Arizona State University Sun Devils Tailgating

After a strong start to the Sun Devils football season, Arizona State University is hoping to have an influx of college football fans flooding the stadium for every home game. Tailgating events are popular for both students and outside fans, which is why entertainment is provided throughout the stadium and in the surrounding Tempe area.

With Mill Avenue so close to the Sun Devil stadium, many restaurants and bars offer special events, specials, and discounts for ASU football fans. According to Dylan Abrams, a video intern for ASU Media Relations, two of the most popular and closest bars are Devil’s Advocate, located at University Drive and Rural Road, and College Dropouts, located at Veteran’s Way and College Avenue.

“[They] are popular pre-game and post-game options for students and non-students 21 and over,” Abrams says.

According to Abrams, for those celebrating the football season the old-fashioned way, “it’s safe to assume that students and other spectators that tailgated off campus prepared for the game with hot dogs and beer.” You can never go wrong with basic party food and drinks. Abrams suggests that regardless of your pre-game festivities, to always make sure you have enough water and snacks, just in case the tailgate party or event falls short of your needs, “but if you can fight off your hunger until you're in the stadium, there's plenty of food at the game.” If you want to bring beverages into the stadium, they have to be unopened.

ASU students who are part of the Student Athletic Association’s Inferno package group, get special opportunities to celebrate before each game. They are given wrist bands to attend special events at Palo Verde Beach on University Drive with DJs, recently sponsored by the AEPi fraternity, games, food, and other activities.

For ASU students who are non-Inferno members, special shuttles, double-decker bus transportation, and other festivities have been scheduled in the past.

Cmdr. Jim Hardina with ASU Police advises fans to be responsible while tailgating.

“It’s a family event. We really don’t have many problems. Many frats and other student organizations have large tailgates, which can become a problem,” Hardina says.

If you are going to be tailgating at an ASU game this season, remember that all drinking games are forbidden and to remember that if alcohol is a part of your tailgate, to have a safe way home afterwards.

“You’re going to be drinking. You’re not going to be at home,” says Hardina.  

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated