Wednesday’s all-day block party celebrating the debut of Channel 12’s new streetside studio, located at 200 E. Van Buren (or “200 EVB” as the plaza is being marketed), is shaping up to be a star-studded shindig unlike anything Downtown has seen in recent memory.
And who knows, maybe you and that sign declaring your love for Tram Mai will even get a few seconds of airtime.
Downtown Goes Live with 12 News is a totally free event that kicks off at 4 a.m. this Wednesday and concludes with a dinner hour concert by Gin Blossoms. Here’s a list of what you can expect (for a Q&A and additional information check out Megan Finnerty’s excellent story on AZCENTRAL):
 4-7:30 a.m.
Sadly, “Today Show” weather personality Al Roker, who was scheduled to broadcast live from the plaza, cancelled late Monday night, but there are still plenty of good reasons to come down and join the party:
The day kicks off bright and early at 4 with “12 News Today.” Bring your signs and cheer on the 12 News personalities as they make the station’s first broadcast from Downtown.
Perry Monge Salon will select one woman from the crowd to do a live makeover on during “Arizona Midday” from 1-2 p.m.
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium will bring a unique collection of animals to the 200 EVB plaza.
Professional touring company of “A Chorus Line” will perform live on the 200 EVB plaza.
Mariachi Chapala will perform live on the 200 EVB plaza.
7:45 a.m.
Channel 12 on-air personalities will be on hand to highfive the crowd during a grand opening ceremony.
11:30 a.m.
DJ Senbad, who spins regularly at DISTRICT American Kitchen & Wine Bar, will provide the soundtrack for a lunch hour boot camp.
Noon
Former “Biggest Loser” champion Ali Vincent will lead a public boot camp workout on the Fort McDowell Casino stage at 2nd Street and Van Buren.
1-2 p.m.
98.7 The Peak deejays Chris Parker and Amy Van Dyken will appear on “Arizona Midday.”
2-6 p.m.
XTRA Sports 910’s “Bickley and MJ” (who recently won their second New Times Best Of award for best sports talk show) will broadcast live from the EVB 200 plaza.
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Valley pro athletes, cheerleaders and mascots will be on hand to mingle with the crowd and sign autographs.
3:30 p.m.
The aforementioned Tram Mai will host a “Top Chef Masters”-style duel between Elements at The Sanctuary’s Beau MacMillan and Eddie Matney of Eddie’s House during her “Valley Dish” program, using ingredients from Phoenix Public Market. #BUYLOCAL
5:30 p.m.
Local alt rock icons Gin Blossoms perform live on the Fort McDowell Casino stage (concert will air on Channel 12 from 6-7 p.m.)
In addition, Van Buren and 2nd Streets will be closed off to traffic around the Arizona Republic tower and 200 EVB plaza, paving the way for food vendors, entertainment and star gazing.
Food vendors will include a variety of Downtown restaurants and food trucks providing everything from coffee and pastries to hot dogs and sandwiches.
While the streets will remain closed through 5 a.m. Thursday, block party events will wrap up at the conclusion of the Gin Blossoms’ performance.
STREET CLOSURES
Downtown Goes Live will require that Van Buren and 2nd Street be shut down from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Thursday around the Arizona Republic tower and 200 EVB plaza.
Stay tuned for more updates as information continues to become available. See you Wednesday!