The Suns’ home opener is only a week away. Here’s five ways to spot the start of the new season:
5. Gorilla sightings.
This peppy primate dunks through hoops of fire, dances better than you and shows up just about everywhere. Keep your head up while you’re Downtown, you never know when he’s around the corner.
4.The weather.

It’s getting cooler and that means one thing, it’s time to bust out the purple and orange t-shirts (and, ok, jackets too).
3. Everyone is suddenly a professional basketball coach.
Water cooler conversations at work are dominated by amateur, preseason coaching advice for Alvin Gentry. No, you’ve never met him, but you still know what he should do.
2. Your beer consumption spikes.
Your evening plans start with casual conversation and end with passionate debates about questionable referee decisions – all over a plate of perfect wings and a cold beer at Majerle’s.
1.Window wars.
Phoenix Suns’ pride takes over the windows of Downtown – forget the Windex, these windows are about more than sparkle. From funky basketballs to streaks of purple, this is Suns’ country – and don’t you forget it.
Photo of The Gorilla © The Phoenix Suns