The Sun Devils are a DI school now — and they could play at Gila River Arena
The Arizona State University Sun Devils are now an NCAA DI school.
Busting Brackets
Currently, the school plays hockey at Oceanside arena — and while the arena has big renovation plans, it still isn’t suitable for DI play. The concession area (used by fans and players alike as a source of warmth before the game and during period intermissions) is big enough to fit fifteen to twenty people comfortably — any more, and you’re packed in a sardine tin.
The rink itself is nice enough, and the sound system is as loud as one can ask for from an ACHA rink — but when it comes to a DI school, Oceanside just won’t cut it.
Enter Gila River Arena.
According to the school, Oceanside is the current plan for the team’s first Division I season — but long-term, ASU could be looking at the home of the Arizona Coyotes as a more permanent (and certainly more attractive) home for the team.
SB Nation’s Justin Emerson reported that head coach Greg Powers wants to make it clear that Gila River Arena is probably the better long-term option… and the team could even play a handful of games next season there, as well.
"“I want to make it abundantly clear,” Powers said. “(Oceanside) is not, absolutely not, the permanent, long-term home for Sun Devil hockey.“No one ever said we’re playing all our games next season at Oceanside. We might just play some.”"
Oceanside is the home of a number of local Phoenix hockey clubs, and it’s got a nifty student section — behind one end of the ice. Tickets are sold at a fold-up table positioned outside the double doors before the game starts; PAC 8 games cost you $5 and a lack of alcohol served to see a game.
For a state excited about a growing sport, though, playing at Gila River Arena — and giving the arena a chance to generate some non-Coyotes-related revenue — is the best thing that could happen.
For any East Coast readers, think of it this way; imagine if St. John’s University played basketball at Carnesecca Arena, rather than MSG.
With the rumor that the DI team could be playing at Gila River Arena, you also get the excitement from seeing both that team and the Arizona Coyotes in the same house. You get the pride of knowing that you play in the same house as the team that the locals cheer for (well, at least, some of them) and you get the beauty of a huge, awe-inspiring, state-of-the-art arena.
It may not be for a few seasons, but at some point the team could be playing full seasons at GRA; if you’re an ASU fan, the excitement should be building already.
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