Being a Sun Devil at Arizona State University is an experience that extends far beyond lecture halls and libraries. It’s about becoming part of a vibrant community with a deep history, connected by dozens of unique traditions. This is your guide to the most iconic ASU college traditions, from the electric atmosphere of a home football game to the time-honored campus rituals that define what it means to have Sun Devil pride.
Living the full ASU experience means being where the action is. Flare Tempe offers the ideal off-campus housing, putting you right in the heart of Tempe and making it easy to live and breathe the Sun Devil spirit every single day.
Key Takeaways
- ASU is home to dozens of spirited traditions that define the student experience, from game day rituals at Sun Devil Stadium to historic ceremonies like the Lantern Walk.
- Key traditions include painting “A” Mountain, the “Forks Up” hand sign representing Sparky the Sun Devil’s pitchfork, and shaking keys on third down during football games.
- Living at Flare Tempe offers an unparalleled advantage, placing you minutes from campus and athletic venues, allowing for seamless participation in all ASU events.
- Understanding and participating in these traditions is the best way to connect with the Sun Devil community and show your school spirit.
The Heart of the Action: Unforgettable ASU Game Day Traditions
There’s nothing quite like the energy of an ASU game day in Tempe. The air buzzes with excitement as thousands of students, alumni, and fans come together, all united by their Maroon and Gold spirit. The student section, known as The Inferno, is the epicenter of this energy, leading the charge with chants and rituals that have been passed down for generations.
The “Forks Up” Hand Sign
The “Forks Up” hand sign is the universal symbol of Sun Devil pride. To make it, extend your index and middle fingers, keep your ring and pinky fingers down with your thumb, and you’ve got it. Created in 1955 by former ASU basketball coach Ned Wulk, the gesture mimics the pitchfork held by ASU’s mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil. It’s a simple but powerful way to show you’re part of the Sun Devil Nation.
Sparky the Sun Devil: More Than a Mascot
Sparky is the energetic and beloved mascot who embodies the spirit of ASU. You’ll see him at every major sporting event, hyping up the crowd, doing pushups for every point scored, and posing for pictures with fans. He’s more than just a costume; he’s a symbol of Sun Devil pride and is recognized as one of the best mascots in college sports.
Learning the lyrics to the ASU fight song, “Maroon and Gold,” is a rite of passage.
Game Day Rituals at Sun Devil Stadium
The experience at Mountain America Stadium starts long before kickoff. These are a few of the must-do rituals:
- Sun Devil Walk: About two hours before every home game, fans line the path to the stadium to cheer on the players and coaches as they arrive. Living at Flare Tempe means you’re just a short walk away, so you’ll never miss this hype-filled moment.
- Shaking Keys on Third Down: When the opposing team faces a crucial third down, the entire student section erupts in the sound of jingling keys. It’s a fun and effective way to create a distracting wall of noise and show your support.
- The Fight Song: Learning the lyrics to the ASU fight song, “Maroon and Gold,” is a rite of passage. Singing it loud and proud with the marching band and thousands of your fellow students after a touchdown is an unforgettable feeling.
Historic Sun Devil Rituals: Traditions Beyond the Game
While game days are a huge part of the culture, ASU’s traditions run much deeper, connecting students to the generations of Sun Devils who came before them. These rituals build a powerful sense of community and history.
Painting “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte)
One of the first traditions new students experience is painting “A” Mountain. During Welcome Week, the incoming freshman class hikes up Hayden Butte to give the giant concrete “A” a fresh coat of gold paint. This event officially kicks off the new academic year and serves as a powerful symbol of a fresh start and enduring Sun Devil pride.
The Lantern Walk: A Homecoming Tradition
Dating back to 1917, the Lantern Walk is one of ASU’s oldest and most cherished traditions. During Homecoming week, students and alumni hike to the top of “A” Mountain at dusk, carrying lanterns. The beautiful procession symbolizes the passing of the torch from past generations to the current student body. The view of the Tempe campus lit up at night from the top makes it a truly magical experience, celebrating ASU’s rich history of traditions.
Wear Gold on Fridays
Known as “Gold Friday,” this tradition is as simple as it is unifying. Every Friday, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear gold to show their school spirit heading into the weekend. It’s an easy way to feel connected to the broader Sun Devil community, whether you’re on campus or just out and about in Tempe.
ASU Traditions
| Tradition Type | Primary Focus | Key Examples | Vibe / Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Day Traditions | Athletic events, primarily Sun Devil Football | Forks Up, Shaking Keys, Sun Devil Walk | High-energy, loud, and intense |
| Academic & Campus Rituals | Marking academic milestones and campus history | Painting “A” Mountain, Lantern Walk | Reverent, historic, and symbolic |
| Community & Spirit Events | Building a sense of unity and daily school spirit | Wear Gold on Fridays, Homecoming Parade | Inclusive, community-focused, and prideful |
Live the Tradition at Flare Tempe
Being part of the Sun Devil community means immersing yourself in these traditions, and your home base can make all the difference. Flare Tempe is designed to place you at the center of it all.
The Perfect Location for the Ultimate Fan
With an Unbeatable Tempe location, Flare Tempe is just a short walk from Mountain America Stadium, Desert Financial Arena, and the entire Tempe campus. This prime spot means you never have to worry about parking or missing a moment of the action. You can easily join the Sun Devil Walk, catch every game, and be part of the post-game celebrations on Mill Avenue.
Amenities Designed for the Sun Devil Lifestyle
Our community features are built for the way students live. Host a pre-game get-together in your spacious apartment, or head to the resident lounge to watch away games on the big screens with friends. After a big win or a long week of Homecoming events, there’s no better place to celebrate or unwind than by the rooftop pool, which offers incredible views of the city. We offer state-of-the-art amenities to enhance your college experience.
Connect with the Broader Tempe Culture
Living at Flare Tempe also gives you easy access to everything downtown Tempe has to offer. You’re steps away from the restaurants and shops on Mill Avenue and close to the Valley Metro Rail, connecting you to city-wide festivals and the broader culture of Tempe. It’s easy to get involved with local community programs and events.
Frequently Asked Questions about ASU Traditions
Yes, Arizona State University has a rich history of traditions, including the “Forks Up” hand sign, painting “A” Mountain, the annual Lantern Walk during Homecoming, and spirited game-day rituals for Sun Devil football.
Key traditions at ASU football games include the Sun Devil Walk, students shaking their keys on third down to distract the opposing team, singing the “Maroon and Gold” fight song, and using the “Forks Up” sign to show pride.
Sparky the Sun Devil is ASU’s energetic mascot. The “Forks Up” sign, which mimics his pitchfork, is a universal symbol of Sun Devil spirit and pride used by students, alumni, and fans.
Wearing gold on Fridays is a campus-wide tradition known as “Gold Friday.” It’s a simple way for the entire Sun Devil community, whether on campus or off, to show their collective school spirit heading into the weekend.
Join the Sun Devil Nation at Flare Tempe
ASU’s college traditions are the heartbeat of the university, transforming your four years from a simple education into a memorable, lifelong experience. Participating in them is how you truly become part of the Sun Devil Nation.
Flare Tempe offers more than just an apartment; it provides a front-row seat to the vibrant culture and cherished traditions of Arizona State University. Embrace the Sun Devil lifestyle and find your ideal floor plan with us today.
