About 350 people turned out for the 1st Annual Devils Ball Friday night at Clayton on the Park in Scottsdale. The event was hosted by the Sun Devil Club and specifically the Young Professionals Group (story here).

The concept behind the Devils Ball was for the organization to throw a happening year-end party for diehard alumni, fans and coaches in celebration of one thing: Sun Devil Athletics. The event was emceed by  the Fox Sports Arizona girls comprised of Mallory Kregle, Danielle Kamela and Sarah Brooks. In attendance were Sun Devil Athletics Director Ray Anderson, head coaches Todd Graham (Sun Devil Football), Herb Sendek (ASU Basketball), Rene Lyst (ASU Gymnastics), Jason Watson (ASU Volleyball) and Melissa Luellen (ASU Women’s Golf). ASU’s dance team made a showing and of course, Sparky was working the room as well.  

“The whole event was received very well, and the immediate feedback we got was so positive,€ Jeff Burg, the Devils Ball Co-Chairman, said with enthusiasm.”Greg Derr, our event chair, went above and beyond in his planning. Everything was humming as people showed up.”

“Around 9:30, I was looking at the dance floor, and there was Ray Anderson. He was probably cutting a rug better than anyone. It was a great party, and the Sun Devil Athletics Department really embraced it.”

Until now, ASU truly hasn’t had a marquee athletics event targeted specifically to the younger demographic. The bulk of the attendees at the Devils Ball were in their 20’s to mid 30’s. At $100/ head, the evening included a DJ along with an open bar and tastings from three local restaurants. But that wasn’t all.

“Something exceptional about the night was the access everyone had to members of the AD,” said Burg. “Todd Graham was there before 7:00 pm, and after 10:00 pm I caught him still hanging out with anyone who wanted to talk. Ray Anderson was willing to engage with everyone who was there as well.”

The Sun Devil Club Young Professionals Group is a perfect example of how collegiate fan bases get stronger and build more tradition. Organizers come together on the ground floor from within a school’s alumni and fan base, and then the university gives them wings. ASU is doing just that.

Are you a DieHard Sun Devil?  Big “forks up” to the Young Professionals for proving it.

Show your support for the Devils Ball sponsors. Food was provided Boondocks, My Fit Foods and Frank & Lupe’s. All drinks were donated by Alliance Beverage and Miller/ Coors.

Next up for the Young Professionals is their 2014 Golf Outing & Dinner which will be held on August 8. 

To learn more about the Sun Devil Club’s Young Professionals Group, email Gabe Cagwin at [email protected].

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