Filed under: Bowl Games, college football, sports, top-feature
Cure Your FootBowl Fever in Phoenix
If you haven’t seen your significant other since Christmas, it may just be that they have “Bowl Fever.” No real cure is known, but take comfort that the end is in sight.
After a series of college bowl games in recent days that undoubtedly left you on the edge of your seat, the season comes to a triumphant end when the top-ranked Tigers of Auburn and the number 2 Oregon Ducks bring their perfect records to Glendale, Arizona, for their January 10 match up at the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game.
The History of BCS
The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is a five-game showcase of college football that began in 1998. It is designed to ensure that the two top-rated teams in the country meet in the national championship game, and create exciting and competitive match ups among eight other highly regarded teams in four other bowl games: the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the Discover Orange Bowl, the Rose Bowl Game and the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Tickets
There are still some seats available for the BCS Bowl and can be purchased from many online outlets. Check out StubHub to sell or buy tickets to the actual game and the tailgate party. You can also access the main Fiesta Bowl site to purchase tickets, review the stadium seat map and group packages.
Pre-Game Festivities
Whether you are planning a trip to Phoenix to cheer on your favorite team, or just lucky enough to already live here, get ready for non-stop fun that will have you celebrating the best in college football. Pre-game festivities kick off at the Bud Light Fiesta starting on Thursday, January 6 through Sunday, January 9 at the Scottsdale Waterfront south of Scottsdale Fashion Square (map) in downtown Scottsdale. Football-themed games, live music, BCS team merchandise, an ESPN demo field, and food and beverage gardens will create a festive atmosphere for the entire family.
ESPN will telecast from the SouthBridge Plaza near the Marshall Way bridge at 1 pm Monday through Friday. They will also air its “College GameDay” show at 5 pm Monday and Tuesday prior to the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl broadcasts.
Of course you can’t have a football celebration without a tailgate party. And what a great way to sample tasty tidbits from several local eateries. For only $2 each, choose from a fantastic array of tailgate treats and relax on the new 3-acre site with brand new grass installed for this celebration.
The University of Phoenix Stadium
Getting to the BCS Championship Game
The University of Phoenix Stadium (map) is located in Glendale, Arizona which is 28 miles from downtown Scottsdale and 24 miles from Phoenix Harbor Airport. The Phoenix Valley is very spread out, but connected by many freeways. However you slice it, getting around Phoenix ain’t easy. It is best to rent a car, but if you prefer to leave the driving to others, here is a list of options that I recommend:
Check your Hotel
Many resorts offer shuttles especially for big events and activities. Check with the hotel staff or the hotel concierge.
DETOURS of Arizona
Get picked up at your hotel for $75 per person. If you have more than one stop to gather your entire group there may be an extra pick up charge.
Southwest Custom Tours
Arrive two hours before the game for $70 per person. For groups up to 12 people take a van for the flat cost of $1100 for an eight hour charter.
SuperShuttle
A very popular service for Phoenicians to get around, choose from the Execu Car Sedans that accommodate four people at $50 per hour with a six hour minimum, plus the driver gratuity or the shuttles for seven people at $50 per hour, two hour minimum which also includes the driver gratuity. Wheelchair lifts are available.
Transtyle Transportation
With a six-hour minimum, Transtyle offers special rates for sedans, SUVs, Vans and more.
I would also recommend writing down the numbers of taxi cab services that crisscross the Valley. In the event, you have any transportation issues these services may be a viable option:
- AAA Yellow Cab (602-252-5252)
- Clean Air Cab (480-777-9777)
- Discount Cab (602-200-2000)
- VIP Taxi (602-300-3000 / 877-847-8294)
Parking
Parking lots for the BCS Bowl will open at 12:30 pm on game day. Parking is included with event admission. In addition, there are over 2,000 disabled parking spaces at the stadium. Notify the ticket office in advance that you are in need of a disabled parking pass.
It’s Here — Game Day!
The festivities begin early, so brace yourself for College Football’s Biggest Party. Beginning at 12:30 pm on Monday, January 10, join thousands of fans just like you, ready for a good time. Dubbed the ultimate tailgate experience, crazed sports fanatics gear-up for the BCS with pep rallies, performances by the university marching bands and cheerleaders. Kids, big or small, will love the Jumbotrons, interactive games and food and beverage booths. This event is held at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale Youth Sports Complex located on the grounds of the stadium.
Stop by the Waterdance Plaza at Westgate for the biggest and baddest party with the best in pigskin food, drinks, live entertainment, games and even Auburn and Oregon’s marching bands. There are a great variety of restaurants at Westgate, many with outdoor patios for you to enjoy the best people watching in town.
Don’t forget the Pregame Ceremony at 6 pm and kickoff at 6:30 pm. And if you can’t decide which team jersey to wear, simply ask yourself, do I quack or growl?
University of Phoenix Stadium (map)
1 Cardinals Drive,
Glendale
Bud Light Fiesta
Thursday, January 6: 3 – 9 pm
Friday, January 7: 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday, January 8: 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday, January 9: 11 am – 9 pm
BCS National Championship Team Pep Rallies – January 9
Auburn: 2-3 pm
Oregon: 5-6 pm
$2 Tailgate Party – January 3-7
Jan. 3-4, 11 am – 7 pm
Jan. 5-7, 11 am – 3 pm
ESPN Broadcasts
Jan. 3-4, 1-2 pm and 5-6 pm
Jan. 5-7, 1-2 pm
