Arizona varsity ode to Mullett family

Article posted by Coliseum, September 7^th, 2022

Image: Arizona State University

The Arizona State University (US) recently announced that their new on-campus multipurpose arena will be named Mullett Arena in recognition of Donald ‘Donze’ and Barbara Mullett’s commitment to the Arizona State University and the NCAA team Sun Devil Athletics.

‘Arizona State University’ stated that the Mullett Arena will house Sun Devil hockey, gymnastics and wrestling, as well as community events and the Mountain America Community Iceplex.

The Arizona State University (Arizona State or ASU) is a public research university in the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona, US. Founded in 1885 by the 13^th Arizona Territorial Legislature, ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States.

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The Arizona State Sun Devils football team represents Arizona State University in the sport of American football. The Sun Devils team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The Mountain America Community Iceplex at ASU will serve as the training center and practice rink for the ASU Division I men’s ice hockey team, as well as a community ice rink featuring a 200-foot by 85-foot ice surface with a 300-person capacity, including seating for 185 guests.

‘Arizona State University’ further stated that the 5,000-seat, state-of-the-art venue includes two National Hockey League (NHL) regulation-size ice sheets, 20 luxury suites, a large club lounge, and event-level premium club seats. The arena is the new home for Sun Devil Hockey with over 8,000 square feet set aside for ASU’s locker room, weight room, lounge, and coaches’ offices.

Said Ray Anderson, Vice-President for University Athletics, “The Mullett family has supported Sun Devil Hockey through every stage of its existence and expanded their support of Sun Devil Athletics in the years since. In appreciation of Don and Barbara’s commitment, we’re thrilled to introduce Mullett Arena. With this building dedication, the ASU and the Mulletts’ shared vision come to life as we take another step toward elevating our elite student-athlete experience and further serving our community.”

The Mullett Arena, in the Novus Innovation Corridor, will house Sun Devil Athletics’ events and competitions as well as the adjacent Mountain America Community Iceplex, and it will serve as a public venue for the university and the community to host concerts, conferences, youth competitions, educational opportunities, and more. The second full-size ice sheet will also be accessible to students, the community and youth ice hockey programs at every level, providing an additional public sheet to one of the fastest-growing States for youth hockey participation in the country.

Stated Don Mullett, “It is an honor for Barb, me and our family to have our name associated with Sun Devil Athletics’ new on-campus multipurpose facility. With the recent establishment of the Barbara H. Mullett Family Foundation, we’re so proud to have the Mullett Arena as part of our initial commitment from the foundation.”

Through the recognition of the Mullett Arena, the Mullett family is extending existing support of Sun Devil Hockey and Sun Devil Athletics. In 2014, support from the Mullett family was instrumental in elevating ASU Hockey to NCAA Division I status.

Added Greg Powers, Sun Devil Hockey Head Coach, “There is only one person whose name should be on our ice and on our arena, and it’s Don Mullett. Without ‘Donze,’ this arena doesn’t happen, and the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey doesn’t exist at ASU. The Mulletts’ family legacy will forever be cemented at ASU and nothing will make our ACHA and NCAA alumni happier.”

The range of people who will get to use the building is an important factor.

Said Mullett, “Hockey is a constant in our family and an element of our lives that brings us so much joy. It is so special for us to now associate that love for the game with the Arizona State University and the State of Arizona with this remarkable building. As awestruck as we are to watch elite college hockey in this state-of-the-art facility, we’re finding even more meaning in the assurance that the Mullett Arena will be home to little tykes, learn-to-skates, and club and adult leagues who share our love for the sport.”

The Mullett family is a strong advocate for growing the sport. In 1998, Don built the Mullett Ice Center in Hartland, Wisconsin, which is home to the Arrowhead High School men’s and women’s hockey as well as youth and adult leagues.

At ASU, the new Mullett Arena includes 20 luxury suites, two group suites, a club lounge, and premium club seats. The club lounge has a Center Ice Club on the main concourse that runs along center ice and can host up to 500 fans. On the 300-level, a social deck will run the length of the East side of the venue, providing an open-air, aerial view of the arena where fans can interact while still experiencing exceptional sightlines to the competition. The arena also will be able to serve as a backup site for sports played on hardwood, such as volleyball.

Additionally, a 942-seat student section will occupy the entire West side of the venue to provide an enhanced gameday experience for the ASU students.

In addition to Sun Devil Hockey’s space, the Mullett Arena includes eight additional locker rooms between the main arena and the community ice sheet that can be utilized for visiting teams, youth programs, ASU club programs, and live events.

Stated ASU President Michael M. Crow, “The Arizona State University is empowered to realize its vision for a 21^st-century university through the imagination and philanthropy of its donors. The generosity and confidence demonstrated by the Mullett family for our hockey program and our broader desire to be of service, matched with a state-of-the-art facility, will allow us to build on ASU’s tradition of character-building competition and excellence.”

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