It’s loud. Honestly, if you’ve ever stood in the student section during a double-overtime thriller against UofA, you know that ringing in your ears doesn’t go away for hours. We’re talking about the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena, though if you ask any Sun Devil today, they might give you a funny look because the name changed to Desert Financial Arena back in 2019. But for decades of alumni, it will always be "Wells Fargo." It is a massive, tan, hexagonal concrete fortress sitting on the corner of Veterans Way and Sixth Street in Tempe.
It feels like a relic. That’s because it kind of is. Opened in 1974, the building has seen the rise and fall of coaching legends, the "Curtain of Distraction," and more memories than most modern glass-and-steel stadiums could ever hope to hold. You can smell the popcorn and the history the second you walk through those narrow concourses. It’s not flashy like the new arenas in Las Vegas or even the renovated footprint center downtown, but it has a soul.
The Name Game and Why People Still Call It Wells Fargo
Names stick. For twenty years, from 1997 to 2019, the building carried the Wells Fargo brand. Before that, it was simply the ASU Activity Center. When Desert Financial Credit Union stepped in with a $35 million naming rights deal, it was a huge win for the university’s athletic department, providing much-needed funds for renovations. Yet, habits die hard. You still hear boosters and long-time fans referring to it as the "Wells Fargo Arena" because that was the era of James Harden’s step-back jumpers and the peak of the Sendek years.
The transition wasn't just about a sign on the outside of the building. It represented a shift in how ASU Athletics viewed its aging infrastructure. They needed the cash. The roof was aging, the seats were—let's be real—pretty uncomfortable, and the lighting system was straight out of the 1970s. By rebranding, the school signaled that the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena era was over, and a modernized future was starting. But for the people who watched Eddie House drop 61 points on Cal in that building, the old name is etched in stone.
Architecture of a Concrete Giant
The building is weird. There is no other way to put it. It was designed by the firm Drover, Welch & Lindlan, and it cost about $8 million to build back in the early seventies. If you look at it from an aerial view, it’s a massive hexagon. Why a hexagon? It was the brutalist style of the time—heavy on concrete, functional, and meant to withstand the punishing Arizona sun.
Inside, the configuration is actually pretty brilliant for sightlines. There are roughly 14,000 seats, and because of the steepness of the lower bowl, you feel like you are right on top of the court. This is a nightmare for opposing teams. When the "942 Crew"—ASU's dedicated student section—gets going, the acoustics of that concrete dome trap the sound and bounce it right back onto the floor. It creates a literal wall of noise.
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The floor itself, Ned Wulk Court, is named after the legendary coach who led the Sun Devils for 25 seasons. Wulk is basically the godfather of ASU basketball. He took the team to nine NCAA tournaments and finished with over 400 wins. Every time a player lace up their sneakers on that hardwood, they are running over a legacy that spans half a century.
More Than Just a Basketball Court
While most people associate the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena with hoops, it’s actually a workhorse for the entire university. It’s where graduation ceremonies happen. Imagine thousands of students in caps and gowns, sweating slightly because even with the AC cranking, an Arizona May is no joke. It’s a rite of passage.
The arena has also hosted some of the biggest names in music. We're talking Led Zeppelin. We're talking Fleetwood Mac. Back in the day, it was the premier venue in the East Valley for touring acts. It also houses the offices for the basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics programs. If you wander through the back hallways, you’ll see the wrestling practice rooms and the weight rooms where Olympic-level athletes grind away at 6:00 AM.
It’s also the home of ASU Gymnastics, which, if you haven't seen a meet there, you're missing out. The atmosphere is totally different from a basketball game—more focused, rhythmic, and surprisingly intense. The venue adapts to these different needs through a massive logistical effort. The "changeover" crew can flip the arena from a basketball court to a gymnastics floor or a graduation stage in a matter of hours.
The Curtain of Distraction: A Modern Legend
You can’t talk about this arena without talking about the Curtain of Distraction. It started as a small student section gag and turned into a national phenomenon featured on ESPN and the New York Times. Behind one of the baskets, the 942 Crew set up a literal black curtain. When an opposing player steps up to the free-throw line, the curtain opens to reveal something absurd.
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Sometimes it’s a guy in a speedo. Sometimes it’s someone dressed as a giant Elvis. Once, the Olympic legend Michael Phelps even made a cameo, stripped down to his gold medals to distract an Oregon State shooter. It works. Statistics have shown that opposing free-throw percentages actually dip when the curtain is in full swing. It turned the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena from just another gym into one of the most feared places to play in the Pac-12 (and now the Big 12).
Addressing the "Aged" Elephant in the Room
Let's be honest for a second. The building is showing its age. While the Mullett Arena next door is shiny and new, the main arena has those narrow corridors that get incredibly congested during halftime. The bathrooms... well, they’ve seen better days.
There has been constant talk about a massive renovation or even a replacement. The university has done some "facelifts," like installing a massive new center-hung scoreboard and updating the sound system. But to truly compete with the blue bloods of college basketball, the infrastructure needs more than just a coat of paint. The challenge is preserving the history while providing the luxury amenities that modern donors expect. You want the suites and the high-end catering, but you don't want to lose that gritty, loud, concrete-dome energy that makes Tempe a tough place to play.
Real Examples of Historic Nights
Remember 2017? ASU was ranked #3 in the nation, their highest ranking ever. The arena was vibrating. They were playing Vanderbilt, and the place was so packed people were practically hanging from the rafters. That night proved that when the product on the court is elite, the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena is as good as any venue in the country.
Or think back to the 1980s when Byron Scott was tearing it up. The arena was the center of the Tempe social scene. It wasn't just about sports; it was the place to be seen. This history is what keeps the alumni coming back. They aren't there for the padded seats; they're there because they remember where they were when Mario Bennett broke the rim or when James Harden first showed the world his Eurostep.
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Logistics for Your Next Visit
If you're heading there, don't just wing it. Parking in Tempe is a specialized skill. The best move is usually the Packard Drive parking structure, but it fills up fast. A lot of regulars take the Valley Metro Light Rail. It drops you off right near the stadium, and you don't have to deal with the post-game gridlock on Rio Salado Parkway.
Also, the clear bag policy is strictly enforced. Don't be that person trying to argue with the security guard about your backpack. Keep it simple.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans and Visitors
If you want to experience the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena (Desert Financial) the right way, don't just show up five minutes before tip-off.
- Arrive early for the "Walk of Champions": Catch the players coming in and feel the energy build outside the north entrance.
- Check the Gymnastics Schedule: Tickets are often cheaper than basketball, and the athleticism on display is mind-blowing.
- Use the Light Rail: Save $20 on parking and grab a drink on Mill Avenue afterward. It’s the quintessential Tempe experience.
- Visit the Hall of Fame: Located nearby, it’s worth seeing the trophies and jerseys of the legends who made the arena famous before you head inside.
- Watch the Student Section: Even if you aren't a student, keep your eyes on the 942 Crew. Their energy is what keeps the building alive.
The building might have a new name on the outside, and the concrete might be a little more weathered than it was in 1974, but the spirit of the Arizona State University Wells Fargo Arena remains. It is a monument to Sun Devil pride, a place where the "Forks Up" gesture actually means something. Whether it’s a grueling wrestling match or a high-stakes basketball game, the "Old House" still has plenty of stories left to tell.