Tempe sporting goods store 'crazy busy' prepping for ASU's Big 12 run
TEMPE (AZFamily) — As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare to take on the Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 Championship game, one Valley sporting goods store says it has been “crazy busy” making sure every fan has their maroon and gold.
Cactus Sports in Tempe is a locally owned sporting goods store that sells all kinds of ASU gear, and owner Troy Scoma said this Cinderella season has been a blast as a fan and business owner. Scoma said he’s been prepping the store for this week’s business and the Big 12 Championship game for over two weeks.
“Every game just got bigger and better. I would say it didn’t become ‘everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon crazy' until probably leading up to the BYU game,” Scoma said. “The last eight days have been absolutely insane for us. We’re just trying to keep up with the demand.”
Before the BYU game, which was played on Nov. 23, he said his vendors called to request that he put together “if-win” orders. Those are described as merchandise and supply orders placed ahead of time in case a scenario like a conference, bowl, or championship game plays out.
Before the Sun Devils punched their ticket to the Big 12 Championship in Arlington, Texas, Scoma said he had to make bulk orders of Big 12 and original Sun Devils:
- Shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Hats
- Gifts
Opening the store in 1992, the year after he graduated from ASU, Scoma said it’s been a while since he’s had to make this big of a gamble on orders and is glad it worked out.
“There was like a 67 to 1 chance that if 4 other teams won, another team lost, that we still could win and not get in,” he said. “But long story short, you’re doing a lot of work to prepare for making these orders and it could all backfire and they all just get thrown in the garbage.”
From the pandemic to recent sanctions and consecutive losing seasons, Scoma said it’s been a rough few years of business. But as the Sun Devils continue on a hot streak, he said it has boosted school spirit and business to levels he hasn’t seen in a long time.
“Sun Devil nation has been starved for a winner,” Scoma said. “Everyone keeps talking about, ‘ASU is the sleeping giant, when’s it ever going to wake up.’ Well, it’s up. This game means everything to us.”
If you’re looking for ASU swag to rep during the Big 12 Championship this weekend, Cactus Sports is open on Friday and gameday. The store is located at 514 S. Mill Avenue in Tempe.
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