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Paint, paper and a lot of Sun Devil spirit

Student Alumni Association's game banners a tradition that stretches back decades


SAA game banner being painted
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October 26, 2017

The pre-game banner has been a tradition for more than 30 years — designed and painted by Arizona State University's Student Alumni Association (SAA) and held up for Sparky to destroy at the game. It promotes student pride in the Sun Devils and takes a light-hearted jab at the opposing team.

SAA students meet the Wednesday before the each home game to decide what they will write on their banner. They hope the phrase will make ASU fans laugh but irritate the enemy, sarcastically caricaturing their mascot.  

Members who dedicate the most time creating the banner get the honor of holding it on the field as Sparky rips through to signal the beginning of play. Next time you see the banner being unfurled in the southwest corner of the field, cheer on the SAA — and the Sun Devils!

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