As the clock strikes midnight and 2023 bows out, Arizona sports fans eagerly usher in the promise of a new year, hoping for a fresh slate of triumphs, challenges, and memorable moments. The wishlist for 2024 is not just a collection of desires; it’s a beacon of hope that illuminates the hearts of Suns, DBacks, Cardinals, ASU supporters, and beyond. Join us as we explore the dreams and aspirations that populate the minds of Arizona sports enthusiasts, setting the stage for a year filled with exciting possibilities.
1. Health: A Collective Wish
At the core of every sports fan’s desire lies the simple yet profound wish for the well-being of Arizona’s star athletes. From Devin Booker’s graceful court maneuvers to Kyler Murray’s dynamic on-field prowess, the fervent hope is for a year devoid of injuries. Fans yearn to witness their favorite teams compete at full strength, minimizing the haunting “What could have been?” narratives that injuries often bring.
2. Arizona Coyotes Find a Permanent Home
The saga of the Arizona Coyotes and their quest for a permanent home has been a prolonged narrative in the state’s sports story. The wish for 2024 is a resolution to this tale, an end that not only secures the team’s future but also firmly establishes that hockey can indeed thrive in the arid landscapes of Arizona. The hope is for the Coyotes to finally find their enduring home in the Valley.
3. ASU Football Awakens
Arizona State University‘s football program, often described as a “sleeping giant,” is poised for a transformative year in 2024. With the Sun Devils stepping into the Big 12 under Coach Kenny Dillingham, fans dream of seeing the program unleash its untapped potential. The wish is for ASU to navigate the challenges of a new era in college athletics, making strides in the NIL race and establishing itself as a formidable force in the Big 12.
4. Diamondbacks Prove 2023 Was No Fluke
While cautious not to demand a World Series victory, fans hold the hope that the Arizona Diamondbacks can validate their impressive 2023 MLB run. A return to the postseason would not only affirm the team’s prowess but also offer fans a taste of consecutive playoff appearances. The wish is for the DBacks to build on the momentum, dispelling any notions that 2023 was a mere stroke of luck.
5. Cardinals’ Turnaround
As the Cardinals undergo a rebuilding phase under Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon, fans wish for noticeable progress in 2024. While playoff aspirations may be deferred to the future, the hope is for a significant turnaround, signaling the team’s evolution and leaving fans optimistic about the trajectory ahead. The lingering question remains: will Kyler Murray be the quarterback to lead this resurgence?
6. Diana Taurasi’s Final Postseason Run
With WNBA legend Diana Taurasi gearing up for her 20th season in 2024, fans dare to dream of one last exhilarating postseason journey. Whether it culminates in a championship or not, the wish is for Taurasi to craft a memorable farewell chapter, further solidifying her unparalleled legacy in women’s basketball.
7. Arizona Men’s College Basketball in the Final Four
With Glendale’s State Farm Stadium set to host the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the ultimate wish is for an Arizona team to seize the spotlight. Whether it’s the Wildcats, Sun Devils, Grand Canyon, or even NAU, the dream is for a local team to captivate the state with an inspiring tournament run, turning the Final Four into an unmissable spectacle for Arizona sports enthusiasts.
As the curtain rises on the Arizona sports scene in 2024, the wishlist becomes more than a compilation of desires; it’s a manifestation of collective hope and shared dreams. From the basic wish for athlete well-being to the ambitious aspirations of championship victories and historic turnarounds, Arizona’s sports community stands united in anticipation. As the year unfolds, these fervent wishes will serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path to what promises to be a thrilling chapter in Arizona’s sports history.