Sun Devils Gear Up for Unforgettable Tradition and Team Unity at Camp Tontozona

ASU football is set to travel to Camp Tontozona, continuing a cherished annual tradition.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Every Arizona State Sun Devil has the same expectation for Camp Tontozona.

“Oh man, get ready,” offensive lineman Ben Coleman said. “It’s a hell of an experience.”

The experience revolves around football, but more importantly, it emphasizes team bonding and tradition.

“There are no cell phones,” Head Coach Kenny Dillingham said. “Do we play spades? I want to see who talks and who competes. Who goes to the river to put their feet in the water?”

For 64 years, Tontozona has been a storied part of Sun Devil Football, and Coach Dillingham aims to uphold this enduring tradition.

“We structured this to see who can stay focused,” Dillingham said. “For six days, because focus is what this team needs. Not just talent, but mindset.”

Camp T offers a unique experience for both players and coaches, set amid the Ponderosa pines 17.9 miles outside of Payson. The slower pace compared to Tempe is exactly what’s needed to strengthen team bonds before the demanding season.

“You’re sleeping next to guys, dealing with snores,” Coleman said. “You have to get up without waking others. It’s important for building camaraderie. Sitting at the campfire, sharing stories, and understanding each other.”

The days at Camp T are long, but the lack of distractions—no social life or cell phones—makes it the ideal place for team unity.

“The more time we bond, the better,” graduate transfer Jeff Clark said. “The better I know the brother next to me, the better I can play with him.”

Players will practice at Camp T from Wednesday to Saturday, culminating in the Maroon and Gold scrimmage.

Arizona sports

Phoenix hosts four major professional sports league teams: the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cardinals play at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, while the Suns and Mercury call downtown Phoenix’s Footprint Center their home. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.

Phoenix Rising FC, a soccer team in the USL, plays at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.

The Valley hosts numerous major sporting events annually, including college football’s Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, NASCAR’s spring and fall races with Championship Weekend in November, and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball teams.