Sun Devil Athletics gives media a glimpse into new stadium club facilities

The transformation of Sun Devil Stadium into a world-class facility with benefits that will extend beyond football continues, and on Friday reporters got a glimpse into the latest progress during a tour of the newly refurbished club-level areas on the stadium's west side.

Club spaces have been designed to be used for more than hospitality during football games and will fit right into the plan to use the stadium year-round, said Sun Devil Athletics Vice President Ray Anderson.

“This is an example of the kind of space design so that there will really be multiple uses,” Anderson said while giving journalists a tour of the Coach’s Club. “Our Coach’s Club members are very willing to make sure this space is used to the benefit of the community, which is a cool thing.”

Located in the stadium’s second level, the club area consists of three clubs and associated suites that face the field — Legends’, Founders’ and Coach’s Club. Each has been stylishly designed and will feature air-conditioning, lounge areas, flat-screen televisions throughout and many other amenities, including food and beverage service.

Those who have seen the progress with the stadium, including donors, have been very positive about the direction of the project, Anderson said. He describes taking part in something of this “scale and magnitude” from concept to reality as humbling.

“To sit here in this unbelievable space, knowing that it’s just going to get better and to know that we have an east side that we’re going to start on at the end of this season … it’s really a privilege, and I’m quiet honored to be part of this great project,” Anderson said. “It’s really overwhelming at times.”

Once completed and not too far in the distant future, the club-level area will be open for internal and external groups to host a variety of events as part of Sun Devil Stadium 365, a concept to turn the stadium into a year-round cultural hub for people of all ages to participate in various sponsored activities and dining.  

“You’ve got to have nice facilities that attract people to your campus, to your community, to your venue, to your games,” Anderson said. “When we have facilities like this that will be that magnet, then you know you’re doing something purposeful, and hopefully have an impact on your community beyond wins and losses for Sun Devil Athletics.”

The goal is to create a go-to venue with many amenities where people know they can visit and have a good time.

 “It’s a destination,” Anderson said. “This belongs to the public. It’s not just Sun Devil Athletics.”