Renovating the Basketball Arena Could Shift the Trajectory of Arizona State’s Program.
The men’s and women’s basketball programs at Arizona State are currently in very different situations—but their futures might ultimately depend on a change that hasn’t happened yet.
The women’s team recently brought in a bold new head coach in hopes of turning the page after years of underachievement, while the men’s squad is heading into a pivotal season with Bobby Hurley entering the final year of his contract.
One major topic among ASU fans has been the potential renovation of Desert Financial Arena, the longtime home for both teams.
Originally opened in 1974 to replace Sun Devil Gym, the arena—also known as DFA—hosts basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and other events.
An earlier article on the biggest issues facing ASU Athletics highlighted the condition of the venue:
“Desert Financial Arena has long been a controversial subject. The faded red seats—worn down by decades of oxidation—and infrastructure issues have even led to game cancellations in past seasons.”
The current seating capacity of 14,198 is another consideration in renovation plans, especially since the arena rarely sees a full house.
Renovating the Sun Devil basketball facility has become a top priority for Athletic Director Graham Rossini, who has suggested that an official update could be coming soon—supported by university president Michael Crow.
The upgrades have the potential to significantly benefit both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. Bobby Hurley is in the midst of rebuilding his roster after a tough season left the team in disarray, while new women’s head coach Molly Miller is aiming to establish a winning culture in Tempe, bringing with her an impressive 297 career coaching victories.
Modernizing the arena could help attract high-level recruits and transfers, while also enhancing the overall experience for fans.
Expectations include more comfortable seating, reliable infrastructure, updated locker rooms, and better air circulation—just a few of the many improvements possible, all without the need to relocate the facility.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the current state of the men’s team, as Hurley has been active in the transfer portal, working hard to reshape the roster.
