New, enhanced fan experience awaiting Sun Devil Football fans
This season, Mountain America Stadium concession stands have been revamped and will feature a signature item for each home game. For example, elk bratwurst will be served at the Wyoming game on Aug. 31. Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics
Arizona State University isn’t just entering a new era with its move to the Big 12.
The fan experience for Sun Devil Football games this fall will be new and improved, as well.
ASU wanted to make game days more affordable and family-friendly to create a memorable fan and family experience. So university and athletic department leaders went on a listening tour of sorts, seeking feedback from thousands of fans through in-person and online questions.
“We’re committed to fostering strong relationships across the entire ASU community, with a special focus on our incredible fans,” ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini said. “We made it a priority to listen to what they love about game day — what keeps them coming back — and also to hear their frustrations and areas where we could improve. These conversations have been about truly listening and then taking action.’’
The answers from the fans led to significant changes for this fall, especially with parking, food and the overall game day experience. Among the key changes:
This season's new food options
New signature concession item for each game
- Wyoming: elk bratwurst
- Mississippi State: alligator po boy
- Kansas: burnt end street tacos
- Utah: pastrami burger
- UCF: surf and turf flatbread
- BYU: chicken shawarma waffle cone
New items
- Devil Dogs (footlong Sonoran-style hot dogs)
- Inferno Fries (fries loaded with cheese curds)
- Vegan and vegetarian fare
- Game day parking prices will be reduced by 50% in all ASU structures, creating the most affordable nearby parking for any major Valley sporting event. ASU also expanded the amount of available parking near the football stadium.
- The amount of directional signage will be doubled to help fans find the best routes to ease confusion and congestion.
- The designs for arriving and departing game day traffic have been improved.
- ASU is partnering with city of Tempe traffic engineers to monitor the streets surrounding the stadium and run the traffic lights for better traffic flow.
- Stadium concession stands have been revamped, now featuring a signature item for each game — “burnt end street tacos” for the KU game, anyone? — as well as vegan and vegetarian options, Devil Dogs (footlong Sonoran-style hot dogs) and Inferno Fries (fries loaded with cheese curds).
- The value menu has been expanded to now include more affordable options for a hot dog, soda, beer or popcorn. The prices for these items will range from $5 to $6.60.
- An additional grab-and-go marketplace has been added, expanding this fast option with the shortest lines for fans who want to get back to the game action as quickly as possible.
"Our game day specials are inspired by the culinary traditions of the teams we face, offering dishes that reflect their hometown flavors," said Leigh Mills, regional executive chef with Sodexo. "Our diverse menu caters to all fans, offering indulgent classics alongside healthier, vegetarian-friendly options. Committed to sustainability, we use eco-friendly packaging and strive to reduce food waste, ensuring a delicious and responsible game day experience."
The overall fan experience also was tackled, including an enhanced Sun Devil Athletics Game Day app with a map to help locate everything inside the stadium. There’s also a new fan ambassador program where student ambassadors will be at each gate to welcome and greet fans and provide assistance. The changes even include seemingly small things such as stickers for kids.
“The changes for this year are just the beginning,” Rossini said. “We’re continuously striving to enhance the game day experience and achieve athletic success at the highest levels. This journey, and the success we are working hard to achieve, is made possible through the passion and support of our loyal Sun Devil family.”
The Sun Devils open the football season at home at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31, against the University of Wyoming. Get your tickets at sundevils.com/tickets.
-
The Kansas game on Oct. 5 will feature burnt end street tacos.
Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics
-
A pastrami burger will be served at the Utah game on Oct. 11.
Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics
-
Surf and turf flatbread for the UCF game on Nov. 9.
Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics
-
Chicken shawarma waffle cone option for BYU game on Nov. 23.
Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics
More Sun Devil community
ASU students receive $25,000 scholarships from NBA legend Magic Johnson
By Henry Smardo Serenity Reynolds Cronkite student Serenity Reynolds balances classes, homework, clubs, internships and jobs, and tuition is always top of mind. She…
ASU Accessibility Awareness Day advocates for a more inclusive digital future
By Jonathan CrowellAs technology continues to drive learning and research innovations, so do efforts to ensure digital products and environments are accessible by all.Last week, Arizona State…
ASU student, Navy vet pursues greener future in sustainability
As Arizona State University holds its annual Salute to Service celebration, honoring individuals who serve the nation and their communities, Shana Harly stands out for her commitment to both her…