5 ways the renovated Sun Devil Stadium will boost the fan experience

Football season is less than two months away and one of the main storylines going into this season will be the reinvention of Sun Devil Stadium.

ASU is looking to modernize the iconic venue in the wake of renovations and new stadiums built by other Pac-12 schools. Constructed in 1958, Sun Devil Stadium will benefit from the $256 million renovation that commenced last year and will be completed in three phases – so the football team can continue to play in the stadium during the seasons. Phase One will be completed on Sept. 1, almost two weeks before this year’s Sept. 12 home opener against the Cal Poly Mustangs.

The renovation is scheduled for full completion in fall 2017 but fans can expect to notice five major changes this season to boost the game day experience and beyond:

1. The new student section will be scorchin’ – This season will mark the debut of the “Double Inferno” upgraded student section, removing existing steel bleachers and replacing them with concrete threads and risers and permanent stadium seating. While the north section has yet to be constructed, those sitting in the South Inferno will be able to cheer on the Sun Devils when they are close to the end zone, and get in the face of their opponents during a key defensive stance.

2. You’ll high-five over the Wi-Fi – Internet connectivity is just as important to Millennials as food, water and shelter. A recent study discovered that some college football fans will leave by halftime if they can’t connect to the Internet, which is why ASU has amped up its cellular and wireless capability starting in the south end zone. Fans can now text, tweet, post and take selfies with a more robust connection that will make it easier to share their game-day experiences.

3. No concessions on concessions – Sun Devil fans have spoken in several surveys and they’ve been heard loud and clear. They wanted more restrooms and improved, permanent concessions in the new stadium. In the first phase, restroom size has been doubled and point of sale concession options have significantly increased. That means less time waiting in line, and possibly missing a Sun Devils touchdown.

4. A-plus from the ADA – Sun Devil Stadium was constructed 32 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1990, and those who were physically challenged had serious work to do in order to relax and watch a game. With the new construction changes, the iconic venue will proudly become ADA compliant. Elevators leading to a new ADA deck in the south Inferno section gives those with disabilities and their companions easy access and one of the best seats in the house.

5. Football doesn’t benefit athletics alone – Civic bean counters estimate that each ASU home football game pumps nearly $10 million into the local economy by way of hotels, restaurants and visiting fans. And with the easier acces to concesions, that might mean more money spent. That’s good for ASU, the City of Tempe and the Valley – regardless of the game's score.