ASU open to return of pro football

New league team could use Sun Devil Stadium

Talks are being held between Arizona State and the new Alliance of American Football that could return professional football to Sun Devil Stadium for the first time since 2005.

Jean Boyd, ASU executive senior associate athletic director, said being home to a pro team is “in alignment” with the school’s intent to find yearround uses for Sun Devil Stadium under a concept called ASU 365 Community Union.

Sun Devil Stadium in the final major phase of a $300-million renovation although some work still will remain to be completed in early 2019.

Boyd said a final agreement with the AAF – or the Alliance as it is being marketed – has not been reached. He said the final renovation work in 2019 would not prevent a pro team from playing at the stadium.

If the AAF creates an Arizona team, it’s uncertain if someone with in-state ties would be a head coaching candidate. Danny White was coach of the Arizona Rattlers in the Arena Football League from 1992-2004 and now is in his second year as an ASU football consultant. Former ASU football coach Todd Graham and former Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez are on the job market.

The AAF is launching in February 2019 with eight teams playing a 12week schedule. Cities already announced as AAF sites are Orlando, with Steve Spurrier as head coach, and Atlanta, with Brad Childress coaching. League founders are TV producer Charlie Ebersol and NFL Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian with games to be televised on CBS.

The Arizona Cardinals played at Sun Devil Stadium from 1988-2005 before moving to University of Phoenix Stadium.

The 1996 Super Bowl between Dallas and Pittsburgh was held at Sun Devil Stadium, which also was home to the USFL Arizona Wranglers/Outlaws from 1983-85.

Metro Phoenix already is one of the nation’s most crowded sports markets.

It is home to MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, WNBA, United Soccer League and Indoor Football League teams. The Phoenix Rising are hoping to become a Major League Soccer expansion team. ASU and Grand Canyon University are NCAA Division I schools.

The AAF season will begin after the Super Bowl and overlap with the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes and Arizona Rattlers as well as major league baseball spring training.