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Desert Financial Arena Rendering

Desert Financial Arena's renovation plans

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OverviewRenderingsProject timelineSeason Ticket Holder FAQDFA History
Desert Financial Arena

What to know

ASU has announced a $100 million multiyear renovation of Desert Financial Arena, home to Sun Devil Basketball, Volleyball, Gymnastics and Wrestling since 1974. The 51-year-old facility will transform into a modern, state-of-the-art venue, taking fan and student-athlete experiences into a new era. The makeover will be completed in phases during the offseason from May 2026 to December 2029.

 

The project is a part of ASU’s Changing Futures campaign, an initiative to enhance access, sustainability and community impact through philanthropic investment.

 

Artist rendering

DFA Rendering

Upgrades include new loge boxes, club-level seating and premium floor seats, a new court, new restrooms and the renovation of existing restrooms, new and upgraded concession stand offerings, a new video board, locker room improvements, upgrades to the air conditioning system and ensuring ADA compliance with new elevators and accessible stairs with handrails to the event floor.

Project timeline

Renovation overview

Most work will occur from April to October from 2026 to 2029, ensuring the teams that use the arena will not have to play their games elsewhere.

 

Phase One: May 2026

The first round of renovations will replace the court and add 729 padded seats to the lower bowl, complete with cupholders.

 

Also, 200 wider premium seats with two extra inches of legroom will be added, along with four “Hollywood” seats offering prime courtside views between the ASU bench and the scorer’s table.

Phase Two: Summer 2027

These renovations will refresh the concourse to highlight the arena’s most memorable moments in history, add new restrooms, and update the existing. 

 

Multiple loge boxes are planned for the concourse above the lower bowl, accommodating 120 guests with TVs and tables. For the upper bowl, “theater boxes” with wider, padded seats and cupholders.

 

A new sound system will also be installed. 

Phase Three: Summer 2027

This phase’s updates include a new court-level club with direct access to courtside seating for premium ticket holders.  

 

A new center-hung video board and ribbon boards will be along each side of the arena for ads, stats and fan messages will be added inside. 

 

Concessions will be upgraded with self-serve kiosks (made possible by relocated offices). 

 

Locker rooms will also be enhanced for our student-athletes and guests. 

Season Ticket Holder FAQ

Season ticket holders will be contacted by Sun Devil Athletics with further details.

A: All games are expected to remain at Desert Financial Arena throughout the renovation process.

A: Current season ticket holders will receive priority when selecting seats in the new seating sections.

A: Pricing is still to be determined. 

A: No. Only the sections affected by each phase will be reseated.

 

A: Yes. After the affected sections are reseated, other season ticket holders can upgrade based on availability.

A: Seat upgrades and access to areas like the new courtside seats and Club space will be based on Sun Devil Club donor level and priority points.

 

A: A detailed reseating plan will be released in early 2026.

Desert Financial Arena Rendering

More information

For more information, text or call 480-727-0000.

The Sun Devil Athletics website will include information on reseating for season ticket holders and members of the Sun Devil Club who are interested in the new seating sections.

Fundraising will be key to the project, which is part of ASU’s Changing Futures Campaign, and those interested in learning more can contact Scott Nelson, senior associate athletics director and executive director of the Sun Devil Club, at scott.nelson@asufoundation.org.

Great moments at Desert Financial Arena

Celebrating the unforgettable games, concerts, and milestones that shaped the arena’s legacy
2024 Volleyball Big 12 Champions2024

Volleyball wins ASU’s first-ever Big-12 championship

The first conference title in program history and ASU’s first Big 12 crown in any sport.

Gymnastics squad upsets No. 4 Utah2023

Gymnastics squad upsets No. 4 Utah

The first victory over Utah since 2003 and senior Hannah Scharf set her all-around career high with a 39.675, which ranks as the 10th-best all-around in Gym Devil history.

Sun Devil Wrestling are Pac-12 Champs2022

Sun Devil Wrestling are Pac-12 Champs

Its third in a row, fifth in the last six years, and first at home since 1997. The Sun Devils also won six individual titles.

Devils down No. 1 Kansas2018

Devils down No. 1 Kansas

With a final score of 80-76 and a record-breaking crowd, the Sun Devils shocked an undefeated No. 1 team in the country for the first time in team history since 1981.