Willmeng To Serve as Presenting Sponsor of Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate-London as ASU Takes on Kansas in Union Jack Classic
The Sun Devils are crossing the pond, bound for Europe for the first time and Willmeng is making the voyage with them. Willmeng is the presenting sponsor for Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate event in London on Sept. 19, as Arizona State football will take on Big 12 rival Kansas in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at world famous Wembley Stadium.
“We are excited to have Willmeng Construction, led by alum and Trustee of ASU, James Murphy, to be the title sponsor for our Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate-London. What a perfect partnership for Sun Devils!” said Dr. Christine Wilkinson, Senior Vice President and Secretary of the University and ASU Alumni Association President and CEO overseeing programs.
"We are incredibly proud to partner with ASU as they take this historic leap onto the global stage in London," said James Murphy, Willmeng CEO. "Our roots are deeply intertwined with the university, and the commitment that ASU has made to the global business environment, including the establishment of the London Center. ASU’s international outreach is something that aligns with Willmeng’s strategic vision and we want to be here to support those efforts, as well as ASU athletics and the alumni around the world.”
Arizona State University Alumni Association President Morgan Harrison said, “Before the Sun Devils take to the field, ASU fans can be a part of Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate-London at BOXPARK Wembley, the world-renowned entertainment hub that has been reserved exclusively for our alums and fans thanks to the support of Arizona-based Willmeng Construction.”
“ASU has sold more than 6,000 game tickets, and 1,500 tailgate tickets for this inaugural event, and tickets are still available,” Wilkinson added.
Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate-London, presented by Willmeng, begins at 1 p.m. BST (British Summer Time) on Sept. 19 at BOXPARK Wembley, located just steps away from the iconic stadium. The family-friendly event will welcome Sun Devil alumni and fans from around the world, featuring live entertainment, special appearances by Sparky and the ASU Spirit Squad, cricket batting cages, arcade games, a full meal, and an exclusive "Go Devils" supporters scarf giveaway, all leading up to the 5 p.m. BST kickoff.
The presenting sponsorship of Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate-London is the latest milestone in a decades-long academic, philanthropic, and institutional relationship between Willmeng and ASU.
This deep-seated connection is visible across all levels at Willmeng. CEO James Murphy is an alum of ASU and serves as a Trustee of Arizona State University. More than 30 percent of the entire Willmeng workforce consists of ASU graduates, including several other senior leaders such as President Mike Mongelli, Vice President of Pre-Lease Estimating Thomas Jarvis, and Vice President for Economic Development & Infrastructure Jimmy Lindblom.
Murphy also serves on the Del E. Webb School of Construction Executive Steering Committee and actively teaches the next generation of builders as an Associate Faculty Member, instructing Construction Leadership and Leadership Fundamentals. Willmeng also established an official university professorship at ASU aimed at supporting innovative construction education and expanding workforce research.
For more information on Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate-London go to alumni.asu.edu/london-sparkys-touchdown-tailgate.
###
About Willmeng Construction
Willmeng Construction, established in 1977, is a 100-percent employee-owned commercial general contractor based in Phoenix, Arizona. Willmeng specializes in ground-up and tenant improvement projects for the public and private market sectors in the Western United States. Willmeng stays true to building excellence and was named the NAIOP Arizona General Contractor of the Year for 2025. Willmeng is built on great relationships, a commitment to building a genuine place of purpose, and the reputation of positively impacting employees, clients and the community through volunteerism. For more information visit www.willmeng.com.
Comments