Arizona State University is pursuing an ambitious project to build an indoor practice facility that will also serve as a vibrant space for football tailgates. The announcement came from head coach Kenny Dillingham, who revealed plans this week to fundraise and break ground within the next six months, aiming to complete the facility in about two years. This development seeks to enhance the game day atmosphere for the Sun Devils while addressing the extreme weather challenges typical of Tempe.
Kenny Dillingham’s Vision Tied to Local Sporting Tradition
Dillingham, an ASU alumnus and rising star among college football coaches, wants to mirror one of the region’s most iconic sports spectacles—specifically the 16th hole at the Waste Management Open, a famous Phoenix PGA Tour event. His intent is to bring that exciting and raucous energy indoors, alongside the Sun Devils’ football stadium. By doing so, Dillingham hopes to cultivate an indoor social hub for fans that captures the festive and rowdy spirit of the golf tournament’s signature hole.
One thing, I don’t know if people know this … we’re in the process of trying to build an indoor (practice) facility,
Dillingham told reporters.
That’s our big project, we want to get it fund-raised here in the next five months. To get a shovel in the ground here in the next six months so that it’s here in two years from today, which is the goal.
—Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
Design Focus: Combining Practice Needs with Fan Engagement
The proposed facility will not only serve as a practice space close to Mountain America Stadium, but also as a permanent structure designed to improve the efficiency of the football program. Currently, the team’s practice areas are located at a distance from the stadium, which Dillingham sees as inefficient. By moving these activities closer, the Sun Devils can maximize practice time and convenience for players and staff.
We want to move it over by the football field. We want to use that indoor facility for tailgating in the future so we have an indoor tailgating location for fans to come and make it an awesome tailgate experience.
—Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
The design aims to offer a comfortable indoor environment for fans, sparing them from the harsh summer heat that Arizona is known for with game days often hitting temperatures around 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
That way people don’t have to be out there in the scorching heat.
—Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
Bringing the Celebration Home: From Temporary Bleachers to Permanent Structures
The Waste Management Open’s 16th hole is famous for its temporary grandstands filled with ecstatic crowds, creating a memorable spectacle. Dillingham’s goal is to build a lasting and permanent version of this environment around the ASU football home, combining the excitement of this local golf event with the community spirit of college football tailgates.
Like the 16th hole of the Waste Management Open [held annually at TPC Scottsdale]. We want to create the 16th hole of the Waste Management Open or as close as we can to it in our indoor facility by our stadium here,
he explained.
We’ve just got to fundraise enough money to do it, so it’s good for us. It will be good for our football team. It will be good for the fans if we can get it done.
—Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
Permanent structure that’s over by our facility so that we don’t have to travel to be more efficient with our time,
he added.
Then, one that can be used on gamedays, like I said, for an awesome, awesome tailgating experience.
—Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season Momentum
Following a standout season with 11 wins, a Big 12 Championship, and a College Football Playoff appearance, Arizona State is gearing up to defend its title starting August 30, 2025, at home against Northern Arizona. This facility aims to maintain and build upon the momentum for the Sun Devils football program, creating a unique fan experience that could set new standards for college football tailgates nationwide.
Huge development: Kenny Dillingham said ASU is raising money for a new indoor practice facility that will also be used for fan tailgating:
“We want to create the 16th hole of the Waste Management Open in our indoor facility by our stadium.”
—Jakob Brooks, Reporter
The planned indoor tailgate venue aligns with ASU’s broader strategy to strengthen its football culture, provide better support for players and coaches, and intensify fan involvement away from the discomfort of Arizona’s summer heat. If successful, this dual-purpose facility will offer a blueprint blending athletic development with community celebration influenced by a beloved regional sporting event.