Cheer on the Sun Devils as they take no pity on the kitty this week

The Inferno student section at Wells Fargo Arena will be the place to be when the ASU Sun Devil men’s and women’s basketball teams take on the University of Arizona in this week’s rivalry games: Jan. 31 for men’s and Feb. 1 for women’s hoops.

With recent men’s basketball wins against the University of Oregon, Oregon State and UCLA and a pair of victories posted by the 16th-ranked women’s basketball team against USC and Oregon State, the Inferno is gearing up for the big games.

Mia Davis, a freshman majoring in secondary education and biological sciences, said she is excited to go to the rivalry game. “It’s just a really fun time,” she said after the game against Oregon State. “You get to cheer on your school.”

Within the Inferno, students take part in Sun Devil traditions that involve fire, music and hijinks that pump up the athletes and intimidate the competition, including the famous Curtain of Distraction. A black curtain gets wheeled out behind the basket to reveal distracting surprises when the visiting team is shooting free throws.

During the Oregon State game, the Curtain of Distraction featured an appearance from Thanos, the villain in "Avengers: Infinity War." On any given game day, the Curtain could include unicorns, huge cutouts of Ron Swanson’s head or even a live appearance from Olympian Michael Phelps with his swimsuit and gold medals.  

Sparky the Sun Devil, ASU’s marching band and the spirit squad are also out in full force during home games, and the Sun Devils enter the arena to the roar of the Inferno, swaying in unison.

Amber Glisson, a sophomore nursing major, said she’s looking forward to the excitement.

“[I love] the unity of the student section. We’re just all cheering for one thing, and we’re just all so excited and passionate with ASU spirit,” Glisson said.

Rebecca Farias, who is also a sophomore nursing major, said she is invested in the rivalry between ASU and U of A.

“Everybody is just way more intense and excited about it,” she said. “It definitely gives you a lot of school spirit and school pride.”

Adrian Muniz, a sophomore studying kinesiology, is on the 942 Crew executive board and said he tries to go to all of the home games he can. The 942 Crew is a student organization that encourages students to support Sun Devil athletes across all our Pac-12 South sports. Muniz is involved in making students’ game day experience the best it can be.

Muniz said there’s a lot to look forward to in the 942 Crew for the rivalry game.

“We’re coming up with more skits for the Curtain of Distraction, trying to hype everyone up for that game,” Muniz said.

Muniz said that students should come because it’s the rivalry game.

“No matter the outcome, the atmosphere itself is going to be really fun,” he said. “Especially with other Sun Devils around.”

Tickets are available for download now on the ASU mobile app. Download your ticket, and be sure to attend if you have a ticket to support your Sun Devils against U of A. The men’s game is Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. The women’s game is Friday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. Follow Inferno Insider and 942 Crew for updates.

See you at the Bank, Sun Devils. Wear gold, and have no pity for the kitty!