On The Scene Southwest: Arizona State University Athletic facilities
Arizona State University Athletic Director Ray Anderson revealed some new details about renovations to Sun Devil Stadium at the Tempe Historical Museum in mid-April, including that previous renderings had been withdrawn as the university seeks to make the new facility a 365-day a year attraction.
“We believe that a refurbished renewed facility will be a shining light,” Anderson says.
Anderson says the university is in the process of selecting a design firm and getting feedback but from all stakeholders to determine exactly what attractions will be added while also remarking that restaurants, retail or conference space might be possible. He told the community members that had assembled that the current fundraising target is $80 million. A design proposal several years ago approached $300 million and included a fabric roof, and Anderson says the canopy idea has been abandoned.
He also addressed the dismantling of the upper deck in the north end zone of Sun Devil Stadium which began a few days before his appearance. Expected to be complete by August, after the removal of the seating areas, stadium capacity will drop to 66,000 from about 71,000. The stadium was initially constructed in 1958 with a capacity of about 30,000.
