Tempe [key], city (1990 pop. 141,865), Maricopa co., S Ariz., in the Salt River valley, a suburb of Phoenix; inc. 1894. Its population has grown markedly since the 1970s with the expansion of the greater Phoenix area. Tempe is a health resort and an agricultural center, with lands irrigated by the Salt River project. Manufactures include machinery, electrical and communications equipment, glass, rubber, paper, plastics, apparel, chemicals, and tools. The city is the seat of Arizona State Univ., with an auditorium designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Several major-league baseball teams have spring training camps in the area. Native American ruins are nearby. Across the Salt River is Papago Park.
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