Early Years (1951-1971):
The Sun Devils initially wore simple gold helmets with a white "ASU" decal on the side.
Variations included a maroon stripe down the center of the helmet and a white "Sun Devils" decal.
These early designs were primarily focused on school colors and lacked any mascots or logos.
Sparky's Introduction and Experimentation (1972-2004):
The iconic Sparky the Sun Devil mascot was introduced on the helmet in 1972, initially as a small decal on the back.
Throughout the years, Sparky's size and position on the helmet varied, including full-face designs, profile versions, and Sparky holding footballs.
The program experimented with various colors, including maroon stripes, black facemasks, and even an all-chrome design in 1980.
Stability and Refinement (2005-Present):
In 2005, the Sun Devils adopted a more consistent approach, settling on the classic gold helmet with a larger, full-face Sparky decal on the side.
The maroon facemask became a permanent fixture, and variations have included chrome accents, alternate Sparky logos, and special edition designs for specific games.
This consistent design has fostered a stronger visual identity for the program and has become instantly recognizable with ASU football.
Recent Innovations and Future Possibilities (2019-Present):
In 2019, the program introduced a "color-shifting" maroon helmet, adding a new dimension to their helmet designs.
The Sun Devils experimented with a white helmet featuring Sparky's face in 2023, marking the first time Sparky appeared on a non-gold helmet.
These recent innovations suggest the program is open to exploring new design possibilities while maintaining the core elements of its identity.
For more on ASU helmets through the years, check out the images collected on Helmet History.com.