The Arizona State Sun Devils will not allow fans to exit and re-enter Sun Devil Stadium during games played in the upcoming season, a reversal of the school's previous policy, the university confirmed Wednesday.
"Throughout the reinvention of Sun Devil Stadium, we have continued to enhance gameday security measures in order to bolster the safety of our fans," ASU athletic director Ray Anderson said in a statement. "The 2018 season will feature several enhancements including no re-entry into Sun Devil Stadium once a ticket has been scanned, a policy commonly enforced throughout the collegiate and professional sports and entertainment landscape across the country. The safety of our fans continues to be Sun Devil Athletics' number one priority and this further emphasizes that precedence."
ASU's new policy matches that of a majority of the Valley's professional teams. The Cardinals, Suns, Coyotes and Mercury do not allow fan re-entry during games. The Diamondbacks allow re-entry through certain gates. The Arizona Wildcats do not allow fan re-entry during football games.
Tom Henschen, a long-time ASU season ticket holder said, "I have 18 season tickets. I spent over $11,000 this year."
"I'm all about the university making money, raising money. I'm all about that. But don't take away my personal freedom," Henschen said.
ASU will open its 2018 football season at home vs. UTSA on Sept. 1. The Sun Devils will begin their preseason practice schedule on Friday, Aug. 3.
