Last week, Arizona State University Athletic Director announced the redevelopment of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., would be delayed one year, promising enhanced amenities and “unprecedented solarization.”
“Arizona State University was recently approached with a unique opportunity, which is the result of our fundraising success, creative partnerships and plans to expand the stadium's activity beyond football season to a 365-day-a-year experience. This opportunity would launch us beyond the initial scope of the stadium reinvention and in a way that reflects the forward thinking and innovation for which Arizona State is known,” Anderson wrote in an email to season ticket holders on Oct. 12.
The $268 million renovation began with partial demolition of upper seating on the north side in 2014. Work began in earnest in late 2015 with the demolition and rebuilding of the west and north of the stadium. A Hunt/Sundt joint venture is the general contractor. Work was originally planned to be completed by the start of the 2017 season. The new expected completion date will be the beginning of the 2018 season.
“After this season's final game, Hunt/Sundt Construction will finish the premium areas on the west side, the student-athlete facility in the north end zone and install the much anticipated north end zone video board. Following the 2017 football season, construction will move to the east side and the newly-planned enhancements,” Anderson wrote.
Details on the changes and the “unprecedented solarization” are expected in about 6 months.