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Big 12 logo in Arizona State colors

Key Information

The Arizona State Sun Devils are the athletic teams that represent Arizona State University. ASU has nine men's and eleven women's varsity teams competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The mascot was adopted in 1946; earlier nicknames were the Normals and later, the Bulldogs. The Sun Devil mascot, Sparky, was designed by Bert Anthony, a former Disney illustrator. ASU's chief rival is the University of Arizona Wildcats, and both universities' athletics departments compete against each other in the Territorial Cup Series.

On August 4, 2023, Arizona State accepted an invite to join the Big 12 Conference, effective August 2, 2024.[2]

Athletic achievements

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See also: List of NCAA schools with the most AIAW Division I national championships

ASU has 25 NCAA team national championships, including baseball (five times), women's tennis (three times), men's gymnastics (one), men's track and field (one), men's indoor track and field (one), women's outdoor track and field (two times), women's indoor track and field (one), wrestling (one), men's golf (two times), women's golf (eight times), softball (two times), and men's swimming and diving (one).[3] ASU also has numerous individual NCAA national champions in different sports. Additionally, the baseball team has appeared in the College World Series 22 times, the men's basketball team has participated in 13 NCAA tournaments, and the ASU football team won the Rose Bowl in 1987 and the Fiesta Bowl in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1982.

ASU varsity teams won national championships in men's archery 15 times, women's archery 21 times, mixed archery 20 times, men's badminton 13 times, women's badminton 17 times, mixed badminton 10 times and triathlon four times, all of which are not recognized by the NCAA.

After NCAA violations from the Sun Devil football team in 2024, ASU became the most-penalized school in NCAA history with ten major infractions.[4]

Sports

[edit]
Men's sports Women's sports
Baseball Basketball
Basketball Beach volleyball
Cross country Cross country
Football Golf
Golf Gymnastics
Ice hockey Lacrosse
Swimming and diving Soccer
Tennis Softball
Track and field† Swimming and diving
Wrestling Tennis
Triathlon
Track and field†
Volleyball
Water polo
† – Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor

Arizona State University sponsors teams in 11 men's and 15 women's NCAA sanctioned sports, following the 2015 elevation of the men's ice hockey club team to varsity status. In the fall of 2015, Arizona State announced the addition of women's triathlon and women's lacrosse. Triathlon began competition in the fall of 2016, with lacrosse starting competition in the spring of 2018.[5] In spring 2016, ASU announced the reinstatement of men's tennis, which had been dropped after the 2007–08 school year.[6]

Football

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Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils football
Arizona State football team in September 2011

The Sun Devils played in the Border Conference between 1931 and 1961, before joining the Western Athletic Conference. Led by head coach Frank Kush, the Sun Devils posted a 64–9 record between 1970 and 1975, culminating in a 17–14 upset of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 1975 Fiesta Bowl.

After the 2006 season, Dirk Koetter was fired after six seasons, and on December 6, 2006, athletic director Lisa Love hired Dennis Erickson to become the head coach at ASU. Erickson, in his first year as coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils, led the team to 10 wins, a share of the Pac-10 title with USC, and the Holiday Bowl against the University of Texas Longhorns. Erickson was fired on November 28, 2011, after five seasons with the Sun Devils. He was replaced by coach Todd Graham on December 14, 2011. Love was fired from her position as vice president for University Athletics and athletics director on March 28, 2012, and was immediately replaced by Steve Patterson. The athletic director from 2014-2023 was Ray Anderson, who selected former NFL player and coach Herm Edwards to replace Graham as Arizona State's head coach in 2018.

In Edwards’ first season in 2018, the Sun Devils went 5–1 at home including two Top-15 upsets over Michigan State and Utah. After a string of poor performances, Edwards was fired just 3 games into the 2022 season. He was replaced by Sun Devil alumnus Kenny Dillingham on November 26, 2022. Anderson stepped down from his position as athletic director on November 13, 2023 and was replaced by Graham Rossini.

Notable football alumni include Terrell Suggs, Jim Jeffcoat, Mike Pagel, Jake Plummer, Todd Heap, J.R. Redmond, Danny White, Randall McDaniel, David Fulcher, Darren Woodson, Pat Tillman, Eric Allen, Zach Miller, Shaun McDonald, John Jefferson, Paul Justin, Jimmy Verdon, Mike Haynes, Al Harris, Vontaze Burfict, Ryan Torain, Brock Osweiler, Jaelen Strong, Curley Culp and N'Keal Harry.

Men's basketball

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Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball
James Harden makes contact with Alfred Aboya inside.

The Arizona State Sun Devils have appeared in the NCAA tournament 17 times, including 3 Elite Eights (1961, 1963, 1975). They have won 8 conference championships (4 WAC and 4 BOR) and finished in the final AP rankings 7 times. The highest national ranking the Sun Devils have achieved was No. 3 under Ned Wulk during the 1980–81 season when the starting lineup included Byron Scott, Fat Lever, and Alton Lister. Ned Wulk was the men's basketball coach from 1958 to 1982 and remains the most successful coach in the history of the program with a record of 406 – 272 (.599).

Arizona State appeared in the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament two years (1948 and 1953). In both years they lost in the second round, leaving the NAIA with a tournament record of 2–2.

Bobby Hurley is the head coach of the Sun Devils, leading Arizona State to a 12–0 non-conference record in 2017, and a signature win over the #1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks on December 22, 2018 – the first win over a top ranked team at home in program history.

Herb Sendek stepped down as head coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack and accepted the head coaching job at Arizona State in 2006. Sendek took the Wolfpack to five consecutive NCAA Tournaments and also won ACC coach of the year in 2004. Sendek was credited for bringing a "basketball atmosphere" and level of excitement to the ASU campus that had been absent for years. In his first four seasons at ASU, Sendek led the Sun Devils to three consecutive 20 win seasons, the 2009 Pac-10 conference tournament finals, and the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Thirty-six ASU Sun Devils have been selected in the NBA draft, including future NBA Most Valuable Player James Harden, Byron Scott, Isaac Austin, Mark Landsberger, Lafayette Lever, Alton Lister, Lionel Hollins, Sam Williams, Jeff Ayres (known as Jeff Pendergraph when he played at ASU), Stevin "Hedake" Smith, Mario Bennett, Tommy Smith, Ike Diogu, Eddie House. Freddie Lewis, and Joe Caldwell.[7] Paul Stovall was a Charles Barkley type standout with a dominating presence on the court but his non-conducive actions off the court limited his notoriety.

Baseball

[edit]
Spencer Torkelson, first overall pick in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft
Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils baseball

ASU has one of the most successful baseball programs in the country. The Sun Devils have won five national championships (1965, 1967, 1969, 1977, 1981), the fourth most by any school, and have the third most College World Series victories with 61.[8]

ASU baseball has won 21 conference championships (including four consecutive Pac-10 titles from 2007 to 2010) and reached the College World Series 22 times. The Sun Devils have also reached the NCAA tournament 42 times, most recently in 2025.

Starting with Rick Monday as the No. 1 pick of the first ever Major League Baseball draft in '65, ASU leads all schools with 459 total picks.[citation needed] ASU also has the third most alumni to ever play in Major League Baseball. Baseball alumni include Barry Bonds, Paul Lo Duca, Fernando Viña, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Leake, Andre Ethier, Willie Bloomquist, Bob Horner, Sal Bando, Ike Davis, Jason Kipnis, Brett Wallace, Ian Kinsler, Hubie Brooks, Hunter Bishop, and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

Women's basketball

[edit]
Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils women's basketball

The Arizona State Sun Devils have appeared in the NCAA tournament 17 times, including 7 Sweet Sixteens (1982, 1983, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2019) and 2 Elite Eights (2007, 2009). They have produced WNBA talent such as Kym Hampton, Briann January, Dymond Simon, Monique Ambers, Promise Amukamara, Amanda Levens, Sophie Brunner, Emily Westerberg, and more. Under head coach Charli Turner Thorne, the program has become one of the best in the country. She is the winningest coach in ASU history, leading the Sun Devils to two conference championships and 14 NCAA Tournaments in her tenure.

Beach volleyball

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Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils Beach Volleyball

Arizona State began their Sand Volleyball program in 2014. It officially became an NCAA Championship sport in 2016, as they changed the sport's name to Beach Volleyball. ASU is one of nine schools to play Beach Volleyball in the Pac-12 Conference, along with Arizona, California, Stanford, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Utah, and Washington. In their first four seasons, the Sun Devils have had three head coaches. Jason Watson led ASU for two seasons from 2014 to 2015, Jackie Bunker for one season in 2016, Brad Keenan for seven seasons from 2017 to 2023, and Kristen Rohr starting in 2024. In 2024, the Sand Devils earned their 1st NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

Completed in February 2022, ASU opened their new Sun Devil Beach Volleyball Facility on the Tempe campus. It cost $1.2 million and includes four courts. It is located just East of the Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium.

Home matches were originally hosted at the PERA Club, which is located on 1 E. Continental Drive in Tempe. The PERA Club (short for Project Employees Recreation Association) is a private country club for employees and families of the Salt River Project, the major water and power utility in Phoenix and surrounding cities. It holds three volleyball courts after completing major renovations to accommodate the Sun Devil Volleyball team.

Gymnastics

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Led by 30+ year coach John Spini, the Sun Devils women's Gymnastics team had many strong years over his reign with many all-American Gymnasts to Spinis credit as well as a facility named after him. Below is the history of top qualifiers coach has had as well as his predecessors at ASU.

Jean-Luc Cairon served as an assistant coach for the women's gymnastics team.[9]

Jay Santos is the head coach, while his wife, Jessica Santos is an associate coach for Sun Devil Gymnastics.

Lacrosse

[edit]

Arizona State University began their Women's Lacrosse program during the 2018 season. ASU is one of fourteen schools to have played Women's Lacrosse in the Pac-12 Conference, along with California, Colorado, Oregon, Stanford, and USC. Courtney Martinez Connor became Head Coach starting with the 2018 campaign, Tim McCormack was named Head Coach beginning with the 2020 season, and Taryn VanThof was named Head Coach beginning with the 2023 season. Home games for the Arizona State Sun Devils are played at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. During their inaugural season in 2018, the Sun Devils finished (6–12) overall, (1–9) in Pac-12 play, (1–6) at home, (5–5) on the road, and (0–1) in neutral site games. ASU completed the 2019 campaign (6–12) overall, (2–8) in Pac-12 play, (4–6) at home, (2–5) on the road, and (0–1) in neutral site contests. The Devils finished the shortened 2020 season (5–3) overall, (1–1) in Pac-12 play, (3–1) at home, and (2–2) on the road. Arizona State completed the 2021 campaign (10–6) overall, (5–4) in Pac-12 play, (6–2) at home, (3–3) on the road, and (1–1) in neutral site games. The Sun Devils finished the 2022 season (11–8) overall, (7–3) in Pac-12 play, (7–3) at home, and (4–5) on the road. ASU completed the 2023 campaign (6–13) overall, (3–7) in Pac-12 play, (3–3) at home, (1–9) on the road, and (2–1) in neutral site contests. The Devils finished the 2024 season (9–10) overall, (3–4) in Pac-12 play, (6–3) at home, (2–6) on the road, and (1–1) in neutral site contests.

Softball

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Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils softball

One of the nation's founding programs, the two-time NCAA national champion Sun Devils are in their 45th season on the diamond. ASU has recorded twenty-seven seasons of 30 or more wins and twelve with 40 or more, including an all-time high of 66 wins in 2008. The Sun Devils have appeared in 23 NCAA tournaments (33 postseason bids overall) and have made nine trips to the Women's College World Series. Prior to the existing NCAA format, ASU went to seven WCWS, claiming back-to-back national titles in 1972 and 1973. Arizona State's storied tradition of softball excellence continues to flourish under head coach Clint Myers, who has led the Sun Devils to two NCAA national championships. Myers joined Linda Vollstedt (women's golf – 7), Greg Kraft (women's track & field indoor – 2, women's track & field outdoor – 1, men's indoor track & field – 1), Bobby Winkles (baseball – 3) and Jim Brock (baseball – 2) as Sun Devil coaches with more than one NCAA title.

The Sun Devils capped off the 2008 season with their first WCWS NCAA national championship on June 3, 2008. Kaitlin Cochran hit a three-run home run, Katie Burkhart pitched a four-hitter and Arizona State routed Texas A&M 11–0 to win the title. Cochran slammed the first pitch from Megan Gibson over the left field fence in the fifth inning to give the sixth-seeded Sun Devils a 4–0 lead in the fifth inning. The margin ended up matching the second-most lopsided game in Women's College World Series history.

On June 7, 2011, the Sun Devils captured their second NCAA national championship by defeating the Florida Gators. ASU pitcher, Dallas Escobedo, became the first freshman pitcher to lead a team to the NCAA title since 1990.

Track and field

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Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils track and field

Entering his 19th season, Greg Kraft is the head coach of the Track and Field team. During his tenure the Sun Devils have won 4 NCAA Championships, 32 NCAA individual titles and produced 13 Olympians.[10] As part of being in the Big 12 Conference, ASU competes with UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Stanford, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Arizona, and other schools in the Big 12. Among the all-time Pac-12 records, three of the top ten times in the men's 4x400 relay are held by ASU (2004, 2004, 2005). The women hold three of the top ten spots in the 400m (1991, 2004, 2015).[11] Sun Devil alumni include Olympian Dwight Phillips (Long Jump Gold Medal at 2004 Olympic games). ASU has a history producing top competitive athletes to compete in the Olympics even before 2004.

Golf

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The Arizona State golf teams use Papago Golf Course as their home course. They play and practice, as of September 2019 at The Thunderbird Golf Complex, and the Phil and Amy Mickelson Player Development Practice Facility.

In 1960, 1962, 1969 and 1970, JoAnne Gunderson, Carol Sorenson, Jane Bastanchury and Cathy Gaughan, respectively, won the women's intercollegiate individual golf championship (an event conducted by the Division of Girls' and Women's Sports, which was succeeded by the existing NCAA women's golf championship). In 1975, the ASU women's golf team won the AIAW national championship. Monica Vaughn won the NCAA women's individual golf championship in 2017.

The women's golf team has won 8 national championships (1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2009, & 2017). There have been 10 women's individual champions in school history (1960 Joanne Gunderson-Carner, 1962 Carol Sorenson, 1969 Jane Bastanchury-Booth, 1970 Cathy Gaughan, 1985 Danielle Ammaccapane, 1994 Emilee Klein, 1995 Kristel Mourgue d'Algue, 1999 Grace Park, 2008 Azahara Munoz, & 2017 Monica Vaughn).

ASU women's golf has had 5 winners of the Honda Award (1994 Wendy Ward, 1995 Wendy Ward, 1998 Kellee Booth, 1999 Grace Park, & 2017 Monica Vaughn). Arizona State has had 5 coaches win the WGCA National Coach of the Year (1989 Linda Vollstedt, 1994 Linda Vollstedt, 1995 Linda Vollstedt -(Co-Winner), 2009 Melissa Luellen, & 2017 Missy Farr-Kaye). The Sun Devils have also claimed 5 winners of the Golfweek National Coach of the Year (1993 Linda Vollstedt, 1994 Linda Vollstedt, 1995 Linda Vollstedt, 1997 Linda Vollstedt, & 2017 Missy Farr-Kaye).

The men's golf team has won 21 conference championships:[12]

They won NCAA regional championships in 1991 (co-champions), 1995, 1998 (co-champions), 1999, 2001, and 2009.[12]

They won the NCAA Division I Championship in 1990 and 1996[12] while claiming six individual titles: Jim Carter (1983), Phil Mickelson (1989, 1990, 1992), Todd Demsey (1993), and Alejandro Cañizares (2003).[13] The ASU women's golf program is the most successful is NCAA history with eight NCAA Division I national championships, most recently in 2017.

Golf alumni include Paul Casey, Bob Gilder, Matt Jones, Billy Mayfair, Phil Mickelson (6 time major champion), Mike Morley, Tom Purtzer, Jeff Quinney, Jon Rahm, Chez Reavie, Howard Twitty, JoAnne Carner, Heather Farr, Giulia Molinaro, Azahara Muñoz, Anna Nordqvist, Grace Park, Pearl Sinn and Wendy Ward.

Former students of Arizona State University top the all time money list for PGA tour career earnings. Phil Mickelson ($92.2M), Paul Casey ($32.2M), Pat Perez ($26.8M), Jon Rahm ($23.6M), Billy Mayfair ($20.3M), Chez Reavie ($16.7M), Matt Jones ($13.4M), Dan Forsman ($8.7M), Jim Carter ($4.8M), Tom Purtzer ($4.2M), Bob Gilder ($3.0M), Grayson Murray ($2.9M), Howard Twitty ($2.7M), John Adams ($2.0M), Morris Hatalsky ($1.7M) and Mike Morley ($526K) have collectively earned $255,706,471 from 89 wins.[14]

Wrestling

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Main category: Arizona State Sun Devils wrestlers

The Sun Devil wrestling team have captured one NCAA team national championship (1988) beating out powerhouse Iowa for the title, followed by two years of national runners-up in 1989 and 1990, losing out to Oklahoma State both years. The Sun Devil wrestling team has produced 10 individual NCAA champions and over 100+ All-American wrestling honors in its history.[15] Arizona State has won 24 Pac-12 Championships in program history.

Wrestling alumni include several Mixed Martial Arts stars, such as: Dan Severn (inductee to UFC Hall of Fame), Don Frye, Cain Velasquez (former UFC Heavyweight Champion), Ryan Bader, Aaron Simpson, Dan Henderson, John Moraga, Clifford Starks, C.B. Dollaway, and Bubba Jenkins (2011 157 lbs NCAA Champion). Other notable wrestlers include: Anthony Robles (2011 125 lbs NCAA Champion with one leg), Curley Culp (1967 NCAA Heavyweight Champion and member of Pro Football Hall of Fame), and Zahid Valencia (two-time NCAA Champion).

Eight Sun Devil wrestlers have participated at the Olympics, most recently in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. There have been two Olympic silver medalists from Arizona State; Zeke Jones and Townsend Saunders.[16] Six Sun Devil wrestlers have participated in the World Championships of Wrestling since 1985 (on 16 occasions). Those wrestlers placed in the top 10 a total of ten times, including Zeke Jones, who was the 1991 World Champion at 52 kg or 114.6 pounds.

Ice hockey

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Main article: Arizona State Sun Devils men's ice hockey
A men's ice hockey game between Arizona State and Air Force in 2017

ASU announced plans to transition their ACHA men's hockey program to an NCAA varsity program on November 18, 2014. The Sun Devils continued play in the ACHA in 2014–15, played a hybrid schedule in 2015–16 with a mix of NCAA and ACHA competition, and played as a Division I independent in 2016–17 with plans to join a conference in 2017–18.[17] The National Collegiate Hockey Conference, Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and Big Ten[18] were all seen as potential landing spots for Arizona State.[19] However, no conference move materialized until 2023, when ASU was announced as the newest NCHC member effective with the 2024–25 season.[20]

The ASU hockey team has a proud history of ACHA hockey. The highlight included winning the 2013–2014 ACHA National Championship, beating Robert Morris 3–1 to win its first national championship in hockey. The team is led by Coach Greg Powers. Coach Powers enters his eighth overall season on the Sun Devil coaching staff and his first as head coach of ASU's NCAA Division I Hockey program. In the 2013–2014 season, coach Powers helped guide the Sun Devils to their first ever ACHA Division I National Championship. He holds a 164–27–9 career record, and his team ended the 2014–2015 season ranked number three in the ACHA with a 35–4–1 record, qualifying for the team's third-straight ACHA Division I Final Four. Since taking the reins as head coach, Greg has also coached eight ACHA Div. I All-Americans and 15 ACHA Academic All-Americans.[21]

Coach Powers has helped lead Sun Devil Hockey to five consecutive ACHA National Tournament appearances, starting with his first year as head coach in 2010. In 2012–2013, he led ASU to a new program best record and first ever 30 plus win season with a record of 35–8–1, its first ever Final Four Appearance, first ever National Ranking of No. 1, and a benchmark win over NCAA DI Penn State. During the 2013–2014 season, ASU Hockey won the ACHA DI National Championship, with Powers named ACHA DI National Coach of the Year. The Sun Devils were also named WCHL Conference Champions both for 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, and Powers was named WCHL Coach of the Year for 2013–2014. Powers was also named an ACHA Division I National Coach of the Year finalist in 2012–2013, and 2014–2015.[21]

Since 2009, Coach Power's ASU hockey teams held a 37-game winning streak over the rival college hockey team located in Tucson, Arizona.[22]

Non-varsity sports

[edit]

Rugby

[edit]

Founded in 1975, the Arizona State University men's rugby team has played college rugby in Division 1 of the Gold Coast Conference, which is part of American College Rugby, the USA Rugby-sanctioned governing body of Division I-AA, II and III college rugby since the summer of 2019.[23][24] The Sun Devils formerly played in the Division 1-A PAC Rugby Conference, which is part of the College Rugby Association of America (also sanctioned by USA Rugby), in which their rivals included Pac-12 foes such as Arizona and UCLA.[25] With 98 registered players, Arizona State was ranked as the largest college rugby program in the United States in 2009.[26] Arizona State was led by head coach Gary Lane from 2001 until 2017, when he agreed to resign as part of disciplinary action taken by D-I Rugby (the College Rugby Association of America) in response to a violent on-field incident involving an ASU player.[27][28][29] The team has since then been coached by Pieter Hugo.[30] Arizona State was regularly ranked in the Top 25 in the country during its time as a Division I-A program. Arizona State's rugby sevens program has been successful in the Collegiate Rugby Championship, the highest profile college rugby tournament in the country, where they finished tenth in the 2010 tournament.[31] Arizona State also participated in the 2013 USA Rugby Sevens Collegiate National Championships, where they went 5–1 and finished ninth.[32]

Championships

[edit]

NCAA team championships

[edit]

Arizona State has won 25 NCAA team national championships.[33]

Other national team championships

[edit]

Arizona State has 18 DGWS/AIAW team national championships:

  • Women (18)
    • Badminton (7): 1971, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981
    • Golf (1): 1975
    • Softball (2): 1972, 1973
    • Swimming (8): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978

Below are 111 national team titles won by varsity and club sports teams at the highest collegiate levels in other non-NCAA competition:

  • Men (34)
    • (Unclaimed) Football (2) : 1970, 1975
    • Archery (16): 1969, 1974, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
    • Badminton (13): 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
    • Bowling (1): 1981
    • Karate (1): 1981
    • Paintball (1): 2005 (Div. AA)
  • Women (45)
    • Archery (22): 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
    • Badminton (10): 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
    • Bowling (1): 1981
    • Racquetball (1): 2007
    • Rodeo (1): 1966
    • Tennis (USLTA) (3): 1971, 1972, 1974
    • Triathlon (7): 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Combined (34)
    • Archery (20): 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
    • Badminton (10): 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
    • Wakeboarding (3): 2013, 2014 (both College and Wake); 2014 (USA Wakeboard)
    • Waterskiing (1): 2001

Rivalries

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A strong academic and athletic rivalry exists between the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.

Arizona State University fields the more accomplished baseball team with five College World Series national championships (1965, 1967, 1969, 1977 and 1981) to the University of Arizona's four College World Series national championships (1976, 1980, 1986, and 2012). As of May 2024, the schools have met 493 times on the baseball diamond, dating back over 100 years to the first contest in 1907. Arizona leads the all-time series 263–229–1 as of May 8, 2024.[citation needed]

The annual football rivalry game between the two schools is known as "The Duel in the Desert." It is one of the most heated rivalries in college football. The University of Arizona has the all-time series lead with a record of 51–45–1 dating back to the time when ASU was the Tempe Normal Owls and Teacher's College Bulldogs. The school adopted the moniker, the Sun Devils, on November 20, 1946.[34] The trophy awarded after each game, the Territorial Cup, is the nation's oldest rivalry trophy. It is held as of 2024 by Arizona State University.

In 2009, State Farm introduced the sponsored "State Farm Territorial Cup" for the two schools. Arizona won the inaugural season of the series 10.5 points to 7.5.

The ASU wrestling team has been dominant over the UA Wildcats with a record of 28–8 all time.[35] The University of Arizona no longer has a wrestling program.

ASU athletic facilities

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Arizona State Sun Devils

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Arizona State Sun Devils are the athletic teams representing (ASU), a public research university in , competing in (NCAA) as members of the . The program encompasses 26 varsity sports for men and women, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, , and , with additional programs like men's in the (NCHC). Over 600 student-athletes participate annually, supported by a passionate fan base of more than 750,000 known as Sun Devil Nation, which upholds traditions such as the pitchfork hand salute and spirited game-day events at facilities like and Desert Financial Arena. Established alongside ASU's founding as the Territorial Normal School in 1885, Sun Devil Athletics traces its competitive roots to the early , with football debuting in 1897 and the iconic "Sun Devils" nickname adopted in 1946 to reflect the team's tenacious spirit. The program gained national prominence under legendary football coach Frank Kush, who from 1958 to 1979 led the team to a 176-54-1 record, multiple bowl victories, and the 1975 undefeated season culminating in a win. Conference affiliations evolved from the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1931–1961) and (1962–1977) to the Pac-12 (1978–2023), before transitioning to the Big 12 in 2024 alongside in-state rival . This move marked a new era, highlighted by the football team's inaugural Big 12 championship in 2024 and qualification for the . Sun Devil Athletics excels both athletically and academically, boasting a 93% graduation success rate for student-athletes (2023–2024) and 158 Academic All-Americans. The program has produced 37 Hall of Famers across sports, including NFL stars like , MLB icons such as and (who won six majors after starring in ), and NBA talents like . Notable achievements span multiple disciplines, with 25 NCAA team championships, including in (1967, 1969, 1981, 1987) and women's (1995 NCAA title), alongside Olympic medalists and over 100 professional draft picks. The mascot, , and maroon-and-gold colors symbolize the program's fierce, innovative ethos, fostering community engagement through initiatives like the Sun Devil Club and name, image, and likeness (NIL) support for athletes.

Program Overview

History

The athletic program at traces its origins to the late 19th century, when the institution was founded in 1885 as the Arizona Territorial Normal School in Tempe. Intercollegiate athletics began in earnest around 1898, with football emerging as the first organized sport shortly thereafter, followed by as a prominent early offering. The program's development paralleled the school's evolution, including its renaming to Arizona State Teachers College in 1929, Arizona State College in 1945, and finally in 1958 following a statewide initiative that expanded its scope and ambitions. Early successes in the and laid a foundation in football and , particularly after the school joined the in 1931, where it captured multiple conference titles in football during the under coaches like Ted Shipkey and Dixie Howell. The post-World War II era marked significant expansion, with the addition of wrestling in 1959 under coach , who built the program into a national powerhouse. The arrival of legendary football coach Frank Kush in 1958 further elevated the Sun Devils, as his disciplined approach led to a 176-54-1 record over 22 seasons and transformed the program into a competitive force. The 1970s brought the integration of following the passage of in 1972, which spurred the addition and growth of varsity teams in sports like , , and , promoting gender equity in athletics. The 1970s and 1980s represented a golden age of dominance, highlighted by national championships in football (claimed in 1975 and 1986), (1977 and 1981 NCAA titles), among others, as the program transitioned conferences—from the (1931–1961) to the in 1962, and then to the Pac-8 (renamed Pac-10 in 1978 and Pac-12 in 2011) through 2023. In 2024, Arizona State joined the , marking its latest affiliation shift, and achieved immediate success with a Big 12 football championship victory over Iowa State (45–19) and the men's team's first-ever NCAA title. Over more than 125 years, the Sun Devils have amassed 147 national championships across various sports, underscoring the program's enduring legacy.

Conference Affiliations

The Arizona State Sun Devils athletic program operated as an independent from its inception in until 1930, competing without formal conference affiliation during the early years of intercollegiate sports at the institution. In 1931, the university joined the , a regional league comprising southwestern institutions, which provided structured competition and scheduling stability for sports like football and amid growing regional rivalries. This affiliation lasted until , allowing the Sun Devils to establish a foundation in conference play while navigating the logistical challenges of travel in the pre-jet era Southwest. Seeking broader competition and visibility, Arizona State transitioned to the (WAC) in 1962, where the program experienced significant growth, particularly in football under coach Frank Kush, with multiple championships that highlighted the expanded opportunities for national exposure in a larger Western footprint. The Sun Devils' success in the WAC, including seven football titles, positioned them for further elevation, leading to their departure in 1978 to join the Pacific-8 Conference (Pac-8) along with the , which expanded the league to the Pac-10; it became the Pac-12 in 2011 with additional members. This move to the Pac-8/Pac-10/Pac-12 era fostered intense in-conference rivalries, such as with the , and increased media exposure through national television deals, elevating the program's profile until the Pac-12's instability from conference realignment prompted changes. In August 2023, amid the Pac-12's collapse due to departing members seeking more lucrative deals elsewhere, Arizona State announced its departure effective after the 2023-24 season, joining the Big 12 Conference starting in the 2024-25 academic year alongside fellow former Pac-12 schools Arizona, Utah, and Colorado to form a 16-team league. The shift to the Big 12 has introduced challenges like increased cross-country travel—such as flights to the East Coast for games against teams like West Virginia—potentially straining student-athletes' schedules and recovery, while also sparking new rivalries with protected opponents like BYU and Kansas State to complement preserved Western matchups. Despite these adjustments, the affiliation yielded immediate success, with the football team capturing the 2024 Big 12 championship in their debut season, defeating Iowa State 45-19 in the title game. Across these affiliations, the Sun Devils have amassed 19 football conference championships—including seven in the , seven in the WAC, four in the Pac-12, and one in the Big 12—along with numerous titles in other sports, including 25 NCAA team championships overall, underscoring the program's adaptability and competitive prowess through evolving conference landscapes.

Administration and Traditions

The athletic department of the Arizona State Sun Devils is led by Director of Athletics Graham Rossini, a two-time ASU alumnus who was appointed to the position on May 23, 2024, after serving as senior associate since March 2021. Rossini oversees 26 varsity sports programs and supports approximately 661 student-athletes during the 2024-25 academic year. The department operates on an annual budget of roughly $144 million in both revenue and expenses, as reported for fiscal year 2024, with funding derived from university allocations, booster contributions through organizations like the Sun Devil Club, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities facilitated by the Sun Angel Collective. Notable figures in Sun Devils athletics history include Frank Kush, who served as head football coach from 1958 to 1979 and built the program into a national contender during his tenure, and , an ASU alumnus hired as head football coach on November 27, 2022, ahead of the 2023 season. Under Rossini's leadership, the department has emphasized strategic growth, including expanded NIL support to aid student-athlete development amid evolving college athletics regulations. Central to the Sun Devils' identity are longstanding traditions that foster and community. The mascot , featuring a pitchfork-wielding figure, has represented ASU since 1946, when students voted to replace the previous bulldog mascot to better embody the university's dynamic energy; the character was first illustrated that year and has evolved through several redesigns, including a notable update in 1980. The "Forks Up" hand sign, mimicking Sparky's pitchfork, emerged as a of and is performed by fans during games and events, often accompanied by the " and ," composed in 1937 to celebrate the school's official colors of maroon and gold, adopted in 1898. These elements, including Sparky's pre-game rituals like stomping the opposing team's bus to the tune of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," reinforce the fiery, resilient ethos of Sun Devil Nation. Fan culture thrives on high engagement, with Sun Devil Athletics events drawing more than 750,000 attendees annually across all sports, highlighting the program's broad appeal and economic impact on the Tempe community. Iconic traditions like the Territorial Cup rivalry game against the underscore in-state pride, as the annual football matchup—dating to 1899 and played before crowds often exceeding 50,000—symbolizes Arizona's territorial heritage and unites supporters in spirited competition. The Sun Devils prioritize academic achievement alongside athletic success, boasting a 93% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for student-athletes in the most recent NCAA report, matching the program's all-time high for the second consecutive year. This commitment is bolstered by initiatives like the Sun Angel Foundation, a nonprofit established to fund scholarships, facilities, and operational needs for Sun Devil Athletics, including support for out-of-state student-athletes whose annual costs exceed $75,000; the foundation channels donor contributions to enhance academic resources and overall student welfare.

Varsity Sports

Men's Sports

The Arizona State Sun Devils sponsor 10 men's varsity sports at the level: , , cross country, football, , , and diving, tennis, track and field, and wrestling. These programs collectively field approximately 300 male student-athletes, with football maintaining the largest roster at over 120 players to support its demanding schedule and depth requirements. The men's teams compete primarily in the , emphasizing competitive excellence alongside academic rigor, as evidenced by the department's consistent (APR) scores exceeding 985 in recent years. Leadership across the men's programs features experienced coaches who have driven notable successes. Willie Bloomquist has headed the baseball team since 2022, leveraging his 14-year MLB career to rebuild the program toward postseason contention. , in his 11th season as men's basketball coach since 2015, has guided the Sun Devils to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, drawing on his legacy as a two-time national champion at . , appointed head football coach in late 2022 and entering his third full season in 2025, has revitalized the team, leading them to a Big 12 championship and berth in 2024. Performance trends highlight strengths in several disciplines. The men's swimming and diving program captured its first NCAA team in , ending a long and establishing ASU as a rising power in the with multiple individual and relay titles accumulated over prior decades. Baseball boasts a storied history with 22 appearances, the second-most in NCAA history, including five national titles between 1965 and 1988. Football has claimed two national championships (1970 and 1975 per select polls), though officially recognized for the 1975 title, with the program producing numerous talents amid a resurgence under recent . Support for men's programs extends to academics and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities through the Sun Devil Club, which funds scholarships and NIL collectives to aid retention and recruitment. In football, recent transfer portal activity has been active, with the 2025 cycle bringing in experienced players like from Clemson to bolster depth following a playoff run.

Women's Sports

The Arizona State Sun Devils sponsor 15 women's varsity sports programs at the level, including , , cross country, , , , , soccer, , swimming and diving, , , , , and . These programs collectively involve more than 350 female student-athletes, contributing to a balanced athletic department that emphasizes gender equity in scholarships, facilities, and resources. and stand out as flagship programs, drawing significant fan support and showcasing consistent competitive success within the . The growth of women's athletics at has been profoundly influenced by , enacted in 1972 to prohibit sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Prior to Title IX, ASU was already a pioneer in , with established teams competing under the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and securing 18 national titles across various disciplines. Following the law's passage, the university expanded from a limited number of sports to the current 15 varsity offerings, fostering increased participation and investment in women's programs to achieve proportional opportunities. This evolution has promoted gender equity, with women's teams now receiving substantial budgetary support—rising from less than 2% of athletic budgets in 1972 to approximately 40% today—and access to shared facilities like the Student Athlete Facility Complex. Key coaching figures have shaped the women's programs' legacy. Charli Turner Thorne served as head women's basketball coach from 1996 to 2022, amassing 488 wins and leading the Sun Devils to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, establishing a foundation for sustained excellence. In , Trisha Ford guided the team from 2016 to 2022, earning four Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors and contributing to the program's storied tradition, including NCAA titles in 2008 and 2011. Current leaders continue this momentum, with programs like and diving achieving recent Big 12 championships and posting 19 top-10 national finishes under long-term coaching stability. These trends highlight ASU's commitment to women's athletics as a cornerstone of the Sun Devils' overall success, prioritizing athlete development and competitive parity.

Championships and Achievements

NCAA Team Championships

The Arizona State Sun Devils have won 25 NCAA team championships across nine sports since the program's first title in , spanning both current and discontinued NCAA-sponsored competitions. These victories highlight the university's historical dominance in Olympic-style and racquet sports, as well as more recent successes in and . The championships include five in , eight in women's , two in men's , two in , one each in men's , men's outdoor , and men's and diving, and five in discontinued sports like and . The Sun Devils' baseball program secured five NCAA titles through the College World Series, beginning with the 1965 championship under coach Bobby Winkles, clinching the title with a 2-1 victory over Ohio State in the decisive game of the final series (after a 12-2 semifinal win over Wichita State). Subsequent wins came in 1967 (defeating 11-2 in the final), 1969 (10-1 over Tulsa in the final), 1977 (defeating 2-1), and 1981 (7-4 over Oklahoma State), establishing ASU as one of the most successful programs in the sport's history. These triumphs contributed to 12 College World Series appearances and underscored the team's prowess in producing MLB talent. In women's golf, ASU claimed eight NCAA championships, starting with the team title led by coach Linda Vollstedt, followed by victories in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998, with the 2009 win under Carolyn Kirby and the 2017 title featuring Alex Pleta as individual standout. These successes, often by narrow margins in stroke-play formats, elevated the program to the most decorated in NCAA women's golf history at the time. Men's golf produced two titles in (edging UCLA by two strokes) and 1996 (led by Scott Johnson), both under Vollstedt, reinforcing ASU's reputation in the sport with multiple top finishes at nationals. The dual win with women's golf marked a rare sibling sweep. Softball achieved two championships in 2008 (11-0 shutout of Texas A&M in the final under Clint Myers) and 2011 (7-2 over ), highlighting defensive strength and pitching dominance with 126 combined wins across those seasons. The men's gymnastics team won its lone title in 1986 under coach Don Robinson, scoring 283.90 to outpace UCLA, with strong performances on and rings. ASU's men's outdoor team captured the 1977 NCAA title at the championships in , led by coach Fred Harvey and scoring key points in sprints and field events to edge Texas A&M. The men's and diving program earned its first NCAA team championship in 2024 in , tallying 523.5 points under coach Bob Bowman to surpass by 79 points, powered by world-record relays and individual wins from swimmers like Leon Marchand. In discontinued NCAA sports, ASU won one women's archery team title in 1969 and four women's badminton team titles in 1971, 1975, 1976, and 1977, reflecting early program strength in non-traditional competitions before those sports were dropped from NCAA sponsorship in the and 1990s. These archived victories, part of broader national dominance (e.g., 15 men's archery and 17 women's badminton titles overall), added to ASU's legacy of innovation in collegiate athletics.
SportYearsCoach(es)Notes
1965, 1967, 1969, 1977, 1981Bobby Winkles (first four), Jim Brock (1981)Five College World Series wins; 1965: series win vs. Ohio State (2-1 Game 3); semifinal 12-2 vs. Wichita State
Women's Golf1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2009, 2017Linda Vollstedt (first six), Carolyn Kirby (2009), Missy Farr-Knobel (2017)Most in NCAA history; 2017 win by 3 strokes over Wake Forest
Men's Golf1990, 1996Linda Vollstedt1990: 1,128 vs. UCLA's 1,130; 1996 featured two-time medalist Scott Johnson
2008, 2011Clint Myers2008: 11-0 vs. A&M; 2011: 7-2 vs. ; 12 WCWS appearances total
Men's 1986Don RobinsonScore: 283.90; perfect season in Pac-10
Men's Outdoor Track & Field1977Fred HarveyWon in Eugene, OR; strong in sprints/jumps
Men's & Diving2024Bob Bowman523.5 points; four NCAA records set
(discontinued)1969VariousWomen's team title in early NCAA era
(discontinued)1971, 1975, 1976, 1977VariousFour women's team titles 1975-77; pre-AIAW/NCAA transition

Conference Championships

The Arizona State Sun Devils athletic programs have amassed numerous conference championships across multiple sports and affiliations, reflecting sustained excellence in collegiate competition. In football, the program holds 18 conference titles, the most prominent examples including a dominant stretch in the (WAC) from 1969 to 1975 and 1977, as well as the 1986 Pac-10 championship under coach John Cooper. These victories established the Sun Devils as a powerhouse in their early conferences, with seven titles in the during and 1950s, such as the 1931 and 1940 crowns, contributing to the program's legacy of regional dominance. Overall, since joining the Pac-12 (formerly Pac-10) in 1978, ASU teams secured 65 conference titles across 22 sports, led by 21 in men's wrestling, underscoring the breadth of success in , , and . In other sports, the Sun Devils achieved multiple WAC titles during the and , including five in (1965, 1967–1969, 1976) and several in and diving, where both men's and women's teams frequently topped the standings. stands out with three Pac-12 championships in 2008, 2011, and 2022, each season culminating in a regular-season crown and advancing the program to national contention. Men's claimed its lone WAC title in 1961 under coach Ned Wulk, finishing 23-4 and earning an NCAA Tournament berth, though the program added seven more conference regular-season wins across its history. These achievements highlight ASU's versatility, with and diving programs alone capturing over 28 WAC titles before transitioning to the Pac-12. The move to the in 2024 marked a new era of success, with the Sun Devils capturing four titles in their inaugural season. Football went undefeated in conference play (7-0), clinching the championship with a 45-19 victory over Iowa State in the , their first league crown since 1996. Women's secured the regular-season title outright with a 17-1 record, earning the automatic NCAA bid as the No. 8 national seed. In 2025, the men's and women's and diving teams swept the Big 12 Championships in , with the men scoring 1,912 points and the women 1,695 to outpace for back-to-back program sweeps in the league. These early Big 12 triumphs, including 29 individual event wins in swimming, signal ASU's intent to build on its historical conference prowess.

Individual National Honors

Arizona State Sun Devils athletes have garnered hundreds of All-American honors across various sports, reflecting the program's tradition of developing elite talent. In football, notable recipients include , who earned first-team All-American honors in 1997 as a linebacker, and , a consensus All-American in 2002 who also won the as the nation's top defensive player that year. finished third in voting in 1996, the highest placement for a Sun Devil, after leading the team to an undefeated regular season. In men's basketball, became the first Sun Devil to earn first-team honors from the in 2009-10, also securing consensus All-American status and Pac-10 Player of the Year recognition during his sophomore season. Baseball standout won the in 1988, recognizing him as the top amateur player in the nation, and was a three-time All-American. Swimming has been a particularly strong source of individual accolades, with earning the CSCAA Division I Men's Swimmer of the Year award in 2024 after winning four individual NCAA titles and setting multiple records. Earlier standouts include Melissa Belote, a four-time All-American who claimed three gold medals at the 1972 Olympics. Sun Devil athletes have represented the university as Olympians more than 200 times since 1948, competing for 48 countries and earning 84 medals across 19 sports. marked the most by a single Sun Devil in one Games, while other medalists include diver (multiple golds in 1984 and 1988) and wrestler (gold in 2012).

Rivalries

In-State Rivalries

The Arizona State Sun Devils' most prominent in-state rivalry is with the Wildcats, centered on the Territorial Cup football series that originated in 1899 when was still a U.S. , symbolizing a battle for statewide supremacy and pride between the institutions in Tucson and Tempe. The first game, played on November 30, 1899, saw the Arizona (now ASU) defeat the University of Arizona 11-2 in Tucson, establishing the Territorial Cup as college football's oldest continuous , awarded after each matchup to the victor. This competition has been played 99 times as of November 2025, with Arizona holding a 51-47-1 series lead following ASU's dominant 49-7 victory in the 2024 edition at Arizona Stadium, which clinched a spot for the Sun Devils in the Big 12 Championship game. Key moments in the series highlight its intensity and shifting momentum, such as ASU's 50-42 overtime triumph in 1998 at Sun Devil Stadium, which snapped a five-game Arizona winning streak and boosted the Sun Devils to a Pac-10 title, and the 70-7 rout in 2020 during the era, marking ASU's largest margin of victory and extending their streak to two games. The 2024 blowout further solidified recent ASU dominance, ending a two-game losing streak and securing the Territorial Cup for the third time in five years, including quarterback Sam Leavitt's three touchdown passes and Cam Skattebo's three scores. These games often carry heightened stakes due to the teams' shared history and the trophy's symbolic weight, representing not just athletic superiority but regional identity in a state divided by loyalty. The rivalry extends beyond football into a multi-sport Territorial Cup Series encompassing basketball and baseball, fostering year-round competition; men's basketball matchups date to 1913, with Arizona leading the all-time series 163-87 as of March 2025, while baseball features annual three-game sets that renew the "Duel in the Desert" tension, as seen in the 2025 series at Phoenix Municipal Stadium drawing record crowds. Culturally, the feud—often dubbed "The Hate" for its raw animosity—has deep roots in state pride, with historical fan altercations in the 1980s and 1990s underscoring its fervor, including vandalism and post-game clashes that led to enhanced security measures. This intensity has only grown since both schools joined the Big 12 Conference in 2024, amplifying annual clashes across sports and embedding the rivalry in Arizona's social fabric.

Conference Rivalries

The Arizona State Sun Devils have developed several notable conference rivalries through their affiliations with the (WAC) from 1962 to 1977, the Pacific-10/12 Conference (Pac-10/12) from 1978 to 2023, and the since 2024. These matchups, particularly in football, , and , have been shaped by frequent scheduling, competitive stakes, and historical tensions, often involving over 20 annual or near-annual meetings in key sports. In the WAC era, the Sun Devils engaged in intense football battles against (BYU) and during the and 1980s, periods marked by ASU's dominance under coach Frank Kush. Against BYU, ASU compiled a 12-3 record in conference play from 1965 to 1977, including an eight-game win streak from 1966 to 1973, as the Sun Devils established themselves as a powerhouse while BYU began rising under . The series overall stands at 21-7 in ASU's favor all-time, fueled by historical grudges from BYU's emergence as a national contender. Similarly, ASU's football series with dates to the WAC, where the Sun Devils built an all-time lead of 23-13 through consistent Southwest competition, with key clashes highlighting ASU's offensive prowess against Utah's defensive style. These early rivalries echoed broader regional tensions, such as the BYU-Utah "Holy War," but centered on ASU's quest for WAC supremacy. During the Pac-12 era, and rivalries with USC and UCLA intensified due to annual Pacific Coast scheduling and shared recruiting battles. In men's , ASU and USC met over 90 times since joining the Pac-10, with USC holding a 55-39 all-time edge but ASU enjoying a strong 27-19 home record in Tempe, where close games often decided conference standings. The matchup gained emotional weight from USC's star-laden rosters clashing with ASU's gritty play, contributing to heated tournament implications. In , ASU's series with UCLA spans more than 75 games since the 1950s, with ASU leading 39-36 overall and 25-23 in conference play, including frequent three-game weekend sets that tested both programs' aspirations. Geographic proximity along the West Coast amplified these grudges, as both sports featured pivotal upsets and streaks, such as ASU's seven wins in nine games against UCLA from 2003 onward. Since transitioning to the Big 12 in 2024, new rivalries have emerged, particularly with , TCU, and State, driven by renewed scheduling and competitive parity. The football series with resumed prominently, with ASU securing a 27-19 victory in 2024 that reignited tensions after Utah's prior four-game streak, maintaining ASU's 23-13 all-time lead before Utah's 42-10 win in 2025. This geographic proximity—Utah's location near the border—has heightened stakes, blending historical WAC roots with Big 12 title implications. In , matchups with TCU have shown emerging intensity, exemplified by TCU's narrow 74-70 road win over ASU in February 2025, part of a series featuring late-game rallies and defensive battles that underscore ' physical style against ASU's pace. Football clashes with State in 2025, including a scheduled late-season contest, have added to the mix through the Wildcats' run-heavy approach challenging ASU's defense, fostering potential grudges in a conference without protected rivals. These Big 12 dynamics prioritize historical echoes for some foes like and BYU while building new ones through shared Southwest travel and playoff aspirations.

Athletic Facilities

Major Venues

Mountain America Stadium serves as the primary home for the Arizona State Sun Devils football team, with a seating capacity of 53,599. Originally opened as Sun Devil Stadium on October 4, 1958, with an initial capacity of 30,000, the venue has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, including a major three-phase project completed in 2018 that enhanced fan amenities and infrastructure. Renamed Mountain America Stadium in 2023 through a naming rights agreement with Mountain America Credit Union, it has hosted significant events beyond college football, including Super Bowl XXX in 1996, where the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Desert Financial Arena, a 14,000-seat multi-purpose facility, has been the central hub for several Sun Devils indoor sports since its opening in as the ASU Activity Center. It primarily hosts men's and , gymnastics, , and wrestling competitions, accommodating historic rivalries and conference tournaments within its six-story structure on the Tempe campus. The arena's design supports a vibrant game-day atmosphere, drawing large crowds for key matchups and serving as a for ASU's non-football athletic programs. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, with a capacity of 8,775, functions as the home field for the Sun Devils team, featuring state-of-the-art training areas and scenic views of the Papago Mountains. Constructed in 1964, it has been utilized by ASU for games since that era, including postseason appearances in the 1960s and 1970s, before becoming the full-time venue in 2015 following a partnership with the City of Phoenix. Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat multi-purpose venue opened in 2022, serves as the home for the Sun Devils men's team and hosts occasional other events, including wrestling matches and concerts. The Sun Devil Beach Volleyball Facility, located on the Tempe campus east of Farrington Softball Stadium, provides four regulation courts for the women's team since its opening in 2022. Designed for NCAA competition with flexible spectator seating, it supports practices and home matches in a dedicated outdoor setting tailored to the sport's needs. Wrestling events for the Sun Devils are held at Desert Financial Arena, which offers a competitive mat setup within its versatile configuration. The program has previously utilized for select events. The Mona Plummer Aquatic Center houses the Sun Devils swimming, diving, and teams, featuring an Olympic-sized pool that facilitates high-level training and competitions since its dedication in 1981. This facility underscores ASU's commitment to aquatic sports excellence, hosting meets that contribute to the program's national accolades.

Recent Developments

In October 2025, the approved a comprehensive capital improvement plan allocating over $130 million to enhance State University's athletic facilities, with a focus on revitalizing key venues to support student-athletes and improve fan experiences. This initiative, spanning the next three years, includes a $100 million multiphase renovation of Desert Financial Arena, the home of Sun Devil and other events, set to begin in and aimed at modernizing seating, concourses, and premium areas while increasing accessibility. Additionally, the plan prioritizes the construction of a new dedicated practice football field to address training needs for the Sun Devils football program, marking a significant in football infrastructure under Graham Rossini. Earlier in 2025, Arizona State introduced expanded premium offerings at (formerly Sun Devil Stadium), including new end-zone boxes priced at $20,000 annually and enhanced club seating, which contributed to a surge of 7,500 new holders and sold-out premium for the 2025 season. These upgrades emphasize a "football first" strategy, transforming the stadium into a year-round event destination with improved , concessions, and ADA-compliant spaces to boost competitiveness in the . In 2023–2024, the Sun Devil softball program completed a major expansion of Farrington Stadium, initiated in summer 2023 and finished by spring 2024, which added space to student-athlete facilities and coaches' offices to enhance recruitment and performance. This project, supported by the ASU Foundation and Sun Devil Club, prioritized athlete well-being and operational efficiency.

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  56. https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/asu-sun-devils-kenny-dillingham-big-12-graham-rossini
  57. https://news.asu.edu/content/gymnastics-qualifies-31st-ncaa-regional-appearance
  58. https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2025-06-22/programs-most-mens-college-world-series-titles
  59. https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2025-06-06/6-college-softball-teams-most-national-championships
  60. https://www.ncaa.com/history/gymnastics-men/nc
  61. https://www.ncaa.com/history/trackfield-outdoor-men/d1
  62. https://www.ncaa.com/news/swimming-men/article/2024-03-30/arizona-state-wins-2024-di-mens-swimming-and-diving-championships
  63. https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/arizona-state-sun-devils-conference-wins
  64. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2023/08/05/big-12-expansion-arizona-state-leaving-rich-pac-12-history/70524031007/
  65. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/arizona-state/men/1962.html
  66. https://thesundevils.com/news/2024/03/10/leaders-of-the-pac-sun-devils-close-pac-12-championships-with-sixth-conference-title-since-2017
  67. https://big12sports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=4859
  68. https://thesundevils.com/news/2024/11/28/8-volleyball-wins-2024-big-12-championship-outright
  69. https://big12sports.com/news/2025/3/2/swimming-diving-arizona-state-sweeps-2025-big-12-swimming-and-diving-championship-titles.aspx
  70. https://thesundevils.com/honors-awards/all-americans
  71. https://thesundevils.com/player-bio-pat-tillman
  72. https://fwaa.com/a/454df0b7
  73. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jake-plummer-1.html
  74. https://thesundevils.com/james-harden-becomes-first-sun-devil-to-earn-first-team-associated-press-all-america-honors
  75. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Golden_Spikes_Award
  76. https://swimswam.com/2024-swammy-awards-male-swimmer-of-the-year/
  77. https://www.facebook.com/arizonastateuniversity/posts/the-arizona-state-university-alumni-welcomed-34-sun-devil-olympians-back-to-camp/934991608658770/
  78. https://thesundevils.com/news/2024/08/03/4-for-4-leon-marchand-wins-historic-fourth-gold-medal-in-200m-im
  79. https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/sports/college/asu/2024/07/29/asu-olympic-gold-medal-winners/74591551007/
  80. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401636940
  81. https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/opponent-history/arizona-state-university/31
  82. https://thesundevils.com/news/2024/12/1/football-routs-wildcats-in-territorial-cup-clinches-spot-in-big-12-championship
  83. https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/asu-arizona-territorial-cup-history/920111/
  84. https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/arizona-state-university/31
  85. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-history/2018/02/14/university-arizona-wildcat-rivalry-arizona-state-university-sun-devils/335424002/
  86. https://thesundevils.com/news/2025/02/04/sun-devil-football-receives-2025-slate-from-big-12-conference
  87. https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/asu-sun-devils-football-utah-iowa-state-matt-campbell-kenny-dillingham
  88. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2024/11/21/byu-arizona-state-football-rivalry-big-12-conference-stakes/76481274007/
  89. https://universe.byu.edu/sports/nearly-40-years-later-byu-and-arizona-state-play-as-conference-foes
  90. https://kslsports.com/ncaa/byu-football/byu-arizona-state-football-series-history-big-12-top-25-wac/531424
  91. https://utahutes.com/sports/football/opponent-history/arizona-state-university/44
  92. https://thesundevils.com/asu-vs-usc-series-history
  93. https://uclabruins.com/sports/baseball/opponent-history/arizona-state/26
  94. https://thesundevils.com/no-4-baseball-returns-home-for-three-game-series-with-ucla-bruins
  95. https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore/_/gameId/401636892
  96. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401725737
  97. https://thesundevils.com/news/2025/8/27/know-before-you-go-sun-devil-football-hosts-northern-arizona-university
  98. https://thesundevils.com/how-to-find-my-seat-in-sun-devil-stadium
  99. https://thesundevils.com/news/2023/08/02/asu-mountain-america-credit-union-reach-one-of-the-most-integrated-naming-rights-deals-in-college-sports
  100. http://stadiumsofprofootball.com/superbowl/SunDevilStadium.htm
  101. https://thesundevils.com/facilities-venues/desert-financial-arena
  102. https://thesundevils.com/facilities-venues/phoenix-municipal-stadium
  103. https://thesundevils.com/its-official-asu-and-city-of-phoenix-partner-for-move-to-phoenix-municipal-stadium
  104. https://thesundevils.com/facilities-venues/mullett-arena
  105. https://thesundevils.com/facilities-venues/sun-devil-beach-volleyball-facility
  106. https://thesundevils.com/news/2022/01/07/asu-announces-new-sun-devil-beach-volleyball-facility
  107. https://thesundevils.com/facilities-venues/mona-plummer-aquatic-center
  108. https://www.statepress.com/article/2025/10/asu-capital-improvement-plan
  109. https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-basketball/asu-reno/3599656/
  110. https://gophnx.com/plans-in-place-for-new-arizona-state-practice-facility-dfa-renovations-asu-vs-kansas-in-london/
  111. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2025/08/19/arizona-state-ad-committed-to-upgrading-athletic-facilities/85690888007/
  112. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9IomjvlIJo
  113. https://sundevilclub.org/your-philanthropy/facility-projects
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