by Joey Palomarez

The Sun Devil fans I especially want to reach with this article are the ones who ask themselves, “Why should I leave the comfort of my home to go to the ASU game?” I’m going to explain my reasons for being at the Sun Devil football game on Saturday night.

Does everyone remember their first ASU game? Looking out at the field while the two teams warm up. The sea of gold filling up Sun Devil Stadium. The only word I can use to describe a college football atmosphere is amazing. Everything from standing for the fight song to screaming on third downs make the game day experience. You can’t feel the chills go through your body as Sparky stomps the bus and the team charges onto the field while sitting on your couch. No TV Network can give you the energy you get inside Sun Devil Stadium for the game.

The second reason is because you love your school. Anyone can say, “they bleed Maroon and Gold.” But do you really? I can’t remember the last time I heard about someone sweating off face paint in a nail biter watching the game at home. This is YOUR program, YOUR team and YOUR school. Get to the game, and show ASU that you not only care about winning, you demand it.

Lastly and most importantly, you can make a difference! Imagine a sold out Sun Devil Stadium, 73,000+ people all wearing gold, screaming A… S… U.. Opposing teams should not only have to prepare to play our team, but deal with our noise. As a fan base we should cause false starts, delay of game penalties and fire up our team. Who remembers the Missouri game last year? It was loud! Head Coach Gary Pinkel said after the game that Tempe, Arizona was one of the toughest places he’s ever played at, and he would be ok if he never had to come back. And guess what, the attendance was only in the 60,000’s. I heard that the Nebraska game in 1996 was a sell-out. I would have been there, but I wasn’t born yet. I know as fans, we can literally shake that stadium.

So get to the game! Not only bring yourself, but bring friends! It’s part of what Coach Graham calls Speaking Victory. It’s part of our duty as fans, students and alumni. So fill SDS on on Saturday! AND BEAT UTAH! Go Devils!

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DHD: Joey started going to ASU games with his Dad when he was three. He’s been paying his Sun Devil Club dues out of his own pocket since he started getting his allowance. Now he’s a sophomore at Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek, AZ. He’s got just a couple years till he can apply to ASU and get more involved.

Joey’s a DieHard Sun Devil, and he’s now got his friends hooked on ASU Football as well.

Home-grown pride is alive and well in the Valley of the Sun. #SunDevil4Life

Happiness.

DieHardDevil. Are You? Prove it.