At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, the gates to Mountain America Stadium opened for Arizona State University’s football season opener against Northern Arizona University. Despite a temperature of 104 degrees, students quickly filled the Inferno section behind the south end zone.
The game marked the start of what many consider the most anticipated Sun Devil football season in over two decades. First-year business student Yajaira Cardenas Martinez, who arrived early to secure a front-row seat, said, “I’m really excited. This is such a cool experience.”
Since Kenny Dillingham was hired as ASU’s coach in November 2022, he has encouraged fans to support the team by attending games and purchasing tickets. “Activate the Valley” has been his message.
Saturday’s opener was notable for being the first to sell out since 1998, with an official attendance of 56,759 and a record 14,280 students present. Following last season’s unexpected run to the Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff, ticket revenue increased by 40%, and this year’s ticket renewal rate reached 96%. Club and premium seating sold out, with 7,500 new season ticket holders joining.
“The city likes winning,” Dillingham said after ASU’s 38-19 victory over NAU on Saturday.
Athletics Director Graham Rossini observed strong student enthusiasm from his office overlooking the stadium before kickoff. “It was unbelievable,” Rossini said. “Just special. People are paying attention and want to get plugged in. That’s the goal. We want it to be a hard ticket. We have to make this the toughest ticket in town consistently. We’re not there yet, but this is a really important step forward.”
Longtime fan Bob Hobbs Jr., whose family has held season tickets since the 1970s, compared this season’s energy to that of ASU’s successful 1996 team: “When that team walked onto the field, I kind of expected them to win,” Hobbs Jr. said. “I expect this team when it walks onto the field to have that same swagger.” He added that demand for tickets has reversed; instead of offering seats to others, people were contacting him for access.
ASU made upgrades at Mountain America Stadium for fans this year, including Huss Hideout on the upper east side—an air-conditioned area featuring craft beers from Huss Brewing and food options.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt led ASU with two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns during Saturday’s game. The team entered ranked No. 11 nationally with Leavitt considered a Heisman Trophy candidate.
“It was pretty cool to come out here for Game 1 against NAU and see that,” Leavitt said. “Congrats to Coach Dillingham for getting it jumping like that.”
The university continues its broader efforts beyond athletics as well; Arizona State University was named number one in innovation for eight consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.
Additionally, the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is partnering with an ASU tech startup called Argos Vision on a pilot program using smart traffic cameras aimed at improving safety throughout Phoenix.
As excitement builds around Sun Devil football and other university initiatives, both campus life and community partnerships remain active.
