Best Seats At Mountain America Stadium
Mountain America Stadium — still “Sun Devil Stadium” to basically everyone who’s ever been — is carved into the desert in a saddle between two volcanic buttes, with the gold “A” on Tempe Butte staring down over the north end. It opened in 1958, hosted a Super Bowl and five national-title games, and came out of a 2019 rebuild smaller, smarter, and 360 degrees walkable.
The reality: it’s hot, often brutally so, and ASU schedules night games in September for exactly that reason. Get the timing and the side right and it’s one of the great settings in college football. Here’s how to pick a seat.
Seating Guide
The home side is the west sideline, where the ASU bench, the press-box tower, and the suites sit — and, not coincidentally, where the shade lands first at an evening kickoff. Students pack the Inferno in the south end-zone lower bowl; the band sits north under the video board. The upper decks only run along the two sidelines, so end-zone seats are all low and close, and the sideline uppers give you the full-field-plus-video-board view. What separates a good seat from a bad one here isn’t distance from the field — sightlines are strong almost everywhere — it’s sun exposure and whether you’re on a bench or a chairback.
Best Non-Premium Seats
The west sideline lower bowl, sections 4–10, is the pick most days: it’s the home side, it gets chairback seating on the ASU sideline in front of sections 6–8, and it slides into shade earliest at a late-afternoon or evening game. Sit ten-plus rows up so the players’ bench doesn’t block the near sideline.
For a wider view, the west upper deck, sections 301–309, catches the press-box shadow first and looks straight across at the north video board. Back rows here shade soonest.
Best Value Seats
The north and south end-zone lower bowl puts you close to the field for a fraction of sideline prices. South is the Inferno — loud, standing, young, and a blast if that’s your speed; north is calmer and sits under the video board.
Cheapest Way In
The east upper deck, sections 310–316, is reliably the cheapest ticket in the building. The trade-off is that it’s the sun side, so it’s a fine buy for a night game and a rough one for any kick before dark.
Our Pick
The west sideline lower bowl around sections 6–9, roughly rows 15–30 — chairbacks, midfield, home crowd, and shade by kickoff at a normal ASU night game. It’s the seat that’s comfortable and loud at the same time.
Heat & Shade
Almost every ASU home game kicks at 5:00 or 7:30 p.m., and for a true night game the heat evens out and shade barely matters — sit where you like. When the sun’s still up, the rule holds: the west side shades first, the east side bakes until sunset. For a rare 1:30 p.m. game, aim for the west side, the south end-zone back rows against the Carson Center wall, or the very top rows under an overhang, and bring a hat and sunscreen regardless — there is no roof and no canopy here.
What to Avoid (and What’s Worth Trying Once)
Skip the east sideline and east upper deck for any afternoon kickoff — you’ll cook, and the glare is real. Skip the front few rows behind either bench, where standing players block the near sideline. Worth trying once: the Coca-Cola Sun Deck, the standing-room area on the north end with the best specialty food in the building — you won’t have a seat, but you’ll have room and a view.
Premium Seating and Clubs
Mountain America Stadium has club-level seating on the 200 level that comes with access to enclosed, air-conditioned club spaces — a significant amenity in the Arizona heat. The south and west club sections are shaded and are the most desirable premium options. The north and east club sections, while still premium in amenities, don’t get the same shade benefit.
The Best Premium Experience
The west-side suites and the Founders’ and Dos Equis Legends’ Clubs, built into the press-box tower, are the top tier: climate-controlled, midfield, and shaded by design. This is the splurge if you want to escape the heat entirely.
Best Value Premium
The East Sideline Club and San Tan Ford Club deliver the air-conditioned lounge, easy concourse access, and chairback comfort for less than the west suites — with the caveat that east-side seats catch late sun.
Other Premium Options
The North Terrace Club sits below the video board next to the Sun Deck, and the Hobbs Family Stadium Club anchors the south end. Every club level includes a climate-controlled lounge, TVs, and chairbacks with cupholders.
Suites & Group Options
Single-game suites hold 16, 22, or 66 guests in the west tower and come with concierge catering. New for 2025, the North Loge Boxes are 12 four-person, field-level, all-inclusive boxes flanking the Pat Tillman statue — as close to the tunnel as a fan can buy.
Mountain America Stadium Capacity and Seating Map
The lower bowl uses single- and double-digit section numbers (1–42) that wrap the whole field; the loge/club level is the 200s and the upper deck is the 300s (301–316), both running only along the east and west sidelines. The genuine quirk: the upper decks stop at the end zones, so every end-zone seat is a close, low, lower-bowl seat, and the two sidelines carry all the height.
Old bench seating still lines much of the bowl, with chairbacks concentrated on the ASU sideline and in the club and 200 sections. Pull up the official interactive seating chart on the Sun Devils ticket site before you buy so you can see the exact row and view.
Here is the Seating Chart To Mountain America Stadium
Getting Arizona State Football Tickets
Buy early for marquee opponents and wait out the cupcakes — non-conference games routinely sink below face on the resale market a few days out, and the upper end zone is where the cheap seats live. Cross-check the official site against a resale marketplace like Vivid Seats, since season-ticket holders dump unused inventory there and get-in prices on a weeknight game can be a genuine steal. Whatever you do, sort by section against the shade rule above before you sort by price.
Get Your Arizona State Football Tickets here! If you’re looking for ASU tickets, Suns, D-Backs, Cardinals, and more Vivid Seats has you covered.
Mountain America Stadium Bag Policy
You may bring one clear bag no larger than 12″ × 6″ × 12″ or a one-gallon clear plastic bag, plus one small non-clear clutch no larger than 4.5″ × 6.5″. Seat cushions are allowed if they’re 18″ or smaller with no pockets, zippers, or compartments. There’s no bag check, so anything that fails goes back to your car or in the trash.
Key Policies To Know
No re-entry once you leave the stadium — plan accordingly for pre-game tailgating cutoff times
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside
ASU is a tobacco-free campus, which extends to the stadium — no smoking or vaping anywhere on the premises
Accessibility
Mountain America Stadium offers ADA seating throughout the stadium with companion seats, elevator access between levels, and accessible entrances. For specific accessible seating locations, companion seat requests, or mobility assistance, contact ASU Sun Devil Athletics directly or visit the accessibility section of the official stadium page.
For the full list of updated policies, check the ASU website.
Getting to Mountain America Stadium
The stadium sits at 500 E Veterans Way on the ASU campus in Tempe, right on the edge of the Mill Avenue entertainment district — which is both a benefit (easy pre/post-game access) and a parking challenge on big game days. The easiest gameday strategies are the Valley Metro Light Rail or a rideshare drop close to campus.
Mountain America Stadium Parking
Parking on and near campus fills up fast on big game days, especially in the lots immediately adjacent to the stadium. Off-campus parking in the neighborhoods south and west of the stadium is significantly cheaper, and the walk back is manageable if you leave a few minutes before the final whistle. ASU Athletics manages official game day lots — purchase in advance when possible, as day-of pricing is higher and availability is limited near the stadium.
Parking Pro Tips: The single best pre-purchase lot for visiting fans is the Packard Drive Garage on the south side of campus — it puts you a short walk from the stadium’s south gate and gets you out efficiently post-game by heading south away from the Mill Avenue congestion. Buy it in advance through ASU Athletics; day-of pricing jumps significantly and availability near the stadium disappears fast on rivalry weekends.
For a cheaper alternative, park along Apache Boulevard or in the surface lots east of Rural Road and walk west toward the stadium — it’s about a 10–15 minute walk and you’ll pay a fraction of the on-campus rate. The walk back after the game actually works in your favor: by the time you get to your car, the worst of the lot exit traffic has already cleared.
One hack that experienced fans swear by: park near a light rail station — specifically the Tempe Transportation Center on Apache — for around $10–15 in a nearby private lot, then rail the last mile to the stadium. After the game, walk back to the station and ride out while everyone else is gridlocked. It’s the best of both worlds if you drove from outside the Valley.
Light Rail
The Light rail is genuinely the best way to get to a Sun Devils game if you’re coming from Phoenix. The system runs frequently on game days, stops within easy walking distance of the stadium, and eliminates the post-game parking nightmare entirely. Check the Valley Metro schedule on game day — they run extended service for ASU events, and the post-game crowd thins out the further past final whistle you wait to board.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and Walking
Rideshare works well for arriving; post-game pickup is the challenge. The area around the stadium and Mill Avenue gets congested immediately after the final whistle, and surge pricing on rivalry games can be steep. If you’re using rideshare, designate a pickup point a few blocks west or south of the stadium — somewhere on the side streets off Mill Avenue — and walk to it rather than requesting a pickup right at the gates.
Walking from Mill Avenue
If you’re staying on or near Mill Avenue, the stadium is a walkable 10–15 minutes. This is the ideal setup — you can walk to the game, then walk directly back to the bar strip post-game without dealing with traffic or surge pricing at all.
ASU Gameday Insider Tips and Hacks
Mountain America Stadium (still called Sun Devil Stadium by everyone in Tempe) is one of the most recognizable settings in college football thanks to the buttes rising behind the stands, and it’s also one of the loudest horseshoe designs around, especially at night. Below is every tip pulled together into one clean, categorized list with no repeats — the two history/background items stay right where they were, and everything else is sorted into the right bucket, with a few new categories created for tips that didn’t fit anywhere else (like the nearby hiking spots).
Sun Devil Stadium History
Sun Devil Stadium history: This place has hosted more big football than almost any on-campus stadium in the country. Super Bowl XXX came here in January 1996, Cowboys over Steelers 27–17, Larry Brown grabbing two interceptions for MVP in front of 76,347. The Fiesta Bowl called it home from 1971 to 2006 and staged national championships in it — Penn State over Miami in 1987, Notre Dame over West Virginia in 1989, Tennessee over Florida State in the 1999 BCS title game, and the all-timer, Ohio State 31, Miami 24 in double overtime in January 2003 to end Miami’s 34-game win streak. The Arizona Cardinals also played here from 1988 to 2005 before Glendale opened.
The 2019 Renovation
The stadium came through a $307.6 million, multi-year overhaul finished in August 2019 that cut fixed seating from around 71,000 down to today’s 53,599. Crews tore out upper-deck sections, rebuilt both sideline lower bowls, opened up a full 360-degree concourse for the first time, and added club spaces plus a new student-athlete facility on the north end. The one thing they didn’t build was the shade canopy from the original renderings — it got cut to save money, which is why you’re still exposed up there.
Arrival & The Devil Walk
Show up two hours early for the Devil Walk. The team walks into the stadium about two hours before kickoff near Desert Financial Arena, flanked by the spirit squad and the band. Line the route and you’ll get closer to the players than at any point all day.
Enter on the west side. Security lines on the west (home) sideline tend to move faster during major games than the end zone gates, which funnel larger student sections. Build in at least 30–45 minutes for entry on big game days.
Tailgating & Pregame
ASU tailgating happens on College Avenue, and it’s free. Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate, run by the Alumni Association near the College Avenue Commons, opens three hours before kickoff with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and Sparky himself — you can walk up alone and plug right in. If the heat is punishing, the Dos Equis Pitchfork Pregame on the north side of Desert Financial Arena is air-conditioned with $4 beers and dogs.
Traditions & Fan Culture
Get Forks Up right. Extend your index, middle, and pinky fingers and hold your ring finger down with your thumb — three fingers, not two. Fans flash it constantly and point the pitchfork toward the end zone after every ASU first down.
Learn the key shake and the bus stomp. Before kickoff a pregame video shows a giant Sparky stomping the visiting team’s bus, and fans shake their keys as the Devils start a drive. It’s silly and it’s fun — join in.
Ring the Victory Bell. The Victory Bell sits by the southeast entrance and gets rung after wins. Find it on your way in so you know where to celebrate on your way out.
The student section sets the energy. If you want to understand the real atmosphere of this place, position yourself close to the student sections — their chants and reactions dictate the energy of the whole stadium on big plays.
Food & Drink
Eat at the Sun Deck, not the nearest stand. The best food in the building is clustered on the Coca-Cola Sun Deck — Someburros (a Valley Mexican staple), Fork’em BBQ, Chick-fil-A, and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. There’s a second Someburros behind section 33. Beer sales stop at the end of the third quarter, so plan the last round.
Eat before you get to the stadium. Concession lines inside Mountain America Stadium back up significantly in the first two quarters. Grab food on Mill Avenue or at one of the nearby spots before kickoff and you’ll spend the first quarter watching football instead of waiting in line.
Timing trick for halftime. If you need to grab something inside, move before the second quarter ends — you’ll beat the halftime rush by 3–4 minutes and skip what becomes a long wait.
Beating the Heat
Duck into the Huss Hideout to beat the heat. Up on the upper east side there’s a free, climate-controlled room called the Huss Hideout with standing tables, concessions, and Huss Brewing craft beer including the Devils’ Halo — a genuine air-conditioned escape that costs nothing and that almost no seating guide mentions. Use it in September.
Sunscreen, hat, and hydration are not optional for day games. Arizona September sun is no joke, and the stadium has zero shade on the east side. Bring a hat, apply sunscreen before you get there (it counts toward your bag allowance otherwise), and bring a sealed, empty water bottle — you can fill it at water stations inside. Wearing layers isn’t necessary; wearing light-colored, breathable fabric absolutely is.
Night game September is dramatically different. If you have the choice between a 1:30 PM game and a 7:30 PM game, the evening kickoff is a completely different (and far more comfortable) experience. The atmosphere is electric and you won’t be sweating through the first half.
Instagrammable Spots and Photo Ops
The best photo is from the west upper deck at dusk. From the west 300s you get the field, the north video board, the gold “A” on the butte, and a desert sunset all in one frame. Golden hour at a 7:30 kick is the shot.
The buttes shot is the one. From the upper deck on the west side, angle your camera toward the south end zone with the Tempe buttes framing the field. Do it during warmups when the light is still golden — by game time the crowd fills in and you lose the clean angle.
The plaza outside the stadium before gates open is worth a walk — the stadium exterior with the buttes visible above it is a great pre-game shot that screams “college football.”
Families & Kids
Families should sit north or west lower, away from the Inferno. The north end-zone lower bowl is calmer, close to the field, and under the video board — better for kids than the standing, rowdy south student section. The concourse is stroller-friendly since the 2019 rebuild.
The western sideline club sections are the best choice for families attending afternoon games — the shade and enclosed club spaces make the heat manageable for younger kids.
Check ASU’s policy on children under a certain age for ticket requirements, as some age cutoffs for free entry apply.
The south end zone is rowdier and better suited for older kids who want the atmosphere; the club level is better for families prioritizing comfort. Stroller access is available through ADA-accessible entrances on the perimeter of the stadium. The open concourse walkways between sections make it easy to move around and handle the “I need to move” energy that kids bring.
Exit Strategy
Plan the walk out, not just the game. Alcohol ends after the third quarter and the light-rail platform mobs the moment the clock hits zero. If you rode in, leave with two minutes left in a blowout or wait 20 minutes for the crush to clear.
Leave during the final two minutes of a blowout win — or immediately after the final whistle if it’s close — and head west toward Mill Avenue. The east parking lots and rideshare staging areas get gridlocked quickly. Fans who walk toward Mill Ave post-game tend to escape the worst of the traffic while also landing at a bar to celebrate.
If you’re parked further east, wait 20–30 minutes after the game inside the stadium or near the gates before heading to your car. The lot exits clear out significantly once the initial wave passes.
Tech, Tickets & Connectivity
Cell service sags at kickoff — screenshot your ticket and set a meetup spot. With 50,000-plus phones fighting for signal, mobile tickets can stall at the gate. Load yours to your wallet in advance and agree on a landmark to regroup, because texts won’t always send.
Cell service inside the stadium can get congested on sellouts, particularly in the upper deck. Download your tickets and any navigation apps you need before you leave the parking lot, and consider downloading the stadium map offline through the app if you’re unfamiliar with the layout.
The ASU Sun Devils app is worth downloading for mobile ticketing — it’s the most seamless way to handle entry and eliminates any scramble for paper tickets or a signal-dependent barcode at the gate. Check it for in-game food ordering options once inside, which can help you skip the main concession lines on busy games.
Merch & Shopping
The Sun Devil team store near the stadium is accessible before games without a ticket — grab your gear before kickoff when selection is widest. Post-game lines are long and the best sizes sell out fast.
Player Access & Autographs
Pre-game warmups are your best window. Arrive when gates open — roughly 90 minutes before kickoff — and position yourself along the field-level railing near the end zones or the south end zone corners during warmups. Players are most accessible during this window, and ASU athletes are generally approachable with fans before the intensity of the game kicks in. The Devil Walk arrival is another opportunity to get close to players before they enter the tunnel — stake out a spot along the roped path on the west side before gates open.
Nearby Hiking & Things to Do
Hayden Butte (A-Mountain): Hike to the top of Hayden Butte, locally known as “A-Mountain,” for stunning views of Tempe and the surrounding area.
Papago Park: Hike the trails of Papago Park and visit iconic landmarks like Hole-in-the-Rock for panoramic views of the city.
South Mountain Park and Preserve: Discover the extensive trails and breathtaking views at South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.
Camelback Mountain: One of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Choose between the Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail for rewarding panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun.
Hotels Near Mountain America Stadium
Tempe is an ideal base for an ASU gameday visit — walkable to the stadium, full of great food and nightlife, and much more affordable than staying in central Phoenix or Scottsdale. Although Scottsdale works as well. For big rivalry games and home openers, book well in advance — good Tempe hotels near Mill Avenue fill up fast on game weekends.
Best Areas to Stay
Mill Avenue / Downtown Tempe is the top choice for visiting fans. You’re walking distance from the stadium, surrounded by bars and restaurants, and the post-game scene unfolds right outside your hotel door. This is where you want to be if it’s your first Sun Devils game.
Tempe Town Lake Area offers slightly quieter accommodations close to the Mill Ave action — great for families who want a bit of distance from the loudest post-game bars while still staying within striking distance of the stadium.
Old Town Scottsdale, just across the canal from Tempe, is a great base if you want a livelier nightlife scene and don’t mind a short rideshare to the game. It’s also where you’ll find Cien Agaves (more on that in the Gameday Scene section).
Hotels To Aim For
Westin Tempe — Upscale option on the south end of Mill Avenue with a rooftop pool. Great for post-game celebrations. Luxury tier.
Marriott Tempe at The Buttes — Unique setting in the Tempe buttes with sweeping views of the valley. Not walking distance, but a resort-style option for those who want to decompress between activities.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown — Right on Mill Avenue, walking distance to the stadium, boutique feel with a rooftop bar. Mid-range to upscale. Ideal location for visiting fans.
Graduate Tempe — A college-town hotel done right, with ASU memorabilia throughout and a great rooftop pool. Mid-range, fun vibe, walkable to everything.
GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor: This hotel is a budget-friendly option near the stadium
AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Tempe/Downtown:A sleek and contemporary hotel with upscale amenities, offering a sophisticated European design. It’s conveniently located near downtown Tempe.
Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport: A contemporary hotel with spacious rooms, offering modern amenities and proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix Tempe: A well-known hotel brand, DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Tempe provides comfortable accommodations, on-site dining options, and a convenient location near ASU and downtown Tempe.
The Scott Resort & Spa: Located in Scottsdale, The Scott Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere, featuring well-appointed rooms, beautiful grounds, and upscale amenities.
Hotel Valley Ho: A retro-chic hotel in Old Town Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho is known for its mid-century modern design, stylish rooms, and a vibrant pool scene.
Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town: This all-suite hotel in Old Town Scottsdale offers spacious accommodations, on-site dining, and is within walking distance of shopping and entertainment.
Sun Devils Gameday: Mill Avenue Bars & Restaurants
A Tempe Saturday runs on the walk between the tailgate and the stadium, and Mill Avenue is the spine of it — a few blocks of patios and bars a straight shot from the gates. The center of gravity is split: students and alumni skew toward the free tailgates and the Mill Avenue strip, while the die-hards with lots do the real grill-and-cornhole tailgate closer to the stadium. Mill Avenue is downtown Tempe’s college-bar core; Tempe Town Lake is the calmer waterfront a few blocks north; and Old Town Scottsdale, 20 minutes east, is the upscale night out worth a rideshare.
If you’re an alum, the Mill Avenue muscle memory still works even though half the storefronts have turned over. If you’re a first-timer or visiting fan, you can show up solo, walk the strip, and be folded into the day without knowing a soul — that’s the point of it. One honest skip: don’t build your afternoon around the “official” club-style spots that don’t open until evening; you’ll stand in a line for a room that’s empty at 2 p.m. Full tailgate details are up in the Insider Tips section.
Fun Pregame Bars on Mill Avenue
Fat Tuesday (680 S. Mill Ave.) — A gameday institution on the strip with a wide daiquiri menu and a full bar built for crowds. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it fills up early on big games. Get there at least two hours before kickoff if you want a spot.
Loco Patron (222 S. Mill Ave.) — Open-air patio on Mill Avenue with margaritas, tacos, and a wall of TVs. It’s exactly what you want for a warm-weather gameday — great people watching from the patio and a menu that matches the setting.
Varsity Tavern (5th & Mill) — A fan favorite with a 2nd-story patio overlooking the Mill Avenue action, a dedicated ASU game day menu, and a 10% discount for Sun Devils fans on game days. One of the spots that experienced fans return to every single season.
Four Peaks Brewing Company — A local Tempe institution serving their own craft beers in a full-service brewery setting. Great for fans who want something a step above the typical bar scene — try the Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale, which is a Valley staple.
Solid Restaurants in the Area
Four Peaks Brewing at 1340 E 8th is the essential ASU-adjacent brewery — get the Kilt Lifter — but it’s about a mile east of Mill and the parking is genuinely miserable, so walk or rideshare. Taco Chelo at 521 S College does handmade tortillas and a proper Sonoran taco a block off campus. Otto Pizza at 804 S Ash runs an $8.95 two-slice lunch special with a cash discount, ideal for a fast pre-walk bite. And up at the Buttes, Top of the Rock (2000 W Westcourt Way) is the upscale sit-down built into the butte with sunset valley views if you want to make a night of it.
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila — A short rideshare from the stadium and worth every minute of the trip. Get the pork carnitas tacos — they’re the move. The tequila menu is 100+ bottles deep and the margaritas are genuinely excellent. Happy Hour runs 3–6 PM daily, which lines up perfectly with a pre-game visit. This is one of my faves from my Arizona days.
Why You Should Go
The setting alone earns it — a bowl dug into the desert between two buttes, with the gold “A” glowing over the north end and a sunset behind the west deck. It’s hot and it’s old-school in the parts they didn’t rebuild, but the Inferno is loud, the history is real, and a night game in Tempe is one of the more distinctive Saturdays in the sport.
If you’re looking for other guides in the Valley, check out our guides to State Farm Stadium and the Mortgage Matchup Center (Home to the Suns and Mercury) And now that ASU is in the Big 12 conference, here are some guides to future opponents and all of our college football guides:
Arizona and Texas Tech
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.