Mountain America Stadium is a big deal for Arizona State University. I’ve watched many games there, and the atmosphere is electric. The stadium sits between two stunning buttes, creating a unique backdrop for college football. Mountain America Stadium seats 75,000 fans and has been home to Sun Devil football since 1958.
I love how the stadium honors ASU’s history. The field is named after Frank Kush, a legendary coach who led the team from 1958 to 1979. His impact on the program was huge, and it’s great to see him remembered this way.
The stadium has gone through several upgrades over the years. The most recent renovation finished in 2019, making it one of the most modern college venues around. It’s not just about football either – the stadium has hosted big events like the Fiesta Bowl and even a Super Bowl.
Key Takeaways
- Mountain America Stadium blends natural beauty with top-notch facilities for an unforgettable gameday experience.
- The stadium’s rich history and recent upgrades make it a point of pride for ASU and the local community.
- Beyond football, the venue serves as a versatile space for major events and gatherings.
Historical Significance of Mountain America Stadium
Mountain America Stadium has played a big role in Arizona State’s football history. It’s been home to many great moments and people over the years. Let me tell you about some of the most important parts of its past.
The Legacy of Frank Kush
Frank Kush was an amazing football coach at Arizona State. I think he really made the Sun Devils into a top team. He coached here from 1958 to 1979 and won a lot of games. Kush was tough but fair. He pushed his players to be their best.
Under Kush, the Sun Devils won 176 games. They also took home seven conference titles. In 1975, Kush led the team to an undefeated season. That was a huge deal!
Kush’s impact went beyond just wins. He helped put Arizona State football on the map. The stadium became known as a tough place for other teams to play. Kush made it that way.
Era of the Sun Devils
The stadium has seen lots of great Sun Devil moments. I remember when it opened in 1958. It held about 30,000 fans back then. Over the years, it grew bigger as the team got better.
In 1975, ASU joined the Pac-10 conference. That was a big step up. The stadium hosted many big games after that. The Fiesta Bowl was played here for years too.
Some famous Sun Devils who played here include Pat Tillman and Jake Plummer. The stadium saw conference titles and bowl wins. It became a real source of pride for ASU fans.
Renaming to Frank Kush Field
In 1996, the school honored Coach Kush in a special way. They named the field after him. It became Frank Kush Field at Sun Devil Stadium.
This was a big deal. It showed how much Kush meant to ASU football. He had built the program into what it was. Naming the field after him felt right to a lot of people.
Even after Kush left coaching, he stayed involved with ASU. He was like a symbol of Sun Devil football. Having his name on the field keeps his memory alive for new fans.
The stadium’s name has changed, but Frank Kush Field remains. It reminds us of the coach who made ASU football great.
Athletic Achievements at ASU
ASU’s athletic program has a rich history of success. I’ve seen the Sun Devils reach great heights in football and other sports over the years.
National Football Power Progression
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I’ve watched ASU football grow into a national power. The Sun Devils joined the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) in 1978. This move put them on a bigger stage.
In the 1970s and 1980s, ASU became a top team. They won the Fiesta Bowl in 1971, 1972, and 1975. I remember how exciting those games were!
The 1996 season was magical. ASU went undefeated in regular season play. They made it to the Rose Bowl but lost a close game to Ohio State.
ASU Football Program Highlights
I’ve seen many Sun Devils go on to NFL careers. Pat Tillman and Terrell Suggs are two of my favorites. Both were amazing players at ASU and in the pros.
ASU has produced 3 NFL Hall of Famers. Charley Taylor, Mike Haynes, and Curley Culp all wore the maroon and gold.
The Sun Devils have played in 32 bowl games. I’ve cheered them on in 4 Fiesta Bowls and 1 Peach Bowl.
ASU has had 18 consensus All-Americans. That’s a lot of talent! The team has won 17 conference titles too. I’m proud of their success over the years.
The Coaching Dynamics
The coaches at Mountain America Stadium have shaped ASU football’s identity. Their leadership styles and achievements have left a lasting impact on the program and its fans.
Coaching Legend Frank Kush
Frank Kush is a name I’ll never forget when talking about ASU football. He’s the reason we play on Frank Kush field today. Kush coached the Sun Devils for 22 years, and his record was amazing – 176 wins, 54 losses, and just 1 tie. Can you believe he only had one losing season in all that time?
What I love about Kush’s legacy is how he built the program from the ground up. He took ASU from a small college team to a national powerhouse. His teams were known for being tough and disciplined. I’ve heard stories about his intense practices that would make today’s players shake in their cleats!
The Intense Style and Impact
When I think about Coach Kush’s style, “intense” is the first word that comes to mind. He was old-school tough. His training methods were legendary – and sometimes controversial. Players ran up and down “Mount Kush,” a steep hill that was part of their grueling workouts.
But it wasn’t just about being tough. Kush’s impact went beyond wins and losses. He helped put ASU on the map nationally. His teams played with a chip on their shoulder, always ready to prove themselves against bigger programs.
Some of my favorite Kush stories are about how he developed players. He had a knack for taking raw talent and molding it into greatness. Many of his players went on to successful NFL careers.
From Todd Graham to the Present
After the Kush era, ASU had its ups and downs. But when Todd Graham came along in 2012, I felt a spark of that old intensity coming back. Graham was all about “high octane” football – fast-paced and exciting to watch.
Graham’s teams had some great moments. I’ll never forget when we beat Notre Dame in 2014. The stadium was electric that night! He brought bowl game appearances and top-25 rankings back to Tempe.
Since Graham left, we’ve seen some changes. The current coaching staff is working to build on ASU’s rich history while adapting to modern college football. It’s exciting to see how they’re blending new strategies with the toughness that’s always been part of Sun Devil football.
Stadium Experience
Mountain America Stadium offers an exciting game day atmosphere for Sun Devil fans. The stadium blends modern amenities with rich football tradition to create a memorable experience.
Fan Engagement and Game Day Experience
When I attend games at Mountain America Stadium, the energy is electric. The stadium comes alive with a sea of maroon and gold as fans cheer on the ASU Sun Devils.
I love watching Sparky, the mascot, pump up the crowd. The student section, known as the Inferno, brings incredible passion. Their chants and cheers echo throughout the stadium.
The video board shows replays and player stats, keeping me engaged. Between plays, the band performs fight songs that get everyone on their feet. At night games, the stadium lights create a magical atmosphere.
Facilities and Amenities
Mountain America Stadium has great facilities. I appreciate the wide concourses that make it easy to move around, even when it’s crowded.
There are plenty of concession stands with tasty food options. I can grab a hot dog or try local favorites. Clean restrooms are easy to find throughout the stadium.
The seats offer good views of Frank Kush Field. For a special experience, I sometimes splurge on club level tickets. These provide extra comfort and exclusive amenities.
Wi-Fi is available, letting me share photos on social media. The stadium shop has a huge selection of ASU gear, perfect for showing team spirit.
Economic and Cultural Influence
Mountain America Stadium is more than just a sports venue. It’s a key part of ASU and the whole Phoenix area. The stadium brings people together and helps the local economy in big ways.
ASU’s Role in Phoenix and Arizona
I’ve seen how ASU and its stadium impact Phoenix firsthand. President Michael M. Crow has worked hard to make ASU a big part of the city. The university brings in lots of students and jobs. On game days, fans fill up local restaurants and hotels. This helps businesses make money.
ASU also does research that helps Arizona grow. The stadium shows off the school to visitors. This can make more people want to study or work here. I think it’s cool how one building can do so much for a whole state.
Influence Beyond the Game
The stadium isn’t just for football. I’ve been to concerts and events there too. It brings in all kinds of people, not just sports fans. This helps spread ASU’s name across the country.
Big games on TV show off Phoenix to millions. This can make people want to visit or move here. The stadium also hosts community events. These help bring people together and make the area stronger.
I believe Mountain America Stadium is a symbol of pride for ASU and Arizona. It’s not just about sports – it’s about bringing people together and helping the whole area grow.
Stadium Structure and Design
I love the unique design of Mountain America Stadium. It sits between two small mountains called the Tempe Buttes. This gives it a really cool backdrop you won’t find at other stadiums.
The stadium seats 75,000 fans for ASU Sun Devils games and other events. That’s a lot of people! The seating wraps around the field in a bowl shape.
One thing that stands out to me is how they’ve updated the stadium over the years. It first opened way back in 1958, but they’ve done several renovations to keep it modern.
The most recent big upgrade finished in 2019. They added new features while keeping the classic look. I think they did a great job balancing old and new.
Some key parts of the stadium structure include:
- Frank Kush Field (the playing surface)
- Large video screens
- Suites and club seating areas
- Expanded concourses
I find the whole setup really impressive. It’s a mix of college tradition and modern amenities that makes for a great fan experience.
ASU’s Football Timeline
The Sun Devils have a rich history spanning several conferences and memorable games. I’ve watched ASU football grow from its early days to become a major program with national recognition.
Conference Changes and Milestones
ASU’s football journey has taken some exciting turns over the years. The team started in the Border Conference back in 1931. I remember the thrill when we joined the Western Athletic Conference in 1962.
But the big move came in 1978. That’s when ASU became part of the Pac-10 (now Pac-12). It was a huge step up in competition and prestige.
The Sun Devils didn’t just join – they made their mark. In 1986, we won our first Pac-10 title. It felt amazing to see ASU compete at the highest level.
Notable Games in Sun Devil History
I’ve seen some unforgettable games at Mountain America Stadium. The 1975 Fiesta Bowl stands out. We beat Nebraska 17-14, capping off our second straight undefeated season.
But my favorite might be the 1996 game against Nebraska. We were ranked #17, they were #1. The stadium was electric. We pulled off a 19-0 upset. It was one of the loudest nights I can remember.
More recently, the 2014 Territorial Cup was a classic. We beat Arizona 42-35 to win the Pac-12 South. The crowd went wild when we clinched it.
These games show why I love Sun Devil football. It’s not just about wins – it’s the passion and excitement that make it special.
Strategic Partnerships and Branding
ASU’s stadium deal with Mountain America Credit Union is a game-changer. I’m excited to share how this partnership will shape the future of Sun Devil Athletics and create new opportunities for fans and students alike.
Collaborations with Licensors and Partners
The 15-year naming rights deal between ASU and Mountain America Credit Union is huge. I think it’s one of the biggest partnerships in college sports history. The stadium’s new name, Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils, shows how important this deal is.
But it’s more than just a name change. I’ve learned that Mountain America will work with ASU on lots of cool projects. They’ll help with student internships, financial education programs, and community events.
I’m really impressed by how this partnership goes beyond sports. It’s about helping students and the whole ASU community. I can’t wait to see all the new things that will happen at the stadium because of this deal.
Information Resources
I’ve found some great ways to learn more about Mountain America Stadium. There are books and articles that go deep into its history. You can also join special groups or subscribe to services for insider info.
Books and Sports Articles
I love digging into books about the stadium’s past. Frank Kush Field has seen some amazing games over the years. Sports magazines often feature articles on big matchups there.
Local newspapers are goldmines for game recaps and player profiles. I’ve spotted some cool coffee table books with stunning stadium photos too. Online sports blogs give up-to-date news on renovations and upcoming events.
Membership and Subscription Services
I signed up for the ASU Athletics newsletter to get stadium updates right in my inbox. It’s free and keeps me in the loop. For hardcore fans, there’s a paid Sun Devil Club membership with perks like early ticket access.
Some sports sites offer subscriptions with in-depth Mountain America Stadium coverage. I use my credit card to pay, but PayPal works too. These services often include stats, analysis, and behind-the-scenes content you can’t find elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain America Stadium has many rules and features for fans to know about. I’ve gathered answers to some common questions people ask about the stadium.
What items are permitted inside Mountain America Stadium during games?
I can bring small bags, blankets, and sealed water bottles into the stadium. Cameras without detachable lenses are okay too. Food is allowed if it’s in a clear plastic bag. No large bags, alcohol, or noisemakers are allowed.
Has Sun Devil Stadium recently undergone renovations, and what improvements were made?
Yes, Mountain America Stadium finished major renovations in 2019. They added new seating, upgraded concourses, and improved concessions. The video board and sound system were also updated. These changes made the fan experience much better.
What are the food and beverage options available at Sun Devil Stadium?
I can find typical stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos. There are also some local options like Mexican food and barbecue. For drinks, soda and water are available. Beer is sold in certain areas for those over 21.
Can you describe the different seating sections and views at Sun Devil Stadium?
The stadium seats 75,000 fans. Lower bowl seats are closest to the field. Upper deck seats offer a great overhead view. The end zones have some of the cheapest tickets. Club seats and suites are available for a more luxurious experience.
What are the parking and transportation options like for Sun Devil Stadium events?
I can park in nearby campus lots, but they fill up fast. There are also parking garages a short walk away. The light rail stops close to the stadium, which is a good option. Rideshare pickup and drop-off areas are available too.
What is the history of the Arizona Cardinals’ tenure at Sun Devil Stadium?
The Arizona Cardinals played their home games at Sun Devil Stadium from 1988 to 2005. They moved here after relocating from St. Louis. The team left for their own stadium in Glendale in 2006.
