Cactus Sports Marks 25 Years as Tempe's Premier ASU Fan Gear Destination
For the ultimate expression of Sun Devil pride, head to Cactus Sports in Downtown Tempe, Arizona's top spot for Arizona State University (ASU) apparel, merchandise, and gifts. In 2017, Cactus Sports celebrated its 25th anniversary—a remarkable milestone amid a landscape where many retailers have faded. This enduring success stems from passionate ownership, an exceptional team, and consistently high-quality, stylish ASU products.
The store marked its 25th anniversary with a storewide 25% off sale on April 15, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., perfectly timed with the ASU spring football game at 2 p.m. Former ASU football player Juan Roque (1992-1996) visited from 11 a.m. to noon for autographs and fan meet-and-greets, showcasing his framed Rose Bowl jersey.
Owner and ASU alumnus Troy Scoma has been integral since the store's inception. After graduating from ASU, Troy assisted his brother Jeff in launching Cactus Sports in January 1992 at the historic Andre Building on Fourth Street and Mill Avenue—a compact 792-square-foot space brimming with Sun Devil essentials. By 1995, Troy stepped up as operating manager and partner.
In August 1999, a fire at the Andre Building displaced tenants during renovations. Cactus Sports reopened in March 2000 with its original staff intact. In April 2001, Troy acquired full ownership from his brother.
Troy credits the prime Mill Avenue location for much of the store's resilience. "Most college fan shops follow the academic calendar's ebbs and flows," he explains. "Downtown Tempe's hotels draw business travelers and tourists year-round. Plus, youth sports camps, major events, and Tempe Beach Park keep sales steady every month."
Adaptability is key to longevity, Troy notes. "Change drives improvement—in store aesthetics, customer service, and operations." A major upgrade came in 2013 with a move to 514 S. Mill Avenue, doubling the retail space.
Once competing with 7-8 Mill Avenue shops and over six nearby off-campus stores—plus the ASU bookstore—today only three rivals remain within two miles.
Despite competition, Troy emphasizes local appeal: "I focus on personal touches competitors can't match, fueling my daily passion for the business."
What truly distinguishes Cactus Sports? Troy's role in reviving vintage ASU logos. Via Collegiate Licensing's College Vault (launched 2007), he advocated for rare designs discovered on eBay. Leveraging strong ASU Licensing ties, six new vintage logos were added, now featured on merchandise.
A lifelong Sun Devil, Troy spots his designs at ASU games: "At road games, I thank wearers personally—sometimes with a drink on me."
The team engages fans via social media giveaways for milestones. As an official ASU retailer, every purchase supports university royalties.
Visit Cactus Sports at 514 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Call (480) 894-1278 or follow on their website or Facebook.
