Yes, being a Sun Devil means you have to study for all the exams you've been dreading because you're a college student. And yes, being a Sun Devil means you have to endure heat from the depths of hell in the beginning of the semester. But what does being a Sun Devil really mean?
Well, celebrating being a Sun Devil is what ASU's Homecoming is all about.
What is ASU's Homecoming?
The long-running tradition to celebrate ASU is spread over a week, Nov. 17 to 23, filled with festivities for Sun Devils, parents and alumni to honor and showcase their pride for the University. The annual events occurs during the fall semester and ends with one of ASU's biggest football games of the season.
What activities are there?
The main festivities of the weekend are kicked off with the Lantern Walk, a tradition dating back to 1917. The annual custom symbolizes walking in the same footsteps as past Sun Devils who once trekked up the mountain and did the same.
The event will begin on Friday at 5:30 p.m., where participants will begin to climb up A Mountain with lanterns and light up the "A" to signify the start of ASU's Homecoming. Afterward, while on top of the mountain, Homecoming royalty will be crowned.
Once the "A" is lit up is when the fun truly begins.
Festive music from the marching band, creative and fun-looking floats and just about everything decked in maroon and gold will pack University Drive on Saturday. Bright and early at 9:30 a.m., the Homecoming Parade will lift the spirits of everyone and prepare Sun Devils for game day.
The sidewalks will be packed with people viewing the parade so best to arrive early to secure a good place to watch, or even find a spot on top of University Bridge.
If the parade ever gets tiring, attendees can join in at the Block Party, which starts at the same time. Both events are open to the public and free to welcome anyone who wishes to bask in Sun Devil spirit.
ASU vs BYU?
READ MORE: No. 21 ASU football prepares to face No. 14 BYU in landmark game
At 1:30 p.m., ASU football will take on BYU in the nearly sold out Mountain America Stadium. But why is this game so important for ASU?
Recently, ASU beat then No. 16 Kansas State in a 24-14 upset and now stands at 8 wins and 2 losses. BYU was undefeated throughout the season until their latest game, losing to Kansas 13-17, but still boasts a 9-1 record overall.
With winning this game as well as the season finale against the struggling Arizona, ASU could receive a bid to the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington on Dec. 7 if BYU also beats Houston in its finale.
This is a dramatic difference from ASU's season record last semester with 3 wins and 9 losses.
Can I still get tickets?
While student tickets for the game against BYU are sold out, tickets are still attainable through Ticketmaster.
Tickets are also being sold through other websites such as StubHub and SeatGeek, but ultimately Ticketmaster handles distributing and selling ASU's tickets.
What roads are closed and where can I park?
Due to all the events ASU is hosting, several roads in Tempe will be closed. Don't worry, though, here are all the closures to know before the big weekend:
Streets closed from Friday 7 p.m. to Saturday 3 p.m.
- University Drive between College Avenue and Veterans Way.
- 10th Street, east of Mill Avenue.
- Myrtle Avenue, south of University Drive.
Streets closed from Friday 10 p.m. to Saturday 3 p.m.
- McAllister Avenue between Apache Boulevard and University Drive.
- University Drive between Mill Avenue and Rural Road.
- Myrtle Avenue, Forest Avenue, College Avenue, McAllister Avenue and Veterans Way north of University Drive.
- Lemon Street.
Streets closed Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.
- Veterans Way between Sixth Street and College Avenue.
- Westbound Rio Salado Parkway at McClintock Drive
The majority of University Drive will be closed on Friday and Saturday.
Quick tip: ASU has multiple public transportation options if parking garages near Mountain American Stadium are unavailable.
READ MORE: Between cities and across zip codes: a guide to getting around ASU
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Abigail Beck and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporter at sjames51@asu.edu and follow @sennajames_ on X.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
Senna is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in Spanish. This is her third semester with The State Press.
