Arizona State Univ. AD & VP/Athletics Steve Patterson during his first year in the role "brought business acumen" along with "a vision big enough for a period at ASU that likely will be remembered as the most important in its athletic history,” according to Jeff Metcalfe of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Patterson has a five-year contract and “earns a $365,000 base salary with lucrative bonus opportunities.” His “Patterson’s one-year report card -- other than whatever culpability he deserves for the makeover mess with ASU’s mascot, Sparky -- is exemplary." Metcalfe noted Sun Devil Stadium “will be rebuilt in the next three to five years, and the project will be funded by the development of 330 surrounding acres between the stadium and Tempe Marketplace.” Patterson said the project is "going to be transformative for Tempe and the Valley," and the school has "done a lot to try to re-engage with the community." He added ASU football coach Todd Graham "did 135 appearances his first 100 days," and basketball coach Herb Sendek also has "been out a tremendous amount." Patterson: "We put winning teams on the field. Our student-athletes graduate at the highest rate they ever have. It is time for folks to take a look at what’s going on here and see the changes that happened and hopefully re-engage with ASU athletics as season-ticket holders or donors” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/5).
HOMES AWAY FROM HOME: An ARIZONA REPUBLIC editorial stated there is "a potential resolution" to the debate over where ASU will play its home football games in '15 that would "represent a real compromise meeting all parties’ needs." If the school were to "split time between venues, playing two or three of its early season games at University of Phoenix Stadium, then moving to Chase Field for its home games later in the season, the issues diminish” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/4).
