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Tempe
Game Day

Next Home Game — TBA· Sep 5
170Days
15Hrs
50Min
36Sec
TBA

Quick Facts

School

Arizona State University

Stadium

Mountain America Stadium

Capacity

53,599

Conference

Big 12

Local Bar Scene

Bar Districts in Tempe

The neighborhoods where Tempe fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.

Mill Avenue

Historic entertainment district and heart of Tempe nightlife. Packed with bars, restaurants, and maroon-clad fans on gameday. Walking distance to stadium.

Notable Bars

Devil's Advocate Tavern
Rula Bula Irish Pub
Pedal Haus Brewery

Apache Boulevard (Campus Area)

Main corridor through ASU campus with student bars and restaurants. Walking distance to Mountain America Stadium.

Notable Bars

Varsity Tavern
The Tavern Grille

Downtown Tempe

Historic downtown area with local breweries, restaurants, and shops. More diverse dining options.

Notable Bars

Handlebar Diner
Four Peaks Brewing Company
Casa Reynoso

2026 Football Schedule

Plan your game day around the Arizona State University Sun Devils home schedule

TBAHome

Sep 5

TBA
TBAAway

Sep 12

TBA
TBAHome

Sep 19

TBA
TBAHome

Sep 26

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 3

TBA
TBAHome

Oct 10

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 17

TBA
TBAHome

Oct 24

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 31

TBA
TBAHome

Nov 7

TBA
TBAAway

Nov 14

TBA
TBAHome

Nov 21

TBA
TBAAway

Nov 28

TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Fall football weather in Tempe brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.

September

Warm & Sunny

78°

High

/

55°

Low

5 rainy days
Light layers — afternoons can be warm but evenings cool down fast.
⭐ Best Month

October

Crisp & Clear

65°

High

/

44°

Low

6 rainy days
Perfect football weather. Bring a light jacket for night games.
❄️ Toughest

November

Cold & Variable

50°

High

/

32°

Low

7 rainy days
2 snow days
Bundle up — heavy coat, gloves, and a hat are essential for late-season games.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layers (t-shirt + hoodie + jacket)
  • Team colors / jersey
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Rain poncho (just in case)
  • Hand warmers for November games

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Mountain America Stadium.

Toughest Months

November

Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.

Local Bar Guide

Best Bars in Tempe on Game Day

The definitive guide to Tempe's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.

Devil's Advocate Tavern

from Mountain America Stadium

#1

Atmosphere

College sports bar

Known For

ASU institution and the ultimate Sun Devils sports bar. Multiple levels, rooftop deck, and packed on gameday. The place to be for ASU fans.

Varsity Tavern

from Mountain America Stadium

#2

Atmosphere

College dive bar

Known For

Classic college bar near campus with cheap drinks and rowdy atmosphere. ASU student favorite for decades.

Handlebar Diner

from Mountain America Stadium

#3

Atmosphere

Diner/bar

Known For

Retro diner and bar with comfort food and craft cocktails. Popular brunch spot before day games.

Four Peaks Brewing Company

from Mountain America Stadium

#4

Atmosphere

Craft brewery

Known For

Arizona's most famous brewery with flagship location in Tempe. House-brewed beers and spacious beer garden.

Rula Bula Irish Pub

from Mountain America Stadium

#5

Atmosphere

Irish pub

Known For

Irish pub on Mill Avenue with extensive beer selection and pub food. Multiple levels and outdoor patio.

The Tavern Grille

from Mountain America Stadium

#6

Atmosphere

Sports bar

Known For

Sports bar near campus with dozens of TVs and full menu. Good for watching multiple games.

Pedal Haus Brewery

from Mountain America Stadium

#7

Atmosphere

Craft brewery

Known For

Modern brewery on Mill Avenue with house-brewed beers and elevated pub fare. Rooftop deck with views.

Casa Reynoso

from Mountain America Stadium

#8

Atmosphere

Mexican restaurant

Known For

Mexican restaurant near campus with strong margaritas and authentic food. Local favorite since 1968.
Bar Hopping Guide

Tempe Game Day Bar Hopping Guide

The best order to hit Tempe's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.

Interactive Bar Hopping Map6 stops · 1.4 miles

Start

Rula Bula Irish Pub

Est. Time

2.5-3 hours

Total Distance

1.4 miles

Start Here

Rula Bula Irish Pub

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Rula Bula Irish Pub

401 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Start with Irish breakfast and Guinness on the multi-level patio. Opens at 11am on gamedays.
Get Directions
3 min walk (0.3 mi)
2
Stop 2

Devil's Advocate Tavern

1001 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

THE ASU sports bar with rooftop deck and maroon-and-gold everywhere. Arrive early for space.
Get Directions
2 min walk (0.2 mi)
3
Stop 3

Pedal Haus Brewery

730 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Modern brewery with rooftop deck views and house-brewed beer flights. Upscale Mill Avenue vibe.
Get Directions
8 min walk (0.4 mi)
4
Stop 4

Four Peaks Brewing Company

1340 E 8th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

Arizona's most famous brewery. Try the Kiltlifter Scottish Ale in the spacious beer garden.
Get Directions
5 min walk (0.3 mi)
5
Stop 5

Varsity Tavern

1003 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

Classic college dive bar with cheap drinks and rowdy ASU students. Cash preferred, strong pours.
Get Directions
10 min walk (0.5 mi)
6
Stop 6Final Stop

Mountain America Stadium

500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287

Home of the Arizona State Sun Devils since 1958. Capacity 53,599. Arrive early for Sparky's entrance and the Inferno student section. Desert heat is intense — stay hydrated.
Get Directions

End Point

Mountain America Stadium

Pro Tip

Mill Avenue gets packed 3-4 hours before kickoff. Start early at Rula Bula, hit Devil's Advocate rooftop for the scene, then walk 10 minutes to Mountain America Stadium. Desert heat is intense — hydrate between every bar stop!

Fan Culture

Tempe Game Day Traditions

What makes Sun Devils game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.

Forks Up Hand Sign

All game long

The "Forks Up" hand sign — all five fingers extended and spread wide — is the universal symbol of Sun Devils pride. Fans flash it at every big play, every score, and every photo. It represents the pitchfork of the Sun Devil mascot and is recognized across the country ASU salute.

The universal symbol of Sun Devils pride

The Inferno Student Section

All home games

The Inferno is ASU's legendary student section — one of the most energetic and intimidating in college football. Students pack the south end zone in maroon and gold, creating a wall of noise that opposing teams dread. The Inferno has been known to rattle quarterbacks and change the outcome of games.

One of the most intimidating student sections in college football

Sparky the Sun Devil

All home games

Sparky — ASU's iconic devil mascot with his pitchfork and mischievous grin — is one of college football's most recognizable characters. He roams the sidelines, fires up the Inferno, and has been a Sun Devils icon since 1946. Walt Disney himself helped design the original Sparky.

Designed with help from Walt Disney himself in 1946

Mill Avenue Pre-Game Parade

3–4 hours before kickoff

Mill Avenue transforms into a maroon-and-gold river of fans hours before kickoff. Fans bar-hop from Devil's Advocate to Pedal Haus to Rula Bula, building energy before the 10-minute walk to the stadium. The Mill Avenue pre-game scene is one of the best in the Pac-12/Big 12 era.

One of the best pre-game bar scenes in the Big 12

Four Peaks Kiltlifter Ritual

Pre-game and in-stadium

Arizona's most famous beer — Four Peaks Kiltlifter Scottish Ale — is the unofficial drink of ASU gameday. Fans gather at the Four Peaks brewery in Tempe before games, and the beer is sold throughout the stadium. Drinking a Kiltlifter on gameday is a rite of passage for every Sun Devils fan.

Arizona's most famous beer is the official drink of gameday
Fuel Up Before the Game

Best Game Day Food in Tempe

Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.

$$Open Game Day

Four Peaks Brewing Company

Brewpub · 1.2 miles from Sun Devil Stadium from stadium

4.5 (6200 reviews)

Arizona's most famous brewery, founded in Tempe in 1996. The Kilt Lifter is a local legend. Try the beer-battered fish tacos or the Peaks Burger. Massive gameday crowds — arrive early for a table.

Must order: Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale and Hop Knot IPA
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Chuckbox

Burgers · 0.6 miles from Sun Devil Stadium from stadium

4.6 (3800 reviews)

A Tempe institution since 1951, grilling burgers over mesquite wood. The smoky flavor is unmatched. Cash only, no frills, just incredible burgers. The line moves fast, and it's worth the wait.

Must order: Mesquite-Grilled Cheeseburger
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Cornish Pasty Co.

British Pub · 0.9 miles from Sun Devil Stadium from stadium

4.4 (4100 reviews)

Authentic British pasties (hand pies) and craft beers on Mill Avenue. The Steak & Stilton is hearty and perfect for gameday. Try the Scotch Egg appetizer — a British pub classic.

Must order: Steak & Stilton Pasty and Scotch Egg
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Casa Reynoso

Mexican · 1.5 miles from Sun Devil Stadium from stadium

4.5 (2700 reviews)

Family-owned since 1968, serving authentic Sonoran Mexican food. The carne asada is perfectly charred, and the green corn tamales are a seasonal must. Strong margaritas and a festive gameday vibe.

Must order: Carne Asada Tacos and Green Corn Tamales
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Oregano's Pizza Bistro

Pizza · 2.1 miles from Sun Devil Stadium from stadium

4.4 (5300 reviews)

Arizona chain famous for Chicago-style deep dish and thin crust pizzas. The Pizza Cookie — a giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a pizza pan — is legendary. Great for groups on gameday.

Must order: Chicago-Style Deep Dish and Pizza Cookie
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

The Dhaba

Indian · 1.8 miles from Sun Devil Stadium from stadium

4.6 (1900 reviews)

Tempe's best Indian restaurant with bold flavors and generous portions. The butter chicken is creamy and rich, and the garlic naan is perfectly charred. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Must order: Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan
Get Directions

Best Neighborhoods for Bar Hopping

The top districts in Tempe for game day bar crawls and nightlife.

Mill Avenue

Historic entertainment district and heart of Tempe nightlife. Packed with bars, restaurants, and maroon-clad fans on gameday. Walking distance to stadium.

  • Devil's Advocate Tavern
  • Rula Bula Irish Pub
  • Pedal Haus Brewery

Apache Boulevard (Campus Area)

Main corridor through ASU campus with student bars and restaurants. Walking distance to Mountain America Stadium.

  • Varsity Tavern
  • The Tavern Grille

Downtown Tempe

Historic downtown area with local breweries, restaurants, and shops. More diverse dining options.

  • Handlebar Diner
  • Four Peaks Brewing Company
  • Casa Reynoso
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Tempe GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Sun Devils football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Mountain America Stadium

Mill Avenue is THE place to be - arrive early gets packed

Mill Avenue is THE place to be - arrive early gets packed

Desert heat is intense - hydrate constantly, especially for day games (100°F+ common)

Desert heat is intense - hydrate constantly, especially for day games (100°F+ common)

Mountain America Stadium has limited shade - sunscreen and hats are essential

Mountain America Stadium has limited shade - sunscreen and hats are essential

Devil's Advocate rooftop deck has the best views on Mill Avenue

Devil's Advocate rooftop deck has the best views on Mill Avenue

Forks Up is the ASU hand signal - learn it and use it

Forks Up is the ASU hand signal - learn it and use it

Four Peaks Kiltlifter is Arizona's most famous beer - try it

Four Peaks Kiltlifter is Arizona's most famous beer - try it

Parking requires permits - buy in advance or use light rail from downtown Phoenix

Parking requires permits - buy in advance or use light rail from downtown Phoenix

The Inferno student section is one of the rowdiest in college football

The Inferno student section is one of the rowdiest in college football

Night games are better - desert cools down and atmosphere heats up

Night games are better - desert cools down and atmosphere heats up

Tempe Town Lake is nearby - great for pre-game walks and photos

Tempe Town Lake is nearby - great for pre-game walks and photos

Where to Stay

Top hotels near Mountain America Stadium for game day weekend

Graduate Tempe

$$$
0.3 miles from stadium
  • Boutique hotel on ASU campus with Sun Devils-themed decor. Walking distance to stadium and Mill Avenue. Most convenient location.
Boutique hotel on ASU campus with Sun Devils-themed decor. Walking distance to stadium and Mill Avenue. Most convenient location.

Moxy Tempe

$$
0.8 miles from stadium
  • Modern boutique hotel near campus with rooftop bar. Walking distance to Mill Avenue.
Modern boutique hotel near campus with rooftop bar. Walking distance to Mill Avenue.

Tempe Mission Palms

$$
1 mile from stadium
  • Full-service hotel in downtown Tempe. Rooftop pool and close to Mill Avenue.
Full-service hotel in downtown Tempe. Rooftop pool and close to Mill Avenue.

Courtyard Tempe Downtown

$$
1.2 miles from stadium
  • Marriott property near downtown Tempe. Modern rooms and good value.
Marriott property near downtown Tempe. Modern rooms and good value.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Tempe game day bar crawls

Know Tempe's Bar Scene Better Than Anyone

Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Mountain America Stadium, and discover where Sun Devils fans drink on game day.

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