PHOENIX — June 2 is a date that mirrors one of the Valley's most recognizable numbers: 602.
The familiar area code was the first one given to Arizona back in 1947 and remains the primary code covering central Phoenix.
For the first time this year, the City of Phoenix is celebrating June 2 by spotlighting various aspects of the city.
Councilwomen Betty Guardado and Kesha Hodge Washington will be hosting events on Sunday in their respective districts. Free t-shirts will be given away at public pools around the city.
Several Phoenix businesses plan to offer special promotions in honor of the occasion.
The Phoenix Zoo is offering $6.02 tickets this Sunday and gates will be opening promptly at 6:02 a.m.
"The goal of 602 day is to partner with businesses, cultural organizations, and other groups to provide events and community engagement opportunities that cultivate civic pride," the city wrote in a statement.
More information on 602 Day events and promotions can be found here.
UP TO SPEED
What is the Valley?:
“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.
The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Scottsdale
- Tempe
- Glendale
- Surprise
- Peoria
- Gilbert
- El Mirage
- Avondale
- Litchfield Park
- Goodyear
- Buckeye
Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.
The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas.
