Arizona State bestowed 1st Big 12 Student Section of the Week award after record turnout

Following a record showing from “The Inferno” at Tempe’s Mountain America Stadium, the Big 12 Conference on Wednesday handed its first-ever football Student Section of the Week award to Arizona State.

Arizona State said the 14,280 students who watched a 38-19 win over Northern Arizona on Saturday was a record.

According to the conference, the weekly award is given to the football program “that creates the most impactful and electrifying game day atmosphere.”

“The Big 12 is home to some of the most passionate fans and unforgettable game day environments in college athletics,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a press release. “Congratulations to Arizona State for its week one win — I’m excited to see this award come to life and to celebrate the best fans in college football all season long.”

The turnout against the NAU Lumberjacks was not only a display of students’ fandom, but it also marked the first sellout home opener since 1998.

about last night… ❤️‍🔥

we are soooo back, devs. 😈#asu #college #football #sundevils #collegefootball pic.twitter.com/bm88xGZimL

— Inferno Insider (@InfernoInsider) August 31, 2025

ASU coach Kenny Dillingham joked postgame that the only way to further “activate the Valley” is by continuing to win games. Even if they aren’t the prettiest of wins.

“I mean, the crowd tonight was awesome,” Dillingham said. “Our games, you know, they’re not meant to be perfect, especially games early, right? They’re meant to be ugly. You’re meant to clean things up.”

so good to be back. ❤️‍🔥#asu #sundevils #college #football #university pic.twitter.com/jophsvMhbQ

— Inferno Insider (@InfernoInsider) September 2, 2025

Looking ahead, Dillingham expects a big turnout for ASU’s Week 2 matchup against Mississippi State and even has added noise — and cowbells — to practice in efforts to prepare for another raucous crowd.

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