Nine years ago a group of twelve loyal Sun Devil fans traveled south to support ASU Football in the Territorial Cup. They watched their Devils knock off the Wildcats in Arizona Stadium by a score of 28-14. Every year since that game the group, who soon referred to themselves as the Sun Devil Extravaganza, have taken their show to new heights for the Territorial Cup game.

Now in its 9th year, the Sun Devil Extravaganza will again plant themselves in the middle of the hostile environment down South to proudly represent the Sun Devils in a huge match-up with their foe. The results might very well decide the Pac 12 South Race.

Each year, whether in Tempe or Tucson, the SDE puts on a classy tailgating event several hours before the big game. This year, food will be prepared for the original group of twelve along with an army of 200 that they have recruited or has been attracted to their cause.

Due to the 12:30 p.m. kick-off, they’re hosting an early morning gourmet breakfast for their Maroon & Gold contingent. Every attendee will be dressed in this year’s gold version of their annual shirt. Come game time, the large group creates a swath of gold in an overwhelmingly red-wearing section of Arizona Stadium.They couldn’t stand out more beautifully to every ASU fan in attendance and watching on television.

In my opinion, what makes the Sun Devil Extravaganza so great are the characters that make up the group. The faction which is made up of a wide variety of fans is the brainchild of co-founders Cory Driggs and Jackson Wright. It includes a contingent of hardcore partiers that proudly lead the heightened energy of their party, but most of them are fairly conservative with little to no alcohol consumption and very few issues with vulgarity and profanity toward cat fans. On the flip-side, they certainly receive more than their fair share of it from the Wildcat faithful. 

For the most part, these are educated professionals who just want to support the Devils on the day of the most important game of the year and maintain an ongoing tradition of strong friendships. When talking about the SDE Jackson Wright stated, “My favorite part other than winning the Territorial Cup, is the tailgate party. I love catching up with friends that I might see just this one time all year.” 

Sun Devil Standouts

The growth of their project is testament to that. The SDE has ballooned to over 300 participants. Some participate that don’t live close enough to attend the game, but they still get their hands on the SDE’s Sun Devil Swag Bag which includes a rally towel, sunglasses, and other spirit apparel to support the cause from afar. There are others who come into town just for this event. As Corey Driggs puts it, “This is an excuse for great friends to get together once a year to have a great time while supporting our alma matter.”

Driggs is also quick to point out that the Sun Devils have gone 5-3 in the last eight games that the SDE has attended. Let us hope the good luck continues as the Devils head into Tucson on Saturday for what is sure to be an epic battle in the history of the Territorial Cup. Go Devils!

Follow the Sun Devil Extravaganza on Twitter for some quality tweets by great representatives of the Maroon & Gold.