Bootleg Scarves Mistakenly Shortchange Arizona State Fans in London
Merchandise sold outside Wembley Stadium for the Kansas-Arizona State game incorrectly labeled the Sun Devils' team gear.
College football's return to London for the Big 12 Conference matchup between Kansas and Arizona State at Wembley Stadium was met with an unexpected souvenir snafu. Numerous bootleg scarves sold to fans outside the venue bore the name "Arizona" instead of "Arizona State," a critical distinction for college football aficionados.
Fans, including journalist Master Tesfatsion, pointed out the error on social media. The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, is a separate institution from Arizona State University, which is near Phoenix in Tempe. The two schools also have distinct color schemes: maroon and gold for Arizona State, and red and blue for the University of Arizona.
This oversight is reminiscent of a similar instance before the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, where an Irish pub displayed the state flag of Kansas instead of the flag for Kansas State University. Merchants selling merchandise for international sporting events are reportedly grappling with the nuances of American collegiate naming conventions.
Despite the scarf mishap, vendors reported that "slightly more Arizona State scarves have been sold than Kansas scarves" prior to kickoff. However, some Arizona State supporters noted that sales could have been higher if the merchandise had been accurately labeled.
The game itself marks an important moment for both teams and the sport's presence in the United Kingdom. Organizers have a three-year contract with Wembley Stadium for an annual game, with an option for a fourth year. This marks the first Football Bowl Subdivision game in the UK since 1988, when the University of Richmond played Boston University in the Imperial Bowl.
Beyond the on-field competition, the event offers players a unique cultural experience. Both Kansas and Arizona State players participated in sightseeing activities, including boat tours on the Thames and visits to landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge. The experience is viewed by coaches and players as a significant opportunity to represent their programs and introduce American college football to a new audience.