Camp Tontozona begins for Arizona State football

PAYSON, Ariz. — For the first time since 2019, Arizona State football is heading north for Camp Tontozona near Payson, Ariz. The tradition for the Sun Devil football program to head north to “Camp T” each fall began in 1959 under legendary coach Frank Kush. Due to various reasons like the COVID-19 pandemic, field renovations, and weather circumstances, the annual preseason trip took a brief pause starting in 2019. Now in 2023, new head coach Kenny Dillingham is bringing the annual trip back.

Arizona State football returns to Camp Tontozona

Arizona State football will be in the cool mountain air surrounded by lush forestry, wildlife, and waterfalls from Thursday, August 10 through Saturday, August 12. The camp borders the Tonto national forest, which takes up the first two syllables of the name. The state of Arizona provides the last two.

The annual visit is a staple for Arizona State football and Dillingham was excited to bring it back.

“One of the main goals I wanted when I was named head coach was to get us back to ‘Camp T’ in 2023,” Dillingham said in an Arizona State press release. “It is one of the favorite traditions of the fans, and growing up I know all that goes into the history. I am excited that our players will be able to experience it. The relationships and bonds formed during this time can’t be replicated. Times have changed and we understand that not everything can be the same as it once was, but we want to get up there this year and make sure our current team understands where so much history was created in our program. Every Sun Devil legend spent time at Camp Tontozona, and it is important the 2023 team understands this.”

Camp T Schedule

The team arrived in Payson on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday and Friday will include practices and team activities. On Saturday the team will host a scrimmage that fans can attend.

Had some folks ask re: Camp T Thursday/Friday, no one turned away, but those are serious practice/meeting days. Can attend, just know staff/players will be moving from practice to next thing on list. Thanks for understanding goal is get better while there. Saturday is fun day.

— Doug Tammaro (@DougTammaro) August 9, 2023

While fans can attend on Thursday and Friday, those are serious work days for the team. This gives Dillingham and his new staff a chance to judge the progress made by the team this fall. Saturday is a day built for fan enjoyment.

The Saturday scrimmage takes place less than three weeks before the opening kickoff. This is a cool opportunity for Sun Devil fans to see the team in action. However, only if they’re willing to make the roughly 90-minute drive from Tempe.

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