How ASU Football Took April Fool's Day by Storm with a Maroon Field Hoax!
April Fool’s Day is a time for playful pranks and jests, and this year did not disappoint. Among the myriad of jokes, Arizona State University’s football team executed a memorable stunt that stood out in the Grand Canyon State.
The Maroon Field that Never Was
ASU’s football team decided to paint their field in a bold shade of maroon, switching from the traditional green. According to ASU Grounds Crew member Josh Lenz, “We’re going to swap that green out for some maroon. And we’ll try a full field maroon paint.” As fans were left astounded, Lenz hinted this was more than just an elaborate April Fool’s joke.
Unveiling the Truth
The prank reached its peak when ASU’s coach, Kenny Dillingham, joined in on the fun. He shared his initial shock, saying, “My wife texted me this morning. She’s like ‘no! Oh, April Fools!’” Eventually, the cat was out of the bag, proving that humor and sportsmanship can go hand in hand.
Other Noteworthy Pranks
It wasn’t just ASU making headlines. Across Arizona and beyond, various pranks were celebrated. Goodyear Police introduced “invisible police cars,” while Tiger Woods jested about his readiness for the Masters. Even Grand Canyon National Park jokingly stated they plan to “grand wash” the cliffs.
A Look Back at Past Pranks
Reflecting on Arizona’s history of pranks, Jon Zimney, former KTAR host, recollects how the 2008 prank suggesting toll roads in Arizona caused quite a stir. Hundreds called the governor’s office in outrage, demonstrating the thin line between humor and consequence.
The Mystery of April Fool’s Day Origins
Interestingly, as stated in FOX 10 Phoenix, ASU professor Richard Newhauser debunks the common misconception that April Fool’s Day originated from Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, attributing it instead to a scribal error. Even the Library of Congress has no definitive answer for its true origins.
Wrapping it Up: Fun with a Side of Caution
While pranks are mostly harmless and fun, as Coach Dillingham wisely noted, “It’s impossible right? Everyone knows it’s April Fools. So how do you play a joke on the one day everyone is playing jokes?” This encapsulates the essence of this light-hearted day—we’re all in on the joke.
One thing’s for certain, whether a field painted maroon or toll roads that never came to be, April Fool’s Day keeps us on our toes and reminds us not to take life too seriously.
