Being a Sun Devil is more than just going to class. At Arizona State University, you’re stepping into a vibrant culture defined by decades of pride and tradition. It’s a community connected by spirited rituals, massive events, and an energy you can feel from the stadium to the lecture hall.
This is your ultimate guide to the most cherished ASU college traditions that make student life here so iconic. We’ll cover everything you need to know to feel like an insider from day one, and show you how living in the middle of it all makes the experience even better.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona State University’s culture is built on spirited traditions, from the massive energy of a home football game to the reflective annual Lantern Walk.
- Game day is a core part of the Sun Devil experience, filled with rituals like the “Forks Up” hand gesture, Sparky’s push-ups, and the Inferno student section.
- Signature annual events like Homecoming and the Lantern Walk unite the entire ASU student body, alumni, and community.
- Living at Park Place Tempe puts you at the epicenter of campus life, with “A” Mountain, Sun Devil Stadium, and campus festivities right outside your door.
The Heart of Sun Devil Spirit: Year-Round Traditions
Sun Devil pride isn’t just for game days—it’s a year-round lifestyle that connects the entire ASU campus community. These simple but powerful traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life in Tempe.
Wear Gold on Fridays
One of the easiest ways to show your Sun Devil spirit is by wearing gold every Friday. This campus-wide tradition sees students, faculty, and even alumni sporting the school’s signature color to show unity. Seeing the campus covered in maroon and gold is a weekly reminder of the shared pride that defines ASU.
The “Forks Up” Hand Gesture
The “Forks Up” is the official hand sign of a Sun Devil. To make the pitchfork, extend your index finger, middle finger, and pinky, then hold your ring finger down with your thumb. It symbolizes the pitchfork held by our mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil. You’ll see it everywhere—in photos, at athletic events, and as a greeting to fellow students.
Echo from the Buttes
A rite of passage for many new students is hiking “A” Mountain, also known as Tempe Butte, at the start of the year. Once at the top, you yell “A-S-U” across the valley and wait for the echo to bounce back. Being just steps from the Tempe campus makes it easy to join in on spontaneous moments like this.
The Ultimate ASU Game Day Experience
A Sun Devil football game day is the absolute peak of ASU spirit. The energy is electric, and the entire community comes together at Sun Devil Stadium for a day packed with unforgettable rituals. Here’s your insider’s guide to doing it right.
Pre-Game Rituals
The excitement starts hours before kickoff. The Devil Walk is when the football team walks into the stadium, led by the marching band and surrounded by cheering fans. For the annual Homecoming game, the energy gets turned up with a massive Homecoming Block Party that brings the whole community out.
In-Game Chants and Traditions
The student section is called The Inferno, and it lives up to its name. It’s the loudest, most energetic place to be in the stadium. One of the most beloved in-game traditions is Sparky’s push-ups, where our mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil, does a push-up for every point on the scoreboard after a touchdown. Before kickoff, get ready to jingle your keys with thousands of other fans to create a wall of sound and intimidate the opposing team. Find out more from ASU’s official Spirit Squad.
Get into the Inferno student section early to be part of the most electric atmosphere.
The Fight Song
When you hear the opening notes of “Maroon and Gold,” you know it’s time to sing along. The ASU Fight Song is a unifying anthem that echoes through the stadium during the game, connecting every fan in a shared moment of Sun Devil pride.
Signature Annual Events: Uniting the Sun Devil Community
Beyond the stadium, these are the can’t-miss annual events that truly define the academic year at ASU and bring the entire community together for unforgettable moments.
Whitewashing “A” Mountain
Every year during Welcome Week, the freshman class gets its first taste of ASU tradition. Students hike up Tempe Butte to give the giant “A” on the mountainside a fresh coat of white paint, signaling the start of a new academic year. It’s a foundational experience for every new Sun Devil.
The Lantern Walk
As one of ASU’s oldest traditions, the Lantern Walk is a beautiful and nostalgic event held the night before the Homecoming game. Students, alumni, and faculty climb “A” Mountain with lanterns, lighting up the hillside. At the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of campus and a spectacular fireworks display. For more info, you can read about the history of ‘A’ Mountain.
Guarding the “A”
The rivalry with the University of Arizona is serious business. During the week of the big Territorial Cup football game, ASU students take turns guarding the “A” 24/7. This tradition ensures that rival Wildcat fans can’t sneak up the mountain to paint it in their own colors, and it’s a fun way to build excitement for the game.
| ASU Tradition | Time of Year | The Vibe | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern Walk | Fall (Friday night before Homecoming) | Nostalgic, scenic, unifying, and beautiful. | Wear comfortable shoes for the hike and arrive early to get a good spot for the fireworks. |
| Homecoming Game | Fall | High-energy, spirited, exciting, and loud. | Get into the Inferno student section early to be part of the most electric atmosphere. |
| Guarding the ‘A’ | Fall (Week of the Territorial Cup game) | Intense, fun, spirited, and full of rivalry pride. | Sign up for a guard shift with your dorm or a student organization for the full experience. |
Live at the Heart of the Action at Park Place Tempe
Experiencing these traditions is what college is all about, and living at Park Place Tempe puts you in the perfect position to soak it all in.
Location is Everything
Our prime location means you’re just a short walk from Sun Devil Stadium, “A” Mountain, and the Tempe campus. You’ll never have to stress about game day traffic or finding a parking spot again. You can go from your apartment to the tailgate in minutes. Check out our spacious floor plans to find your perfect fit.
The Perfect Home Base for Sun Devil Life
After a long day of cheering on the team or hiking for the Lantern Walk, you can come home to total comfort. Our community is designed for the student lifestyle, giving you a place to recharge and socialize. You can relax by the resort-style pool, focus in the study lounge, or hang out with friends in the game room. Explore all our resort-style amenities.
A Community of Sun Devils
Living at Park Place Tempe means you’re surrounded by fellow students who share your excitement for ASU life. You’ll have a built-in community to share these traditions with, from walking to the game together to forming a crew to guard the “A”. Plus, you’re so close you can explore everything Downtown Tempe has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about ASU Traditions
Yes, ASU has a rich history of traditions dating back over a century. Key traditions include the Lantern Walk, Whitewashing “A” Mountain, the “Forks Up” hand sign, and numerous game day rituals that build community and Sun Devil spirit.
ASU football traditions are central to the student experience. They include the Devil Walk, cheering from the Inferno student section, Sparky the Sun Devil doing push-ups after touchdowns, shaking keys on kickoff, and singing the “Maroon and Gold” fight song.
The Sun Devil hand gesture is called “Forks Up.” It’s formed by extending your index and middle fingers and your pinky, while holding down your ring finger with your thumb, to create the shape of a pitchfork, the weapon of choice for our mascot, Sparky.
ASU Homecoming is a week-long celebration featuring events like the Lantern Walk, a vibrant parade, and a massive block party before the Homecoming football game. It’s a major event that brings together current students, their families, and thousands of ASU alumni.
Make Your ASU Experience Unforgettable
ASU’s traditions are more than just events; they’re the moments that create lifelong memories and forge a powerful sense of community. They are a vital part of the college experience that you’ll remember long after you graduate.
Living at Park Place Tempe offers the ultimate location and lifestyle to immerse yourself fully in the Sun Devil culture. Ready to live at the center of Sun Devil Nation? Contact Park Place Tempe today to schedule a tour and secure your spot!