ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ASU’s Harris: Facility upgrades won’t fall behind schedule

Nov 8, 2013, 12:24 AM | Updated: 12:24 am

When Arizona State athletic director Steve Patterson accepted the same position at Texas, Sun Devils fans immediately had two questions:

Will Patterson take football coach Todd Graham to Texas as Mack Brown’s replacement, and how does this affect ASU’s plan to upgrade Sun Devil Stadium and several of its other athletic facilities?

But those fans now have an answer to at least one of those. Rocky Harris, ASU’s senior associate athletic director, says there’s no reason to worry that the school’s facility upgrades will fall behind schedule while ASU searches for Patterson’s replacement.

“We won’t let that slow down because of Steve’s departure,” Harris told Arizona Sports 620’s Bickley and Marotta Thursday. “He took us down to the red zone, now it’s our turn to punch the ball in. He involved all of us in the process.”

ASU is in the planning stages of a major renovation or reconstruction of Sun Devil Stadium, and the project will begin when upper-level north end zone seating is removed after this season. The Sun Devils’ baseball team is also undergoing a facilities change, and will move to Phoenix Municipal Stadium starting in 2015.

“Some of the smaller things might be put aside for a few weeks,” Harris said. “But there’s no way we’re letting the big things take a side seat.”

Arizona State Football

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: San Antonio Brahmas head coach Hines Ward argues with officials during ...

Arizona Sports

Hines Ward to become ASU’s wide receivers coach

Former NFL wide receiver Hines Ward has agreed to join Kenny Dillingham's staff and become Arizona State’s next wide receivers coach.

3 days ago

Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham in studio...

Damon Allred

Arizona State football adds 2025 3-star defensive back Xavier Skowron

Arizona State's 2025 recruiting class got a little bit bigger on Thursday with the addition of three-star defensive back Xavier Skowron.

5 days ago

Mug shot of former Arizona State pass rusher and seven-time NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs....

Arizona Sports

Former Arizona State, NFL star Terrell Suggs arrested for disorderly conduct, intimidating

Former Arizona State and Baltimore Ravens star Terrell Suggs was arrested on two charges, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff.

6 days ago

Quarterback Jaden Rashada #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils throws a pass during the first half of...

Vincent DeAngelis

Jaden Rashada ramping up from thumb injury as ASU spring ball continues

ASU quarterback Jaden Rashada returned and took individual reps under center on Tuesday. He's expected to ramp up slowly.

7 days ago

Running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples...

David Veenstra

Oregon reportedly hires Arizona State football assistant coach Ra’Shaad Samples

The University of Oregon will reportedly hire Arizona State football assistant Ra’Shaad Samples as its running backs and assistant head coach.

9 days ago

ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State vs Colorado Oct. 7 2023 (Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Spor...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham urges change in mindset at ASU football practice; Keith Abney II stands out

Almost two weeks into ASU spring practice, Kenny Dillingham called for a change of mindset to the defensive line due to a lack of energy.

11 days ago

ASU’s Harris: Facility upgrades won’t fall behind schedule