Sun Devil Stadium renovation project: What's been torn down and what's been rebuilt so far
The final major phase of the renovation of Sun Devil Stadium continues in Tempe.
This is a look at the overhaul of ASU football's home, which has changed a lot since the three-phase, $268 million project began in 2014.
Suntec Concrete, a major player throughout the renovation process, posted a photo on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from a vantage point only it has access to: From inside one of the two massive new columns under construction on the east side of the venue.
The project continues now and through the summer and the stadium will be ready for Sept. 1 season opener against Texas San Antonio. Most of the stadium work will be done by then but ASU plans some finishing touches with the final, completed version of the stadium to be ready for the 2019 season.
Happening now
Phase three: The third and final major phase of the stadium received an extended timeline an increased funding.
An additional $38.9 million was approved by the Arizona Board of Regents to add to the project, pushing the estimated costs to around $307 million and moving the completion date to around June 2019.
The final major phase of Sun Devil Stadium's reconstruction will see a new, fourth level added to the east side of the stadium. ASU administrators said the addition should allow for year-round use of Sun Devil Stadium.
The phase three upgrades will also include connecting the south end zone to the main concourse and improving infrastructure elements such as restrooms, water, electrical and mechanical systems.
Construction on the final piece of the project began following the Sun Devils' final home football game against Arizona in late November.
Fall 2016 - August 2017
Phase two continued after the 2016 season, with the installation of amassive 47-foot-by-113-foot video board and the addition of the Tillman Tunnel on the north end of Sun Devil Stadium.
Crews finished the new athletic facility in mid-July and the tunnel and video board were ready for the start of of the 2017 season.
Fall 2015 - Fall 2016
The most noticeable change in phase two was probably reducing the capacity of Sun Devil Stadium. The stadium could hold about 70,000 fans before the renovations reduced the capacity to just over 56,000.
ASU officials said they wanted to create a more intimate game day experience.
The capacity of the stadium was narrowed from 70,000 to just over 56,000 to make for a more intimate game day experience.
"You want to know that it's inviting for all ages,'' ASU Vice President of Athletics Ray Anderson said at the time. "Anywhere you sit in the stadium, you want to know that you're engaged, that you're part of the support and it's just a fun and welcoming atmosphere."
Starting in 2014 - Fall 2015
Phase one: The official first phase of Sun Devil Stadium renovations began after the final home game of the 2014 season in November, though a few renovations in the north end zone started that spring.
Highlights from phase one:
- The student section was relocated to the north and south end zones, both of which were updated with accessible concession stands and restrooms.
- The north end zone seats were also torn down in anticipation of the future phases.
