The Arizona State University men’s basketball team, known as the Sun Devils, plays their home games at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. Desert Financial Arena has been the home court for ASU men’s basketball since it opened in 1974. With a capacity of 14,198 for basketball games, Desert Financial Arena provides an exciting venue for Sun Devils fans to cheer on their team.
Desert Financial Arena History and Facts
Here are some key facts about Desert Financial Arena, the home of ASU men’s basketball:
- Construction on Desert Financial Arena began in 1972 and was completed in 1974 at a cost of $7 million.
- The arena was originally named Arizona State University Activity Center, and was renamed Desert Financial Arena in 2015.
- In addition to men’s basketball, Desert Financial Arena is also home to the ASU women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
- The first men’s basketball game at the arena was played on December 2, 1974, with ASU defeating UC Santa Barbara 91-52.
- Desert Financial Arena has a capacity of 14,198 for basketball games after renovations in 2014-2015 expanded the lower bowl seating.
- The court at Desert Financial Arena is named Ned Wulk Court after the former ASU basketball coach.
- Some of the biggest crowds at Desert Financial Arena include 14,757 vs. Arizona on Feb. 18, 1995 and 14,644 vs. Arizona on Feb. 7, 2015.
As these facts demonstrate, Desert Financial Arena has been the engaged home for ASU basketball for over 45 years. Generations of passionate Sun Devils fans have cheered on their team in this iconic venue.
Noteworthy Games at Desert Financial Arena
Desert Financial Arena has hosted many memorable and significant ASU basketball games over the years. Here are some of the most noteworthy:
- On Feb. 7, 2009, ASU defeated #18 Arizona State 71-66 in double overtime in front of a sold-out crowd of 14,219 fans.
- James Harden scored 40 points to lead #21 ASU to a 107-76 rout of #5 UCLA at Desert Financial Arena on January 31, 2009.
- The Sun Devils clinched a share of the Pac-10 regular season title with an 89-76 win over Washington on Feb. 26, 1995.
- All-American Eddie House scored 61 points against California in a 111-108 triple OT win on January 8, 2000.
- ASU upset #2 Oregon 91-75 on February 11, 2017 behind 23 points from Torian Graham.
These thrilling games and legendary individual performances are a testament to the electric atmosphere that can be generated at Desert Financial Arena.
Renovations and Upgrades
To maintain Desert Financial Arena’s status as a premier college basketball facility, ASU has invested in renovations and upgrades over the years:
- Prior to the 2014-15 season, a $35 million renovation expanded the lower bowl seating and added premium club seating, a new student section, and other upgrades.
- A new center-hung video board and sound system were installed in 2018, enhancing the in-game experience for fans.
- New lower bowl retractable seating was added in 2021, increasing flexibility for different event configurations.
- Ongoing renovations will include a new state-of-the-art locker room for the men’s basketball team.
These renovations help ensure Desert Financial Arena remains one of the top environments in college basketball and delivers an unparalleled game-day experience.
Desert Financial Arena Atmosphere
The atmosphere for ASU men’s basketball games at Desert Financial Arena is absolutely electric, especially for rivalry games and major matchups. Here’s a look at what contributes to the incredible atmosphere:
- The “Guard the Nest” student section provides loud, boisterous support clad in gold t-shirts.
- ASU fans are right on top of the court in the lower bowl seating providing intense energy.
- When the arena sound system blares ASU fight songs and chants it adds to the decibel levels.
- The Sun Devil mascot, Sparky, entertains fans with high-flying trampoline dunks during timeouts and breaks in action.
- Special lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and graphics on the video board amplify the big-game environment.
All of these elements come together to make Desert Financial Arena one of the toughest places to play in the Pac-12 conference. The passion of Sun Devils fans is a huge advantage for ASU come game time.
Accessibility and Location
Desert Financial Arena enjoys a prime location in the heart of the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona. This makes getting to games easy for students and community members.
Some key facts about the arena’s location and accessibility:
- The arena is located off Rio Salado Parkway on Apache Boulevard in Tempe.
- It sits in the athletics district of campus adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium and Whiteman Tennis Center.
- Nearby parking options include lots 59, 60, 90, 102, 103 and the Rural Road Parking Structure.
- Public transportation options include both the Tempe Orbit bus system and Valley Metro Light Rail.
- Many fans also take advantage of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to travel to and from games.
With its campus proximity and multiple transportation options, Desert Financial Arena offers easy access that supports the strong attendance and exciting atmosphere.
Conclusion
In summary, the Arizona State University men’s basketball team plays home games at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. Opened in 1974, Desert Financial Arena has been the engaged home court for generations of Sun Devil basketball. Its centralized location on campus, recent renovations and upgrades, and intensely passionate fan atmosphere make Desert Financial Arena one of the top environments for college basketball. The arena has hosted numerous classic games and provided an invaluable home court advantage for ASU. For Sun Devil fans and players alike, Desert Financial Arena is an iconic venue that represents the spirit and tradition of ASU basketball.