The Territorial Cup is awarded annually to the winner of the Arizona-Arizona State game. These two instate rivals have been fighting for the Territorial Cup since 1899 making it the oldest rivalry trophy in the NCAA. The two teams began playing annually in 1925 and over the decades the Wildcats have amassed a 48-39-1 lead over the Sun Devils, however since becoming recognized a university in 1958 the series is tied at 38-38-1. If you can only make it to one ASU game, then The Duel in the Desert is the one to see.
Sun Devils Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Arizona State is known for being one of the biggest party schools in the country, and this reputation is backed up by the wild and rowdy tailgating atmosphere found on an ASU game day. Recently though the university has started cracking down a bit on some of the drinking having outlawed kegs and drinking games. These new rules don’t mean that Sun Devils fans have gone soft though as Arizona State is still one of the premier places to be if you’re looking for a rowdy alcohol-fueled tailgate.
Even with the new tougher tailgate rules, you’ll still find plenty of students and alumni out in the parking lots early as they prepare to cheer on the Sun Devils. While competitive drinking games are outlawed, you’ll still see many fans engaging in traditional tailgating games such as cornhole. The only difference is now everyone just makes sure to get nice and drunk before the games begin rather than engaging in games as a way to get drunk.
Grab a six pack, put on your maroon and gold, and head on down to Sun Devil Stadium for one of the craziest and drunkest tailgates in all of America. On second thought you should probably bring a case if you really want to fit in with the Sun Devil fans.
Head over to Wells Fargo Arena, right next to Sun Devil Stadium, to cheer on the Sun Devils as they arrive on game day. You’ll want to get there two and half hours early, so you don’t miss any of the action.
The tradition of “A” Mountain dates back over a hundred years. However, it hasn’t always been an A as ASU was founded as Tempe Normal School. When at Arizona State make the trek up to A Mountain as no trip to Tempe is complete without visiting the famous 60 foot high A.
The Sports Hall of Fame displays the history of ASU athletics from the early 1900s to today. Olympic memorabilia, exhibits about student-athletes who became professional athletes, and interactive stations playing video from notable games can all be enjoyed here in the first-floor lobby of the Carson Student-Athlete Center. It is open five hours before kickoff as well as Monday through Friday during regular business hours, so make sure to stop by if you get the chance.
Where to tailgate
Stadium LotsLots around the stadium open 3.5 hours before kickoff allowing you to get your pregame party started nice and early. The best lots to tailgate in are the ones close to the stadium on Rio Salgado or Rural.
Fry's Ultimate TailgateFry’s Ultimate Tailgate takes place in the arboretum and features visits from the band, pep squad, and Sparky. Here you can also enjoy free food and beverages as well. Make sure to join the Sun Devil Club or purchase select merchandise from Fry’s the week before the game to enjoy this excellent VIP experience.
Mill Avenue DistrictMill Avenue District in downtown Tempe is a great location for weekend nightlife and dining. It has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and stores that cater to a younger college crowd. Mill Avenue District is the epicenter of partying on ASU game days, so be sure to stop by before or after the game.
Sun Devils Stadium Guide
In Game
The first thing you’ll notice when walking into Sun Devil Stadium is the 2,000 pound Victory Bell. The Victory Bell. The bell is rung to usher students and fans into the stadium, so if you hear the bell, it means you better make your way to your seat soon as you won’t want to miss any of the action.
Once in your seat, the game kicks off to with a bang as intro video gets everyone pumped up and ready to cheer on the Sun Devils as they take the field.Once the fans start up at ASU they don’t slow down as the cheers remain strong throughout the game with the loudest cheers of all coming from the student section known as The Inferno. They can be found in the southeast corner of the stadium clad in bright yellow, which they try and use to distract opposing players.
If you want to sit with the wildest and rowdiest fans at the stadium then sitting in The Inferno is the spot for you.
Throughout the game, you will also hear the motto “Forks Up!”Often as it is one of the most popular cheers among the Sun Devil faithful. To join in on this cheer all, you need to do is make the fork hand gesture, which consists of putting your middle finger and ring finger under your thumb while your other fingers are pointed. The fork lets everyone know who you’re cheering for and is an excellent way to get into the game day spirit.
You’ll have a blast at an Arizona State football game as the rowdy crowd atmosphere combined with the unique surroundings allows you to experience a college game day like no other.
The Victory Bell located right outside of Sun Devil Stadium beckons students and fans to the stadium before every game. The bell is also rung after every Sun Devils victory for the number of points ASU scored. Stop by and check out The Victory Bell to get the most out of your ASU game day.
Pat Tillman started his football career at ASU in 1994 before graduating and going on to play for the Cardinals. Tillman became a national hero when he left the NFL to join the Army and tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004. To honor this great hero A life-size photo of Tillman is displayed on the doorway of the tunnel that the ASU football team runs through onto the field. The tunnel is also covered in a tarp displaying his initial and number. Check out the tunnel and honor one of the greatest heroes the game has ever seen.
Sun Devil Stadium is located between two buttes in the middle of a desert landscape. With views of the buttes as well as the Tempe Town Lakes, the scenery gives the stadium a pleasing aesthetic and even dictates how the stadium is shaped in some places. The beautiful landscape that surrounds Sun Devil Stadium means you’ll not only get a great view of all the action on the field, but also an excellent view of the natural beauty Arizona has to offer.
Sparky, the Sun Devil, is the official Arizona State University mascot, which can be seen all around the stadium on game days. Sparky was designed by Disney illustrator Bert Anthony in 1951 and has been representing ASU ever since. Look for Sparky to entertain the crowd with his trident and wild antics next time you take in a game at Sun Devil Stadium.
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