Desert Financial Arena, the main venue for Arizona State University’s men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling teams, will undergo a $100 million renovation. The project, which is pending approval from the Arizona Board of Regents, is set to be completed by December 2029.
The renovation will include new loge boxes, club-level seating, premium floor seats, a new court, upgraded restrooms, and improved concession stands. Plans also call for a new video board, locker room improvements, air conditioning upgrades, and features to improve ADA accessibility such as elevators and accessible stairs with handrails.
“We’re building a game day experience that matches the passion and pride of our fans while giving our Sun Devil teams a true home court advantage,” said Graham Rossini, ASU athletics director. “The renovation of Desert Financial Arena is about more than updating a building — it’s about creating a space that energizes our entire ASU community.”
Most of the construction will take place between April and October to avoid disrupting the teams’ schedules. The first phase will begin in May 2026 and will include replacing the court and adding 729 padded seats with cupholders in the lower bowl. There will also be 200 wider premium seats with extra legroom and four courtside “Hollywood” seats.
Phase two, scheduled for summer 2027, will renovate existing restrooms, add two new bathrooms, and install a new sound system. Loge boxes seating 120 people will be added above the lower bowl, and “theater boxes” with padded seats will be built at the bottom of the upper bowl.
Joe Lisiewski, ASU’s assistant vice president and university architect, noted that the arena’s capacity will decrease from the current 14,198 seats but the final number will be determined after further planning.
The arena’s concourses will feature displays highlighting notable events held in the building, including the first performance of “Hotel California” by the Eagles in 1976 and several NCAA Tournaments.
Phase three will add a basketball court-level club for premium ticket holders with direct access to courtside seating. This phase will also include upgraded concessions, relocation of offices to create space for self-serve food kiosks, improved locker rooms, and installation of a new video board and ribbon boards for displaying game information and messages.
The Sun Devil Athletics website will provide updates on seating arrangements for season ticket holders and Sun Devil Club members.
Funding for the renovation will come through ASU’s Changing Futures Campaign. “Through the Changing Futures campaign, we’re inviting Sun Devils everywhere to join us in shaping the future of this campus landmark,” Rossini said.
ASU President Michael Crow commented on the project’s significance: “For half a century, this arena has welcomed students, fans, families and community members for memorable events and cherished celebrations. As a beloved gateway to the Sun Devil experience, we are excited that these renovations will provide a superb, modern arena for the next 50 years and many more special connections for our extended ASU community.”
The Changing Futures campaign focuses on several areas including education access, leadership development, sustainability, community strengthening, health advancement, and impactful technology.
Arizona State University has recently been recognized for its innovation achievements. According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, ASU has been named the most innovative university in the United States for eight consecutive years. The university was also ranked among the top institutions for undergraduate business, nursing, and engineering programs.
The university continues to participate in partnerships that contribute to local development. For example, the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is working with an ASU tech startup to pilot smart traffic cameras aimed at improving safety in Phoenix neighborhoods. More details about this project are available at the City of Phoenix website.
Those interested in supporting the arena renovation can contact Scott Nelson, senior associate athletics director and executive director of the Sun Devil Club.
