Arizona Stadium
Casino del Sol Stadium (formerly Arizona Stadium) is an outdoor college football stadium located on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, serving as the primary home venue for the Arizona Wildcats football team since its opening in 1928.[1] The facility, which hosted its inaugural game on October 12, 1929—a 35–0 victory over California Institute of Technology—began with a modest capacity of 7,000 seats on the west side and has since undergone extensive expansions and modernizations to accommodate larger crowds while preserving its historic charm.[1] Today, it features a permanent seating capacity of 50,782, offering panoramic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and serving as the host site for the annual Arizona Bowl postseason game.[1][2] Over the decades, Casino del Sol Stadium has evolved through a series of significant renovations that reflect the growth of university athletics and fan expectations. Key expansions include the addition of 3,000 seats on the east side in 1938, end zone seating in 1947 raising capacity to 14,000, and a major west-side upgrade in 1965 that added 10,000 seats along with a new press box.[1] Further developments in 1976 introduced a two-tier east stand increasing capacity by 17,000, while 1989 brought a $6.3 million media and skybox addition, and 2013 saw the $72.3 million Lowell-Stevens Football Facility enhance north end zone amenities like club seating.[1] The most recent major project, a $30 million east-side renovation completed prior to the 2018 season, modernized concessions, restrooms, and premium seating areas, contributing to the stadium's blend of traditional architecture and contemporary comforts.[1] In addition to its role in Wildcats football—where it has hosted hundreds of games—the stadium supports university operations, including offices for the football program and non-athletic departments.[1] Notable features include the "Ring of Fame" honoring standout players and coaches, a dedicated media center with 103 press seats, and luxury options like the Sands Club for premium experiences.[1] The venue's largest recorded attendance was 59,920 on November 23, 1996, during a game against Arizona State.[1] On November 17, 2025, the stadium received its current name through a 20-year, over $60 million naming rights partnership with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's Casino del Sol.[3] Looking ahead, a $50 million infrastructure upgrade announced in September 2025 will address deferred maintenance, improving lighting, sound systems, seating, restrooms, and concourses at the stadium and the adjacent McKale Center, ensuring its continued prominence without altering current capacity.[4][5]History
Opening and initial development
Arizona Stadium was constructed between 1928 and 1929 on a natural bowl site at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.[1] The project was funded primarily through a fundraising drive involving students and alumni, which raised $160,000 toward the total cost of $166,888 (equivalent to approximately $3.06 million in 2024 dollars).[6] The architectural design was provided by local architect Roy Place, who incorporated concrete stands on the west side of the field to seat an initial capacity of 7,000 spectators.[6] The stadium's location at coordinates 32°13′44″N 110°56′56″W and an elevation of 2,430 feet (740 m) underscores its integration into the desert landscape of southern Arizona.[7][8] The facility officially opened on October 12, 1929, hosting its inaugural event as the Arizona Wildcats defeated the Caltech Beavers 35–0 in a football game.[1] In its early years, Arizona Stadium served exclusively as the home venue for University of Arizona Wildcats football, without an integrated track or facilities for other sports.[1]Major expansions
The first significant expansion of Arizona Stadium occurred in 1938, when seats were added between the 25-yard lines on the east side, increasing the venue's capacity from its original 7,000 to 10,000 spectators.[1] This addition addressed growing attendance demands following the stadium's opening nearly a decade earlier.[9] Post-World War II developments further enlarged the facility to accommodate rising interest in University of Arizona football. In 1947, seating was added to both end zones, boosting capacity by approximately 4,000 to 14,000.[1] Three years later, in 1950, the south end zone was enclosed to complete a horseshoe configuration on that side, adding about 8,700 seats via a new upper deck and raising overall capacity to 22,671.[1][9] The 1960s brought a major structural upgrade with a double-deck expansion on the west side in 1965, which added 10,000 seats along with an 80-foot multi-level press box, elevating permanent capacity to 33,271 (over 40,000 including temporary bleachers).[1][10] This project marked the stadium's transition toward modern college football standards, enhancing visibility and media facilities.[11] A pivotal enlargement came in 1976 with the addition of a two-tier upper deck on the east side, incorporating 17,000 seats and increasing total capacity to roughly 50,000; this expansion was financed through double tax-exempt bonds issued by the University of Arizona Foundation under the Arizona Municipal Financing Program, supported by state legislative measures from the mid-1970s.[1][12] The design was recognized as one of six outstanding architectural projects in the Southwest that year, reflecting its role in elevating the program's profile ahead of potential conference realignment.[1][11] In 1981, the surrounding track was removed after the University of Arizona's track and field program relocated to the newly dedicated Roy P. Drachman Stadium, allowing permanent seating to be positioned closer to the field and optimizing sightlines for football.[13] Later in the decade, expansions focused on premium areas: in 1988, permanent bleacher seating for 4,500 was installed in the north end zone, while a new press box and initial luxury suites were added to the west side.[1] These were followed in 1989–1990 by a $6.3 million addition of skyboxes and loge seating to further accommodate media and high-end patrons, solidifying the stadium's status as a major collegiate venue.[1][11]Renovations and recent developments
In 2011, the University of Arizona began construction on the $72.3 million Lowell-Stevens Football Facility, a major addition to the north end of Arizona Stadium that included state-of-the-art training areas, coaching and administrative offices, and enhanced amenities for the ZonaZoo student section, such as improved concessions and seating without significantly altering the stadium's overall capacity.[1][14] The facility, completed and opened in August 2013, integrated the football program's operations directly into the stadium structure, providing a centralized hub for team activities and fan engagement.[15] That same year, the stadium transitioned from its original natural grass surface—used since 1929—to a FieldTurf synthetic turf installation, aimed at improving durability and maintenance for year-round use.[16] Further modernizations followed in 2018 with a $30 million renovation of the east side concourse, which added new restrooms, expanded concessions, and premium seating options while carefully preserving the historic architectural elements of the structure.[1][17] In 2022, the FieldTurf surface was upgraded to the Vortex Core system at a cost of $1.3 million, incorporating cork infill for better cooling and longevity in the desert climate, with the project completed in time for the football season.[18][19] As of September 2025, Arizona Athletics announced a $50 million infrastructure project to upgrade lighting, sound systems, seating, restrooms, and game-day operations at the stadium, addressing deferred maintenance and enhancing safety and accessibility; the project is slated to begin in early 2026 and complete by 2027 without altering capacity.[4][5] Complementing this, a feasibility study for broader fan enhancements, including potential field-level suites, was initiated in July and expanded in September, involving input from fans, alumni, and campus stakeholders to guide future developments.[20][4] On November 17, 2025, Arizona Athletics announced a 20-year, $60 million naming rights partnership with Casino Del Sol, renaming the venue Casino Del Sol Stadium effective immediately.[3]Physical structure and facilities
Design and layout
Casino Del Sol Stadium features a classic horseshoe-shaped design, characterized by its open north end and integration into the natural hillside of the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. Following a naming rights partnership announced on November 17, 2025, the stadium is now known as Casino Del Sol Stadium.[3] Originally constructed in 1928 with initial seating on the west side, the stadium's layout preserves much of its early reinforced concrete structure, which has been augmented over time with modern steel frameworks during expansions.[1] This blend of historic and contemporary materials contributes to its enduring architectural appeal, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains from within the venue.[21] The primary seating areas consist of the east and west grandstands, flanking the north-south oriented football field, which aligns with standard collegiate configurations.[22] The east grandstand houses the ZonaZoo, the dedicated student section known for its energetic atmosphere, alongside premium club areas integrated into the upper levels.[23] Situated at an elevation of 2,430 feet above sea level, the stadium's open-air setup reflects Tucson's desert climate, eschewing a roof to embrace the mild weather and clear skies typical of the region.[22] The natural hillside location enhances acoustics and sightlines, embedding the structure seamlessly into the campus landscape.[1] Beneath the east grandstands lie integrated below-ground facilities, including player tunnels and the Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory, a specialized space for crafting large telescope mirrors that utilizes the stadium's foundational footprint. These subterranean elements, connected via service corridors, support both athletic and scientific functions without altering the above-ground layout. Recent renovations have refined the overall spatial flow while maintaining the horseshoe's iconic profile.[1]Capacity and seating
Casino Del Sol Stadium's current seating capacity stands at 50,782, a figure established following the completion of a $30 million renovation to the east side in 2018 and remaining unchanged since 2019.[1] Historically, the stadium's capacity peaked at around 56,000 during expansions in the late 1980s and 1990s, including the addition of skyboxes and loge seating in 1989, but subsequent renovations have prioritized premium experiences over overall increases.[1][24] The seating is divided into distinct zones, with the ZonaZoo student section occupying approximately 9,000 seats in the lower levels of the east sideline, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for university supporters.[22] Premium club and suite options, first introduced with the 1989 press box and skybox addition and expanded during the 2018 east side project, provide elevated viewing with amenities like private lounges, while general admission bleachers span the east and west stands for broader fan access.[1] Accessibility features include ADA-compliant wheelchair seating primarily in the south endzone, with companion seats available and no elevator required for that area, though west side access remains limited.[25] Elevators in the east stands, added as part of the 2013 Lowell-Stevens Football Facility construction, facilitate movement to upper levels for those with mobility needs.[26][9] While the fixed capacity has not grown since 2018, 2025 infrastructure improvements funded by a $50 million allocation include minor seating adjustments and new on-field premium suites ranging from 16 to 20 guests each, enhancing luxury without expanding total seats.[5][27] The stadium accommodates overcrowding through standing-room allowances in designated areas, enabling attendance to exceed official capacity during high-demand events, as seen in past records surpassing 59,000.[28]Amenities and services
Casino Del Sol Stadium offers a range of concessions and restroom facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience, with significant expansions completed during the 2018 east side renovation that added new restroom and concession areas on the lower concourse.[29] These include multiple stands featuring local Tucson cuisine, such as items from Sir Veza's like specialty tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes, moving beyond traditional stadium fare to incorporate regional flavors.[30] Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the main concourses, including accessible options on the east, west, south, and north sides, with ADA-compliant stalls and family restrooms available to accommodate diverse needs.[31] The stadium incorporates modern technology to support announcements, entertainment, and fan engagement, including LED video boards for replays and graphics, with a prominent south end zone display upgraded in 2025 to enhance fan experience elements.[32] Enhanced lighting and sound systems were part of the 2025 infrastructure upgrades, improving visibility and audio quality for game-day operations and music playback across the venue.[4] Premium experiences at Casino Del Sol Stadium include field-level suites reimagined for the 2025 season, featuring amenities such as ceiling fans, high-top and couch seating, drink rails, and premium food buffets to provide an elevated, close-to-the-action environment.[27] These enhancements also encompass six new cabana areas and the Cat’s Club with over 100 seats, along with two concourse-level suites, offering varying capacities to suit different group sizes.[32] Parking and access are facilitated by adjacent surface lots and garages around the University of Arizona campus, with options like the Park Avenue Garage and Lots A East and A West providing spaces for vehicles, including reserved areas for those with disabilities.[33] Shuttle services, such as the ADA-compliant Cat Tran from the Park Avenue Garage to stadium gates, operate before and after events to ease transportation from campus locations. Security is managed through a police command center at the northeast corner and a clear bag policy, while medical stations include first aid rooms on the east and west sides, with ambulance and paramedic services on duty during events.[34][26] Sustainability features at Casino Del Sol Stadium address the desert environment through water conservation measures, including the use of reclaimed water for field irrigation since 2003, and comprehensive recycling programs with strategically placed bins to divert waste from landfills.[35] The Greening the Game initiative promotes zero-waste efforts by guiding fans to sort recyclables and compostables at stations throughout the venue.[36]Uses beyond football
Bowl games and other sports events
Arizona Stadium has served as a prominent venue for postseason college football bowl games, beginning with the Copper Bowl from 1989 to 1999. This annual event featured 11 games between teams from non-major conferences, drawing national attention to Tucson and establishing the stadium as a key site for holiday-season football. The inaugural Copper Bowl on December 31, 1989, saw the host University of Arizona defeat North Carolina State 17-10 before a crowd of 37,237, marking a significant moment in the stadium's diversification beyond regular-season play.[37][38] Subsequent editions, such as the 1993 matchup where Kansas State beat Wyoming 52-17, highlighted the bowl's growing appeal and its role as a precursor to the modern Guaranteed Rate Bowl after relocating to Phoenix in 2000.[39] Since 2015, Arizona Stadium has hosted the Arizona Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned postseason game typically held in late December, reviving Tucson's tradition of bowl hosting after a 15-year hiatus. The debut game on December 29, 2015, featured Nevada edging Colorado State 28-23 in a matchup of Mountain West Conference teams, underscoring the stadium's adaptability for neutral-site contests. The event has evolved with sponsorship changes, including its 2024 iteration as the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, which drew a record attendance of 40,076 for Miami (OH)'s victory over Colorado State. These games emphasize the stadium's regional significance in college football, providing opportunities for mid-tier programs to compete on a prominent stage.[40][41][42] Bowl events at Arizona Stadium have delivered substantial economic benefits to Tucson, generating over $100 million in impact for Southern Arizona through out-of-town visitor spending on lodging, dining, and local services since the Arizona Bowl's inception. Typical attendances hover around 30,000 to 40,000, boosting tourism during the holiday season and supporting community initiatives via charitable donations exceeding $6 million. The University of Arizona's transition to the Big 12 Conference in 2024 further elevates the stadium's profile, potentially attracting more high-profile postseason tie-ins and enhancing its role in national college sports.[43][44][45] In addition to football bowls, the stadium has accommodated other athletic events, particularly in its early years. Prior to 1981, it hosted University of Arizona track and field meets, serving as the program's primary venue until the dedication of Roy P. Drachman Stadium allowed for specialized facilities. While no longer a regular site for non-football sports, the stadium's versatile design has occasionally supported university-level events in disciplines like soccer and lacrosse when needed.[46]Concerts and entertainment
Arizona Stadium has hosted a select number of high-profile concerts, transforming the venue from a primary football facility into a site for large-scale musical entertainment on rare occasions. These events have capitalized on the stadium's expansive layout to accommodate massive crowds, emphasizing its adaptability for non-athletic gatherings. The landmark concert occurred on August 27, 1977, when Fleetwood Mac headlined during their *Rumours* Tour, supported by openers including Kenny Loggins and Pablo Cruise. This performance drew an estimated 67,000 attendees, establishing it as the largest rock concert in Arizona history at the time and surpassing previous records set by events like Barbra Streisand's 1976 show in Tempe.[47] The event, which also served as a benefit for the American Heart Association, generated approximately $430,000 in ticket revenue from sales priced at $8 to $10.[48] By showcasing the stadium's capacity for major rock acts, the concert marked a pivotal moment in demonstrating its potential as a multi-use venue and provided a significant economic boost to the local Tucson economy through visitor spending and related activities.[49] Another notable event took place on April 29, 2009, with the "Last Smash Platinum Bash," a co-headlining tour stop featuring Jay-Z and Kelly Clarkson, alongside Third Eye Blind and The Fray. Organized by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, the concert attracted thousands of attendees but incurred a reported loss of $917,000 for the student group, covering production costs of $1.42 million against $500,000 in ticket and merchandise sales.[50] This marked the first major concert at the stadium in 32 years, reviving its legacy as an entertainment space. Other entertainment uses have been sporadic, including occasional music festivals tied to university events and annual commencement ceremonies for the University of Arizona, such as the May 2025 graduation for approximately 9,000 students.[51] No regular non-concert entertainment programming has occurred since 2010. Concert productions at the stadium typically involve temporary platforms erected on the field to serve as stages, with audio systems designed to leverage the venue's natural acoustics for optimal sound distribution across the open-air structure.[52]Scientific and educational facilities
The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, operated by the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, is uniquely integrated into the structure of Arizona Stadium, with its primary facility located beneath the east stands since 1985.[53] This world-leading center specializes in the design, casting, and polishing of large, lightweight telescope mirrors using innovative spin-casting techniques, enabling the production of parabolic honeycomb structures up to 8.4 meters in diameter.[53] The lab's operations involve melting Ohara E6 borosilicate glass in a massive rotating furnace, where centrifugal force shapes the molten material into the desired form, followed by precision polishing and testing in an adjacent 100-foot optical test tower added in 1990.[53] The lab has produced more than 20 major mirrors or segments for astronomical telescopes worldwide, including the 6.5-meter primary for the Multiple Mirror Telescope conversion in 1992, the twin 8.4-meter mirrors for the Large Binocular Telescope starting in 1997, and the seven 8.4-meter segments for the Giant Magellan Telescope, all of which have been cast as of September 2023, with polishing ongoing; as of November 2025, the lab is working on the final stages for mirrors 5, 6, and 7.[54] These contributions have powered observatories such as the Magellan Telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory and the Southern African Large Telescope, advancing global research in astrophysics by enabling sharper, more light-sensitive instruments.[53] Due to its subterranean placement below the stadium's seating, the lab's activities cause no interference with football games or other events above ground.[53] In its educational capacity, the Mirror Lab supports University of Arizona coursework and graduate research in optical engineering and astronomy, providing hands-on training in mirror fabrication and testing techniques that are integral to modern telescope development.[55] Public outreach includes 90-minute guided tours offered Monday through Friday, priced at $25 for adults and $20 for students with ID, which begin at Steward Observatory and offer insights into the spin-casting process and its role in future astronomical discoveries; tours require closed-toe shoes and are suitable for ages 10 and older.[56] Beyond the lab, Arizona Stadium incorporates educational housing facilities, such as the four-story Navajo-Pinal dormitory built into the structure, which accommodates 155 students in single, double, and triple rooms as part of the university's Highland District residential offerings.[57] Stadium spaces occasionally host lectures and seminars related to university programs, further embedding the venue in the academic environment.[58] East side renovations in recent decades have expanded the lab's footprint while preserving its seamless integration with the stadium.[53]Records and notable events
Attendance records
The all-time attendance record at Arizona Stadium stands at 59,920, achieved on November 23, 1996, during the University of Arizona's rivalry matchup against Arizona State University. This figure marked a sellout driven by the intense Territorial Cup competition, highlighting the stadium's ability to draw large crowds for significant in-state games.[24] Other top attendance marks from the 1990s include 58,817 on October 22, 1994, in a victory over UCLA, and 58,810 on November 25, 1994, against Arizona State in another rivalry clash. These events underscore the era's popularity, bolstered by stadium expansions that temporarily allowed for standing room to accommodate enthusiastic fans beyond fixed seating limits. The following table summarizes the highest recorded attendances:| Attendance | Date | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 59,920 | November 23, 1996 | Arizona State |
| 58,817 | October 22, 1994 | UCLA |
| 58,810 | November 25, 1994 | Arizona State |