Breaking News: Arizona State University Announces $345.2 Million Renovation of Mountain America Stadium, Ushering in a New Era for Sun Devils Football
Tempe, AZ — In a bold and historic move, Arizona State University (ASU) announced today a sweeping $345.2 million renovation of Mountain America Stadium, the legendary home of Sun Devils football. The project represents one of the most ambitious stadium revamps in college football history and underscores the university’s commitment to transforming the student-athlete experience, elevating fan engagement, and solidifying ASU’s position as a premier Power Five football program.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the stadium this morning, where ASU President Michael Crow, Athletic Director Ray Anderson, and newly appointed football head coach Kenny Dillingham stood before a packed crowd of media, donors, alumni, and excited fans to unveil the details of the massive undertaking.
A Landmark in the Desert: Reimagined
Originally opened in 1958 as Sun Devil Stadium, the venue was renamed Mountain America Stadium in 2023 as part of a naming rights partnership. The facility has long stood as a landmark on the ASU campus and has hosted generations of unforgettable football moments. From Jake Plummer’s dazzling 1996 campaign to countless Territorial Cup clashes against Arizona, the stadium has echoed with the roars of passionate Sun Devil faithful.
But as college football evolves rapidly in the age of NIL, conference realignment, and billion-dollar TV deals, so too must the facilities that house its most iconic programs. ASU has chosen to meet the moment, and then some.
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” said President Michael Crow. “It’s about reshaping the future of Sun Devil athletics, enhancing student life, and building a place that reflects the excellence and ambition of Arizona State University.”
The $345.2 Million Vision
The renovation project will unfold in phases and is expected to be completed by the 2028 football season. Major features of the plan include:
- A Complete Lower Bowl Rebuild: Aging infrastructure in the lower bowl will be removed and rebuilt from the ground up to improve sight lines, ADA accessibility, and overall fan comfort. Wider concourses, additional entrances, and more spacious seating are all part of the overhaul.
- Sun Devil Fan Experience Plaza: An expansive outdoor plaza area on the stadium’s north end will serve as a year-round destination for students, fans, and visitors. Featuring LED screens, interactive exhibits, food vendors, and public green space, the plaza is designed to redefine game day and non-game day experiences alike.
- State-of-the-Art Player Facilities: ASU will construct a modernized football operations center that includes cutting-edge weight rooms, locker rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, film rooms, and a dedicated players’ lounge. This investment will be key in ASU’s effort to compete with the top-tier facilities seen in the SEC and Big Ten.
- Luxury Suites and Club Seating: The stadium’s premium offerings will be expanded significantly, including the addition of 30 new luxury suites, two club lounges, and a field-level VIP experience zone. The move aims to boost revenue and attract corporate partners.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: In line with ASU’s charter on sustainability, the renovations will include solar panel installations, water conservation systems, and LEED Gold certification targets. This aligns the stadium with Tempe’s broader sustainability goals and positions ASU as a national leader in green sports infrastructure.
- Enhanced Digital Infrastructure: Fans will experience faster Wi-Fi, 5G compatibility, and AR/VR integrations throughout the stadium. Smart kiosks, mobile ticketing, and in-seat concessions ordering will be standard.
Funding the Future
The $345.2 million price tag will be funded through a mix of private donations, corporate partnerships, premium seating revenues, and a targeted capital campaign. ASU has already secured nearly $120 million in pledges, including a major naming rights extension with Mountain America Credit Union and a landmark gift from the Tillman Foundation.
Ray Anderson addressed concerns about potential taxpayer burden, emphasizing that “no state general funds will be used for this project.” Instead, the university is tapping into its robust donor network, enhanced revenue streams from recent media rights deals, and innovative public-private partnerships.
“We’re building something that’s sustainable both financially and environmentally,” said Anderson. “This is an investment in our university, our community, and our state.”
Kenny Dillingham’s Program, Elevated
The timing of the renovation aligns with the rise of Kenny Dillingham, ASU’s homegrown head coach and the youngest in Power Five football. A Phoenix native and ASU alumnus, Dillingham represents the next generation of college football leadership. The new facilities and fan experience will be crucial in supporting his mission to build a championship-caliber program in Tempe.
“We’ve already seen how much momentum we can generate here,” said Dillingham. “Now imagine what happens when recruits walk into a stadium that rivals the best in the country—because that’s what we’re building.”
Dillingham’s recruiting has already made national headlines, including the commitment of several 4-star in-state prospects and a renewed pipeline of transfers from across the Pac-12 and Big 12. With USC and UCLA moving to the Big Ten and conference landscapes shifting, ASU is staking its claim as the future face of western football.
Community at the Center
While much of the focus is on football, the university emphasized that the renovations aim to benefit the entire ASU and Tempe community. The stadium will become a year-round hub for events including concerts, high school sports, student activities, and even local farmers markets.
“This is not just a football stadium,” said Vice President of University Athletics, Jean Boyd. “This is a community resource. It’s about creating shared experiences, pride, and identity.”
The north end plaza and adjacent training facilities will be open to the public during non-game days, encouraging students and local residents alike to engage with the space in new ways. The university also plans to introduce educational programming related to sports science and stadium architecture in conjunction with the build.
Construction Timeline and Phasing
To minimize disruptions, the renovation will be rolled out in four phases:
- Phase 1 (2025) – Begins after the 2025 football season. Focus on demolishing and rebuilding the lower west stands and expanding the concourse.
- Phase 2 (2026) – Adds the north end plaza, improved restrooms, and premium seating. Some east side adjustments begin.
- Phase 3 (2027) – Construction of the football operations center and VIP suites; east side reconfiguration continues.
- Phase 4 (2028) – Full stadium completion, with ribbon-cutting ceremony ahead of the Sun Devils’ 2028 home opener.
Each phase will be scheduled during the offseason, with careful planning to allow ASU to continue playing home games at Mountain America Stadium throughout the process.
Players and Alumni React
The news of the stadium renovation sent shockwaves across Sun Devil Nation, with current players, alumni, and boosters expressing overwhelming support.
“Man, this is a game changer,” said linebacker Will Shaffer. “We already love playing here, but knowing we’re about to have one of the best stadiums in the country? That’s something special.”
Legendary Sun Devil quarterback Jake Plummer chimed in via social media, posting: “What a move by ASU! Mountain America Stadium is getting the facelift it deserves. Can’t wait to see it rise again—Forks Up!”
National Implications
With the Pac-12 dissolving and ASU’s transition into the Big 12 beginning in 2024, this move comes at a pivotal moment. Big 12 competition includes schools with high-end stadiums and facilities—Oklahoma State’s Boone Pickens Stadium, TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium, and Texas Tech’s Jones AT&T Stadium among them. To compete and thrive in this new era, Mountain America Stadium needed a transformation.
This renovation sends a clear message: Arizona State is not just here to participate—it’s here to dominate.
“There’s no doubt ASU is making a serious play to become a flagship football power in the Big 12,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Facilities like this can make a difference in recruiting, revenue, and national profile.”
What’s Next
Over the next 12 months, ASU will finalize design concepts in partnership with renowned architecture firm HNTB, known for its work on Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas) and SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles). Groundbreaking for Phase 1 is scheduled for December 2025.
Fans are encouraged to follow the progress at SunDevilStadiumFuture.com, where interactive renderings, construction updates, and donation opportunities are available.