News Summary
Arizona State University students made history by achieving the highest attendance for a football game, with 14,280 students at the home opener against Northern Arizona. Coach Kenny Dillingham’s efforts to boost fan engagement resulted in back-to-back sellouts, marking a return to a thriving fan culture. Despite facing challenges, including technical difficulties during the ESPN+ broadcast and multiple penalties during the game, the ASU team secured a victory. The students’ enthusiasm underscores a strong community around ASU football as they prepare for future games.
Tempe – In a remarkable display of school spirit, Arizona State University (ASU) students set a new record for attendance at the football team’s home opener against Northern Arizona University (NAU) on September 1, 2023. A total of 14,280 students packed into Mountain America Stadium, marking the highest number of student attendees in the history of the program.
The head coach of ASU, Kenny Dillingham, has emphasized the importance of a strong fan presence since taking the helm of the program. His focus on increasing attendance has paid off, leading to back-to-back sellouts during his first season—a phenomenon not seen since 2007. Dillingham’s vision includes plans for a new indoor practice facility, which would double as a tailgating area, modeled after the popular 16th hole at the Waste Management Open.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric as the ASU football team went into halftime leading NAU 17-6, buoyed by the enthusiastic student section. Arizona State’s wider receiver Jordyn Tyson stood out during the match, earning the title of East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive Player of the Week following a stellar performance.
However, the game was not without its challenges. Viewers who tuned into the broadcast on ESPN+ faced technical difficulties including a broken feed and pixelation issues, resulting in widespread frustration among fans who could not attend in person. The ASU team’s performance was characterized as somewhat disorganized, with the squad recording 12 penalties throughout the game, raising concerns over discipline and execution.
Despite the issues on the field, the final score reflected a solid victory for Arizona State, ending at 38-19. However, the outcome was closer than anticipated, considering ASU’s strong start. Coach Dillingham later acknowledged that he was outcoached during the game and noted that it could serve as an important learning opportunity for his team as they prepare for upcoming matchups.
The broadcast issues have surfaced broader conversations about the decline of community access to televised sports, particularly as many sports fans turn to streaming services that do not always deliver reliable experiences. As teams and leagues navigate this new landscape, spectators continue to express their concerns regarding accessibility and viewing quality.
Looking ahead, ASU is set to face Mississippi State on September 6, 2025, where they are currently favored by seven points. In their most recent matchup in 2024, Arizona State secured a victory over Mississippi State with a score of 30-23, adding extra significance to the upcoming contest.
The record-breaking attendance highlights the enthusiasm of ASU students for their football team, even in the face of streaming difficulties. As the season progresses, the commitment of both the players and their supporters will be crucial for the team’s success and the development of a stronger community around ASU football.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Technical Issues Mar ASU vs. Northern Arizona Broadcast
ASU Prepares for Promising Sun Devils Football Season
Additional Resources
- Arizona Sports: ASU Opener
- AZ Central: ASU vs. Mississippi State Predictions
- 247 Sports: ASU vs. Mississippi State Preview
- Devils in Detail: ASU Season Opener Issues
- Arizona Sports: Outcoached Analysis
- Wikipedia: Arizona State Sun Devils
- Google Search: Arizona State football
- Google Scholar: College football attendance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Arizona State college football
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
