Arizona State to begin upgrading Camp Tontozona field

Arizona State announced its plans to revamp Camp Tontozona in Payson, Ariz. with a synthetic field and other renovations Friday.

“Since the football program’s return to Camp Tontozona, we’ve been assessing a solution for mother nature’s impending disruption each and every season,” Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson said in a statement. “We are pleased to provide more assurance of an efficient and productive practice experience at Camp T.”

Cooling and cleaning the field is just one of the upgrades from using the new synthetic field. There will also be sleeves for the field goal posts and field striping, which will allow for numerous sports to use the field.

Other upgrades around the facility include: sideline power for removable score boards, timers, and other coaching equipment, relocating leach field rims, lids and manholes and installing additional lighting along the roadway.

Over the years, Camp T — which first opened in 1960 — has seen some dark days as inclement weather has either forced the team to practice 18 miles, and more than 20 minutes, down the road at Rumsey Park or cancel the practices all together. In the preseason of 2016, ASU was forced to head back to the valley ahead of schedule.

The renovations should be finished by the start of camp on Aug. 3.

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