Arizona will have several changes at Casino Del Sol Stadium for the upcoming football season.
The UA announced multiple upgrades, including new stadium lights, an updated sound system and modernized video boards.
Additionally, the Wildcats will change sidelines from the east side to the west side of Casino Del Sol Stadium — or bottom of the "TV side." Visiting opponents will now have the east sideline in front of the "Zona Zoo." When Arizona hosts mid-afternoon games, the Wildcats will now be on the shaded side of Casino Del Sol Stadium for the first time in roughly 50 years.
"We want to create the best home field advantage in the Big 12 at Casino Del Sol Stadium, and these improvements work together to fuel the energy we need from Wildcat fans," Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said in a statement.
"The video boards, lighting, sound and sideline alignment all contribute to a stronger game day experience and make Casino Del Sol Stadium a tougher place to play for visiting teams."
Arizona fans watch the basketball Wildcats against Wisconsin on the scoreboard screen before the football Wildcats kick off against Houston in their Big 12 game, in Tucson on Nov. 15, 2024.
Added UA athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois: "We value our fans and appreciate the passion and support they bring, which are part of what makes Arizona Athletics so special for our student-athletes and the entire university community. The feasibility study gave us clear insight into what matters most, and we are acting decisively on those priorities."
UA surveyed Arizona fans, and the sound system was a trending concern. The 16-year-old video boards in the stadium have components that are no longer manufactured, presenting challenges for future repairs. The upgraded lighting system will allow Arizona to have pyrotechnic light shows for touchdowns and other celebratory moments.
When the Wildcats announced their 20-year, $60 million agreement with Casino Del Sol for naming rights to Arizona Stadium, Reed-Francois said the deal would help with facility upgrades and venue amenities to improve the experience at UA football games.
"We want to provide competitive resources for all of our programs, including football," Reed-Francois said in November. "This is one of those levers that provide comprehensive support. We keep investing in our football program, we keep investing in our student-athletes and this is the modern era of college athletics. Resources are critical."
Head coach Brent Brennan dishes out high-fives as he makes his way past the fans and onto the field at Arizona football’s Spring Showcase on April 19, 2025, at Arizona Stadium.
Arizona and Casino Del Sol will also "work to bring more community events, gatherings and expanded programming to this stadium," which includes concerts, said Amanda Sampson Lomayesva, CEO of Casino Del Sol.
Arizona begins spring practices on March 24, and the annual spring showcase will be on Saturday, April 25, at Casino Del Sol Stadium. The Wildcats open the 2026 season against Northern Arizona on Sept. 5 in Tucson.
