From Tempe to the Thames: Sparky takes London

Here’s a sentence you don’t often read: Sparky the Sun Devil, Arizona State University’s official mascot, has been invited to London this summer at the behest of the British Consulate.

So thanks to this personal invitation, Sparky is packing his bags in advance of the Union Jack Classic to be played between ASU and the University of Kansas Sept. 19 at Wembley Stadium.

Along the way, he'll help British Airways celebrate the 30th anniversary of the airline's direct flights from Phoenix to London — and on July 1, its 80th anniversary of flying to the United States.

While in London, Sparky and team will promote the game and ASU London, a U.K.-accredited higher educational institution that will open its doors to students this fall with degree programs that combine a three-year U.K. bachelor’s degree from ASU London with an accelerated, one-year master’s degree from ASU.

Building on the success of The Engineering & Design Institute London (TEDI-London), which was co-created by ASU in 2020, ASU London incorporates TEDI-London’s project-based programs in engineering alongside new degree offerings in business management, computer science, and electrical and electronic engineering.

Sparky’s visit is designed to benefit both London and ASU. 

Jason Miller, senior director of brand and creative for ASU’s Brand Strategy and Management Team, said the consulate and Visit Britain, the official website for tourism in London, hopes the social media coverage of Sparky’s trip will persuade ASU fans to not just come to London for the game, but to stay a while.

“This is our proactive way of reaching out a hand and saying, ‘Come over here, support the team, have some fun and go on vacation,’” Miller said.

And if you have questions about traveling overseas, Sparky has you covered as well. He'll be releasing an educational video with the ASU passport office designed to help Sun Devil fans navigate the trip.

So what will Sparky do in London? After hitting up famous tourist locations like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum of History and Big Ben, Sparky will also attend an ASU alumni pep rally at a Philadelphia-themed sports pub called Passyunk Avenue, which will host ASU fans during the Union Jack Classic.

Finally, Sparky will take a ride on the London Tube, the city’s rapid transit system.

That should make some commuters sit up and take notice.

“We’ve always thought athletics could be the front door to the university,” Miller said. “With this trip, we are using Sparky, the most recognizable symbol of the university, as a point of pride to all facets of ASU.”