Arizona State University (ASU) is kicking off a multiyear, multiphase $100 million renovation of Desert Financial Arena.
Arizona State University said the arena is home of the Sun Devils’ men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling teams.
Arizona State University is a public research university in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, the ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States.
Desert Financial Arena is a 14,198-seat multi-purpose arena located in Tempe, Arizona, United States. It sits immediately east of Mountain America Stadium on the northern edge of the Tempe campus of ASU.
The revamp project, which has an anticipated completion date of December 2029 and requires approval by the Arizona Board of Regents, includes:
- New loge boxes
- Club-level seating and premium floor seats
- A new court
- New restrooms and the renovation of existing restrooms
- New and upgraded concession stand offerings
- A new video board
The renovation also includes locker room improvements and upgrades to the air conditioning system, as well as ensuring ADA compliance with new elevators and accessible stairs, with handrails, to the event floor.
Graham Rossini, ASU athletics director, said, “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.
“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.”
The majority of the work will take place during the months of April to October, ensuring the teams that use the arena will not have to play their games elsewhere, Rossini said.
ASU President Michael Crow said renovations of the 51-year-old building will take both fan and student-athlete experiences into a new era.
Crow said, “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.”
Construction will begin in May 2026. In Phase 1, the court will be replaced and 729 seats in the lower bowl will be swapped for padded seats that include cupholders.
In addition, 200 “premium” seats that are wider and have 2 inches more leg room will be installed, and four “Hollywood” seats, which provide excellent courtside views, will be built between the ASU bench and the scorer’s table.
Loge Box installation
Phase 2 of the project, set for summer 2027, will include the renovation of existing restrooms, the construction of two new men’s and women’s bathrooms, and a new sound system, said Joe Lisiewski, ASU’s assistant vice president and university architect.
Multiple loge boxes are planned for the concourse above the lower bowl. The boxes, which will seat a total of 120 people, are planned to include amenities like television screens and small tables for food and drinks.
“Theater boxes” — featuring wider, padded seats that include cupholders — will be built on the bottom of the upper bowl.
The changes will reduce the current official capacity of 14,198, but Lisiewski said a new capacity will not be determined until ASU hires a design-build firm, plans are drawn up and construction is underway.
The concourses at the arena also will get a makeover with showcases of great sporting and cultural moments that have taken place in the building, such as the first performance of “Hotel California” by the Eagles in 1976 and multiple NCAA Tournaments that were held there.
Phase 3 of the renovation, scheduled for summer 2028, includes a basketball court-level club that will be accessible to premium ticket holders. The club will have direct access to courtside seating.
Upgraded concession stand offerings also are in the plans for Phase 3. Lisiewski said offices in Desert Financial Arena will be relocated to open space up for venues like self-serve food kiosks.
This phase will also include upgraded locker rooms and a new video board to be hung over center court, and ribbon boards — long, narrow LED displays that can display ad content, game stats or fan messages — are planned for each side of the arena.
The Sun Devil Athletics website will include information on reseating for season ticket holders and members of the Sun Devil Club who are interested in the new seating sections.
Fundraising will be key to the project, which is part of 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.
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