your Guide to Training in Phoenix, Arizona
The Alan V. Brunacini (AVB) Command Training Center, home of Blue Card Command Training. We are excited to host you in Phoenix for learning, networking, and professional development with fire service leaders from across North America.
Welcome to the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center
The Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center (AVB CTC) is the premier home of Blue Card Command Training and serves as a national destination for fire service leadership, incident command, and strategic decision-making education. Located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, the AVB CTC was established to continue the legacy of Chief Alan V. Brunacini by providing realistic, standardized command training for fire service professionals from across North America. The facility hosts Blue Card Train-the-Trainer programs, ARFF command training, Big Box Workshops, Mayday Management Workshops, Strategic Decision-Making programs, and other specialized leadership development opportunities. More than a classroom, the AVB CTC serves as a collaborative learning environment where firefighters, company officers, chief officers, and fire service leaders come together to improve firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, and organizational performance through a systems-based approach to incident command.
Whether this is your first visit to Phoenix or your tenth, we want your experience both in and out of the classroom to be exceptional.
Training Center Location
Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center
818 East Osborn Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
The AVB Command Training Center is centrally located in Midtown Phoenix, providing easy access to restaurants, entertainment, hiking, professional sports venues, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
OFFICIAL HOTEL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown North
10 East Thomas Road, Phoenix
Located just minutes from the AVB Command Training Center, the Embassy Suites serves as the official lodging partner for Blue Card programs.
Embassy Suites Phoenix Downtown North
Hotel Features
- Spacious two-room suites
- Complimentary made-to-order breakfast each morning
- Complimentary evening reception
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site restaurant and lounge
- Convenient access to Downtown and Midtown Phoenix
For hotel booking, please reach out to Laura Moore to get the Blue Card (government discount) room rate. If you already booked, you’ll still be able to have the discount price applied if you contact her.
Contact Laura Moore at 602-212-5309 or email at laura.moore@hilton.com
The hotel is 1 mile from the AVB CTC and a 20-minute walk or an easy Uber or Waymo ride.
MEALS DURING TRAINING
Blue Card training programs include:
Lunch each training day
Snacks throughout the day
Soft drinks and coffee
Our goal is to keep you focused on learning while ensuring you remain comfortable and energized throughout the program.
PHOENIX WEATHER
One of the great benefits of training in Phoenix is the weather.
Phoenix enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year and is known for clear skies and low humidity. During the fall, winter, and spring months, daytime temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities, dining, and sightseeing.
Even when temperatures are warmer, mornings and evenings are often perfect for walks, outdoor dining, and exploring the Valley of the Sun.
Remember:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen
- Bring sunglasses
- Dress in layers during winter months
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE ALAN V. BRUNACINI COMMAND TRAINING CENTER
MEXICAN & SOUTHWESTERN
Address: 6035 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Creative Mexican cuisine, outstanding breakfast, and one of the best patios in the area.
Address: 907 N. 14th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
A Phoenix institution famous for green chile burritos and authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food.
Address: 814 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
One of downtown Phoenix’s hottest restaurants, Huarachis Taqueria is the sister restaurant to Bacanora and is led by René Andrade. The menu features elevated Sonoran-style tacos, huaraches, tortas, wood-fired specialties, creative cocktails, and shareable platters in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Address: 1301 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Award-winning Sonoran cuisine centered around wood-fired cooking.
Address: 1582 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Legendary New Mexican restaurant known for its red and green chile dishes.
Address: 546 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85012
Creative tacos served inside a beautifully restored historic church.
Address: 3313 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Build-your-own enchiladas, tacos, soups, and bowls.
Address: 1028 E Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014
Authentic Chihuahuan-style tacos and burritos.
Address: 4545 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013
James Beard Award-winning Native American cuisine famous for fry bread tacos.
Las 15 Salsas
Address: 8041 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021
Widely considered one of the Valley’s best Oaxacan restaurants.
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PIZZA & ITALIAN
Address: 5210 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012
Wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, and a fun neighborhood atmosphere.
Pizzeria Bianco (Town & Country)
Address: 20 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013
One of the most celebrated pizza restaurants in America.
Address: 5505 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
A Phoenix favorite serving Chicago-inspired pizza and Italian classics.
Address: 1916 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Upscale neighborhood pizzeria featuring artisan pizzas, pasta, and cocktails.
Address: 7575 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Classic Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Address: 3601 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
A unique combination of artisan brick-oven pizza, craft cocktails, wine, and one of Arizona’s premier liquor stores. Trevor’s has quickly become one of Phoenix’s hottest dining destinations, with pizzas made using house-made mozzarella and heritage grains from Hayden
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CASUAL AMERICAN
Address: 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012
Popular neighborhood restaurant known for burgers, sandwiches, cocktails, and a lively patio.
Address: 4502 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018
Fresh burgers, sandwiches, salads, and shakes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 2033 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries, and craft beer.
Address: Multiple Valley locations
Great burgers, sports atmosphere, and one of Arizona’s largest beer selections.
Address: 5632 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
A lively social destination featuring multiple eateries, cocktails, lawn games, and outdoor seating.
Address: 4433 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85016
A Phoenix landmark since 1949 known for legendary deli sandwiches.
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SEAFOOD & SUSHI
Address: 100 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 172, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Many locals consider Chula to serve the best poke in Phoenix. Fresh seafood is flown in daily.
Address: 1525 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Outstanding fresh seafood with an extensive fish selection.
Address: 1501 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85015
A Midtown favorite for exceptionally fresh sushi.
Sushi Friend
Address: Central Ave. & Alice Ave., Phoenix
A hidden neighborhood gem recommended by locals for incredibly fresh sushi.
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BBQ
Address: 4301 E. University Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Frequently ranked among the best barbecue restaurants in the United States.
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THAI & ASIAN
Address: 2333 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Authentic Northern Thai street food and one of Phoenix’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Address: 302 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012
A longtime Phoenix favorite serving authentic Chinese cuisine.
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CASUAL UPSCALE DINING
Address: 2425 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
One of Phoenix’s premier upscale restaurants featuring steaks, seafood, sushi, and American classics.
Address: 5040 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018
Beautiful patio dining with upscale American and Southwest-inspired cuisine.
Address: 2 E Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85012
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or business meetings.
Address: 3243 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85012
Modern Southwest cuisine in one of Phoenix’s best indoor/outdoor dining spaces.
La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria
Address: 4410 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018
An iconic Arcadia destination for breakfast, pizza, sandwiches, coffee, and gourmet groceries.
Address: 2611 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phoenix’s legendary old-school steakhouse. Enter through the kitchen and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic dining experiences.
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EVENING SOCIAL GATHERING
Address: 5220 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Craft cocktails, an inviting outdoor courtyard, and a great place to unwind after class with fellow attendees.
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AFTER CLASS ACTIVITIES
Phoenix offers some of the best urban hiking in the country.
Piestewa Peak – 2701 E Piestewa Peak Dr
A favorite among firefighters and locals alike. Incredible views of the Valley and only minutes from the training center.
Camelback Mountain – 5841 Echo Canyon Trail
The most famous hike in Phoenix. Challenging but rewarding with spectacular views.
Shaw Butte – Central Ave & Aster Dr
Easy hiking, desert scenery, and home to the famous Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
South Mountain Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the United States with miles of hiking and biking trails.
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead – 23015 N. 128th St., Scottsdale
One of the premier hiking destinations in the Phoenix area, Tom’s Thumb Trailhead offers access to a variety of scenic trails through the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with routes ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Depending on the season, Phoenix offers outstanding professional sports opportunities.
- Baseball/Arizona Diamondbacks
- Basketball/Phoenix Suns
- Football/Arizona Cardinals
- NASCAR/Phoenix Raceway
- Golf/Phoenix is home to some of the finest public and resort golf courses in the country and hosts major professional golf events each year.
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While You’re Here
Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with fellow students, instructors, and fire service leaders. Some of the best conversations and learning experiences occur outside the classroom.
The AVB Command Training Center was created to continue Chief Alan V. Brunacini’s vision of improving firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, and leadership through education, standardization, and professional development.
We look forward to training with you!
