Arizona State Lands Major Donor for New Indoor Facility

Head coach Kenny Dillingham's call for $20 million in funding leads to significant donation.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham revealed that the university has landed a major donor to contribute funding for a new indoor practice facility. Dillingham had previously called for a donor to step up and provide $20 million to build the facility, and it appears his plea was answered. The new indoor facility will be one of the largest in the country, featuring a 50-yard football field and a 100-yard field.

Why it matters

The new indoor facility will provide a significant upgrade to Arizona State's athletic infrastructure, allowing the football team to practice year-round regardless of weather conditions. This investment in the program's facilities could help the Sun Devils continue their recent success, which includes a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance in the last two seasons.

The details

Dillingham revealed that the university has already approved the plans for the new indoor facility and that construction will begin soon. The facility will be approximately 180-190 yards long and will include two separate indoor fields - a 50-yard football field and a 100-yard field. Dillingham credited the donor, who is not naturally associated with the program but is connected to the Phoenix area, for stepping up to provide the necessary funding.

  • In December 2025, Dillingham began openly campaigning for the program to build a new indoor facility.
  • Two months later, in February 2026, Dillingham announced that a major donor had stepped up to contribute funding for the project.

The players

Kenny Dillingham

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils football team, who has transformed the program into one of the best in the Big 12 over the past two seasons.

Anonymous Donor

A major donor, not naturally associated with the Arizona State program, who has stepped up to provide significant funding for the new indoor facility.

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What they’re saying

“We need to find one of these really rich people in this city to step up and stroke a check. I'll do everything I can to make you the most famous person in the city. That's really what we need. We need one person – we live in Phoenix, Arizona.”

— Kenny Dillingham, Head Coach (on3.com)

“I think today we released the renderings for the indoor (facility). I know it got approved. You know, I went on a rant about an eight-figure donor one day and we got somebody very close to that to help with the indoor already. Somebody who's not naturally associated with the program, but somebody associated with the Valley for that indoor. So, that's trending in the right direction.”

— Kenny Dillingham, Head Coach (Arizona Sports)

What’s next

Construction on the new indoor facility is expected to begin soon, with the goal of having it completed in time for the 2026 football season.

The takeaway

Arizona State's investment in a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility demonstrates the program's commitment to maintaining its recent success and providing its student-athletes with the best possible resources. The willingness of a local donor to step up and contribute significant funding for this project is a testament to the growing support and excitement around the Sun Devils' football program.