‘It’s just something magical’: Bisbee’s historic Warren Ballpark facilitates sports in a small town
BISBEE – A decades-old ballpark in Bisbee continues to host every sporting event in town and provides a glimpse into how much sports can impact a community.
ASU vs. Ohio State? ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12 alliance could change landscape of college football
PHOENIX – The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences announced an official alliance Tuesday – a move that could impact Arizona State, University of Arizona and the Fiesta Bowl.
From housing football games to fire evacuees, Round Valley Ensphere has rich history
PHOENIX – The Round Valley Ensphere – so named for the atypical connector design implemented by the dome’s architects – purports to be the only domed high school football stadium in the country. But to focus on that label would be to sell it short. After all, it can fit more people than the combined population of the two towns it serves.
Cancer diagnosis inspires physical therapist to attempt 1,200-mile off-road race
PHOENIX – A physical therapist who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the pandemic is motivated to try a 1,200-mile, women's only off-road race. And she's determined.
Sprint football? New Midwest league provides hopes for more westward growth
PHOENIX – Sprint football, which is college football with a weight limit, has been played as a varsity sport for decades but has been confined to the Northeast. A new league in the Midwest is providing hope that the sport might make it even further west.
Vision quest: New ASU baseball coach Bloomquist has high expectations for program
PHOENIX – One of ASU’s many successful baseball alumni, Willie Bloomquist, rejoins the team this year as its coach. From a high school player desperate to play in Arizona to a veteran athlete bringing real-world experience to the field, his dedication to the Sun Devils has never wavered.
Environmental remediation costs present challenge for Coyotes’ proposed Tempe arena site
PHOENIX – The Coyotes’ plan for a new stadium in Tempe will have to contend with a proposed $70 million payment for environmental remediation costs. Experts say they will encounter plenty of challenges in the cleanup process, but might be rewarded in kind by the city.
Former Wranglers preach patience, stability for new USFL
PHOENIX - The founder of The Spring League has announced his intention to bring back a new iteration of the 1980s United States Football League, to begin play in 2022. Players from the previous league have plenty of suggestions for the new USFL’s leadership.
Lake at new SoFi Stadium captures and reuses recycled water
LOS ANGELES – The new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Rams and Chargers will play this season, includes an artificial lake that can capture and reuse stormwater.
‘Hold tight’: Highly touted Diamondbacks prospect Alek Thomas excited for future
PHOENIX – Playing in his second Futures Game in 2021, Alek Thomas is just one example of the talent in the Diamondbacks’ farm system. His family, many of whom live in Tucson, are thrilled he’s coming up in their home base.
A Dreamer’s dream: DACA status almost tripped NAU runner’s Olympic hopes
PHOENIX – Luis Grijalva, a Northern Arizona University track and field athlete and DACA recipient from Guatemala, has spent several weeks petitioning the United States government to allow him on a plane to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics. Grijalva finally learned the good news Monday.
Legislation to change Native American team names lacks momentum in Arizona
PHOENIX – Colorado and Nevada recently passed laws restricting team names and mascots that reference Native American culture. One former state legislator who tried to make progress in this area thinks changing Arizona will be a challenge.
