Desert Financial Arena - Arizona State Sun Devils (WBB)
- Gregory Koch
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Desert Financial Arena 634 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281
Year Opened: 1974
Capacity: 14,198
Forks Up
The Arizona State University Sun Devil women's basketball team participates in the Big 12 conference and plays its home games at the seasoned Desert Financial Arena, formerly called the Wells Fargo Arena, and the ASU Activity Center, on the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona.
The arena is home to the Sun Devils' men's and women's basketball teams as well as the wrestling, volleyball, and gymnastics teams. It opened in 1974 and seats over 14,000 fans. Although the arena is old and antiquated, it is set to undergo a $100 million upgrade beginning in May 2026.
Food & Beverage 3
There are several concession stands at Desert Financial Arena scattered throughout the concourse, but they all serve the same menu, so there is no point in looking around. The only things that qualify as a meal are bratwursts and hot dogs, both of which come with chips and cost between $12 and $15.
Nachos with jalapenos and cheese are available, as are hot pretzels, popcorn, frozen lemonade, chips, and candy. To drink, fans can choose from an assortment of soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. A beer will cost between $14 and $15, while soft drinks and water are around $5-$7.
Alternatively, fans can purchase a reusable loyalty cup for a one-time cost of $29.95 and receive unlimited free soda refills at any Arizona State athletic venue for the entire season, fall through spring. If you are a regular at ASU athletic events, this can be an outstanding deal in the long run, as long as you remember to bring the cup back with you.
Occasionally, free food will be available to fans. When Stadium Journey attended a game, every fan in attendance received a free bag of popcorn as they came in. We did not notice this advertised anywhere in advance, but you may get lucky.
Atmosphere 4
An Arizona State women's basketball game is exciting, starting with the pregame show where pillars of fire and smoke are shot out from the court as the team comes out and is introduced. The Sun Devils' mascot is Sparky, who appropriately is some sort of devil, and can be seen interacting with fans throughout the game. The pep band sits behind one basket along with the ASU student section, although it seems not many students attend women's basketball games here.
Walking in from the concourse will put you in the middle of the seating bowl, although typically only the lower seats are sold for ASU women's games unless there is high demand. Typically, the first nine rows are reserved, and everything else is general admission. Wherever you sit, you will have a great view of the action, but it will be cramped, and you won't have much legroom. Some of these issues will be addressed in the upcoming renovations. There is a videoboard overhead at center court, but it is smaller than the videoboards at most other power conference arenas.
Neighborhood 5
Arizona State University has one of the best neighborhoods for its athletic facilities, right in the heart of Tempe. Desert Financial Arena is located directly next to Sun Devil Stadium (ASU football), and the majority of the rest of its athletic facilities are right in the same area in Tempe.
Downtown Tempe is just a short walk away and has just about everything you can imagine, from sports bars to fast food to more elaborate restaurants to nightlife. Hundred Mile Brewing Company, with beer, great pub food, and many TVs airing live sports, is a favorite of our writers. Venezia's New York Style Pizzeria, run by an ASU alumnus, has several locations in the area and serves up large, delicious pizza. It is available at some Arizona State athletic venues, but not Desert Financial Arena, so you will have to get it before or after the game.
Fans 3
Arizona State draws a couple of thousand fans per game on average, making the 14,000-seat arena seem downright cavernous. The good news is the fans will sit close to the court, reducing the effect somewhat. The students who show up are rowdy and loud and dress in costumes to distract opposing players shooting free throws at that end in the second half, but unfortunately, there aren't many of them. Improving student attendance at women's basketball games would greatly improve the atmosphere here.
Access 4
Getting to and around Desert Financial Arena is relatively easy, and it is close to the interchange of Loop 101 and Loop 202. Take the Rural/Scottsdale exit on Loop 202. There are several lots and garages available adjacent to the arena, and parking will typically be a few dollars an hour, and the exact cost will vary depending on when you attend and how long you are there for.
Expect to pay around $10-$15 on average. Payment is on your phone via the mobile app. Which mobile app to use varies depending on which lot you are in, so check the signs to make sure you are using the right one.
The concourse at Desert Financial Arena is narrow, but as there aren't many fans in attendance, this is not a problem. Restrooms are likewise sufficient for the small crowds at the arena, but if it ever sells out, that might be a problem.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets typically cost about $19 for general admission seats or $28 for reserved seats, subject to some variability on a game-by-game basis. This cost is reasonable, but the high price for concessions and even higher price for parking bring the rating down here.
Extras 3
Look for the beautiful rock mesa outside the entrance to Desert Financial Arena. It is impossible to miss as you come in.
A second star for the Arizona State Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring Sun Devils greats of years gone by.
A third and final star for the pregame show featuring pillars of smoke and fire, leaning into the Sun Devil name.
Final Thoughts
An Arizona State women's basketball game at Desert Financial Arena can be a fun experience, and it will get even better when the renovations of the facility begin this summer. With women's sports growing in popularity at many other schools, it would be nice to see larger crowds here, too, especially from the students.
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