Fusion 3 U7 Warm up Sports scholarships in the U.S. This is Arizona State University, a major research university with almost 60,000 students. The Arizona State Sun Devils represent the university in many different sports. With some of the best sports teams in the U.S., Arizona State University often beats teams from other universities and takes the lead in sports events. It has teams in baseball, basketball, running, swimming, wrestling, golf, and many other sports. ASU attracts top athletes through sports scholarships and its teams attract some of the greatest athletes in the country who compete at the highest level. Students train hard to improve their speed, stamina, and strength. Education in the U.S. is very expensive. At Arizona State, the average annual cost for a student is about $24,000. This includes tuition fees, books, and the general cost of living. Because of these costs, many students need financial assistance. If they don’t receive this help, then they won’t be able to finish their degrees. It’s no surprise then that around 83% of students here receive some kind of grant, and each year universities and colleges spend around $1 billion on sports scholarships. Arizona State has cutting-edge sports facilities. For example, it has one of the country’s best swimming and diving facilities. It has an 18-hole golf course and the 71,706-seat Sun Devil Stadium. There’s also a baseball stadium, a softball stadium, a soccer stadium, a tennis center and the Wells Fargo Arena, home to the Sun Devil’s basketball team. But why do universities like Arizona State invest so much in sports? College sports are very popular in the United States. College football, for example, is the second biggest spectator sport in the country. Success in sports is a great advertisement for the university, so if it does well on the playing field, it will attract the best athletes. It’s great for young athletes, too. The scholarship program gives them a chance to go to university. If they do well, they might become professional athletes. If they don’t, they’ll still have a degree. Many of today’s professional athletes began their careers at college, so for universities like Arizona State, sports are big business. 1 Fusion 3 U7 Warm up Comprehension Check 1 According to the video, Arizona State University … A) has some of the best athletes in the U.S. B) only trains students in team sports. C) usually loses at sports competitions. 1 According to the video, Arizona State University … A) has some of the best athletes in the U.S. 2 How many students receive financial support at ASU? A) less than 50% B) between 50% and 75% C) more than 75% 2 How many students receive financial support at ASU? C) more than 75% 3 Why do U.S. universities like ASU spend so much money on sports? A) the government tells them to B) to attract the top students and make money C) to encourage their students to keep fit 3 Why do U.S. universities like ASU spend so much money on sports? B) to attract the top students and make money 2 .