Sun Devils Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Kenny Dillingham

Team Mascot: Sparky

Year Opened: 1958

Capacity: 53599

City / State: Tempe / Arizona

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

The Duel in the Desert

Rival Team: Arizona Wildcats

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.

Traditions

Devil Walk

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.

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“A” Mountain

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.

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Techno Tailgate

If you love techno music than ASU’s Techno Tailgate is the pre-game destination for you. Come prepared to drink and dance when visiting Arizona State.

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Hall of Fame

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

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.

Things to check out

The Victory Bell

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.

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Pat Tillman Memorial Tunnel

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.

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Beautiful Buttes

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

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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Fight Songs

  1. Maroon and Gold

    Fight, Devils Down The Field

    Fight With Your Might and Don’t Ever Yield

    Long May Our Colors Outshine All Others

    Echo From The Buttes, Give ‘Em Hell Devils!

    Cheer, Cheer For A-S-U

    Fight For The Old Maroon

    For it’s Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here

    And It’s Onward to Victory!

  2. ASU Alma Mater

    Where The Bold Saguaros

    Raise Their Arms On High

    Praying Strength For Brave Tomorrows

    From The Western Sky

    Where Eternal Mountains

    Kneel At Sunset’s Gate

    Here We Hail Thee, Alma Mater

    Arizona State

Sun Devils Bars & Restaurants

  1. Monkey Pants Bar and Grill

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    Cool atmosphere, amazing food and excellent drinks!

    3223 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Brick and Barley

    Brick and Barley

    Great food and drinks, plus awesome service!

    201 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  3. Final Round

    Final Round burger fries

    Your favorite neighborhood sports bar and grill! Voted best wings and best place to watch football!

    5030 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - sportsbar - $

  4. Philly’s Sports Bar & Grill

    Phillys Sports Bar Grill

    With 40+ HDTVs and ALL sports packages so you can enjoy your favorite games. Topping that off with a huge variety of drinks and an awesome menu!

    1402 S Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill

    Bull McCabes Irish Pub beer

    Amazing food, great service and nice atmosphere.

    930 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. Red Devil Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

    Bellas Pizza of Bristol Pizza Don Vitos Italian Restaurant Pizza Chiefs Place PIzza Pizza Patriot Pub & Grub Pizza Robertos Pizza Ranias Restaurant Pizza The Prescott Pizza Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille Pauls Deli Restaurant Wildcat Angelas Ristorante Pizzeria

    Serving a full Italian menu and hand tossed, New York style pizza.

    208 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  7. Venezia’s Pizzeria

    Top of the Rock Restaurant

    Where making great pizza is a family tradition!

    27 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  8. Detroit Coney Grill

    burger McGrearys Restaurant Celestial Cafe

    We have the Best Hot Dogs in the World. We Grind our Own Beef for our Burgers. We hand-cut our fries using only Idaho Potatoes. We serve Amazing Pitas and Salads. We sell FAYGO POP and Better Made Chips.

    930 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Woodshed

    beer

    Tons of great beers to choose from, equisitely delicious wings, and awesome place to watch sports on TV!

    19 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Top of the Rock Restaurant

    Top of the Rock Restaurant

    With captivating views of beautiful Tempe and Scottsdale landmarks, Top of the Rock will surely give you a memorable and delicious experience.

    2000 W Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  11. Pitchforks & Corks

    Pitchforks and Corks

    Nestled on the second floor of College Avenue Commons on Arizona State University's Tempe Campus, Pitchforks and Corks is the perfect atmosphere to gather with friends

    Design Annex, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480 727-4546

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. Philly’s Sports Grill

    Philly Sports beer

    This classic, roomy neighborhood sports bar offers an extensive pub grub menu, pool & patio seating.

    1826 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-946-6666

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  13. Zipps Sports Grill

    Zipps Sports Grill beer

    Zipps Sports Grill combines homemade food, friendly service & drink, with top-notch entertainment in your neighborhood. Stop by one of our locations today!

    690 S Mill Ave #103, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-404-7255

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  14. Monkey Pants Bar & Grill

    Monkey Pants

    Boisterous hangout with a big burger menu & lots of games, plus an extended happy hour.

    3223 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    480-377-8100

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Vine Tavern & Eatery

    beer bottles

    Stop by the Rural and Apache location to experience the local sports bar that everyone in Tempe is talking about.

    801 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-894-2662.

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  16. Fat Tuesday

    Tequila

    Spacious bar with sidewalk patio serving New Orleans-style food in a Mardi Gras-themed space.

    680 S Mill Ave #106, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-967-3917

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Mill Cue Club

    Beer

    DJs pump a mix of music through this trendy pool hall with dancing & drink specials.

    607 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-966-0068

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Devil’s Advocate

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Beer

    Bottled & on-tap beers accompany American offerings at this intimate fixture with games & TV sports.

    955 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-921-2585

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  19. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

    KegSteak

    Classic steak & seafood dishes are the mainstays at this stylish yet casual chain restaurant.

    23 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-557-5552

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  20. Pedal Haus Brewery

    Pedal House beer

    This isn't your average brew pub. There are outdoor fire pits, games, ping pong, corn hole and more.

    730 S Mill Ave #102, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-314-2337

    Bar website

    american - $$

  21. The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen

    The Lodge

    Boasting a cozy “cabin in the mountains” concept and an hearty bar and food menu to match, The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen beckons many a backpacker to come in from the great outdoors.

    26 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-967-0578

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. The Handlebar Tempe

    Handlebar bar

    A bike-centric, modern American beer garden with a rotating selection of 24 draft beers + 50 can, bomber, and bottle beer options including Local, European & American craft beers.

    680 S Mill Ave #109, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-474-4888

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  23. Postino Annex

    Postino

    It’s all in the details - inspiring yet familiar surroundings, high quality, approachable wines and fresh, colorful bruschetta boards built for sharing.

    Art Annex, 615 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-927-1111

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  24. Casey Moore’s Oyster House

    Casey Moores

    Irish haunt serving seafood, pub grub, draft beer & whiskey in a cozy, memorabilia-filled setting.

    850 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-968-9935

    Bar website

    european - $$

  25. Yucca Tap Room

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    A Tempe landmark, Yucca has showcased live music in an intimate setting for over 40 years.

    29 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    480-967-4777

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  26. Four Peaks Brewing Co

    Four Peaks

    Loves the innovation involved in developing something completely new but it is brewing beer to style that they find the most challenging.

    1340 E 8th St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-303-9967

    Bar website

    american - $$

  27. Taste of Tops

    beer

    30 rotating craft taps, 600 bottles/cans of craft beer, 20 by-the-glass wines, growlers and Growler filling.

    403 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-967-5643

    Bar website

    american - $$

  28. Spinelli’s Pizzeria

    Pizza

    Spinelli’s is more than a Pizza Place, it’s a place to hang out, meet all sorts of different people, enjoy good food and listen to your choice of music on the jukebox available at all our locations.

    420 S Mill Ave #101, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    602-800-5300

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  29. Original ChopShop

    ChopShop

    Swing by, grab a quick, healthful meal and be energized to take on the rest of your day.

    222 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-307-9336

    Bar website

    american - $$

  30. Graduate Tempe

    Graduate

    SOUTHWEST STYLE WITH A DESERT NOD

    225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-967-9431

    Bar website

    american - $$

  31. Chompie’s Deli

    Chompies

    Chompie's is a family-owned, full-service restaurant, New York style deli, bakery, famous bagels, and catering service serving the Phoenix area since 1979.

    1160 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-557-0700

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  32. Nocawich

    Noca Wich

    Stay social with Nocawich.

    777 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-758-5322

    Bar website

    american - $

  33. El Pollo Supremo

    El Pollo

    Casual, counter-serve spot known for charbroiled chicken & fried fish plus Mexican & Cuban classics.

    221 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-966-3713

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  34. The Dhaba

    Dhaba

    This modest Indian market selling traditional grocery items also offers an on-site restaurant.

    1872 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-557-8800

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  35. Dickey’s BBQ Pit

    Dickeys

    BBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.

    521 S College Ave #9, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-704-3510

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  36. The Chuck Box

    Chuckbox burger

    Basic, cash-only burger joint turning out charcoal-broiled patties plus beer & wine.

    202 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-968-4712

    Bar website

    american - $

  37. Boulders on Broadway

    Boulders on Broadway

    Boulders is all about the food, craft beer, bike riding, rock climbing and adventure! With 30 draft handles and 70 plus bottles of craft beer.

    530 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

    480-921-9431

    Bar website

    american - $$

  38. Zuma Grill

    Zuma

    Zuma Grill offers the best in sandwiches, burgers, and much more.

    605 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-829-6775

    Bar website

    american - $

  39. Cornish Pastry Co.

    Cornish Pasty

    Modern, minimalist bar/eatery cooking traditional & vegan Cornish pasties plus other English faves

    960 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

    480-894-6261

    Bar website

    european - cafe - $