The Phoenix Metropolitan area seems to have more major sports and concert venues than just about anywhere in the country. From Ak-Chin to Glendale we are blessed and cursed with buildings big, small, old and new.
But for those who have been here awhile no sporting venue penetrates the Arizona conscience more than Sun Devil Stadium.
Maybe it is the proximity to Mill Avenue. Or the college energy. Maybe it’s because Sun Devil Stadium was there before U.S. Airways Center, Jobing. Com and University of Phoenix Stadium.
For many years there was just Compton Terrace, Celebrity Theater, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum . . . and Sun Devil Stadium.
It was where Mick Jagger sang “Start Me Up.” U2 launched its Joshua Tree Tour with two memorable sold out shows in December, 1987. The Who. Pink Floyd. National championships. The rise of the Fiesta Bowl. The arrival of the Cardinals. The light towers where Pat Tillman used to chill.
So it is gratifying to see the stadium’s purveyors talk of reigniting the stadium as a place of major activity besides improving college football, as property enhancements have begun.
Phoenix Municipal Stadium is getting a new lease on life courtesy of ASU, so let’s hope ASU’s venerable Sun Devil Stadium gets a better lease on life thanks to more events for another generation to enjoy.