Bowl Game Activities for Phoenix, Arizona

The Bowl Championship Series (BCS), a system of polls and rankings that decide a college football team's ranking, determines which two teams will clash in Phoenix, Arizona, in the Tostitos BCS National Championship. The game is hosted in early January at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Phoenix also plays host to the Fiesta Bowl, held on New Year's Day, pitting the Big 12 champion against another BCS opponent. While the games are the highlight of the college football season, a series of events are scheduled around them to entertain the fans that have made the pilgrimage.

  1. Fiesta Bowl Million Dollar Hole-in-One

    • One dollar, one shot. That is the cost for a chance to win $1 million at the annual Fiesta Bowl Million Dollar Hole-in-One event sponsored by Fox Sports Arizona. Each year, thousands of golfers line up at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club to take a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime shot. The 10-day event, usually held in November, benefits an organization that supports firefighters and police officers.

    Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge

    • The Aerospace Challenge is an academic event for students from fifth to eighth grades. The event challenges Arizona's students to develop a plan and create a model for a base on the moon. Participating teams give oral presentations and answer questions as part of the judging. The winning team is awarded a trip to Houston's Johnson Space Center. The event usually takes place in December.

    Fiesta Bowl Twirl-Pom-Cheer and Flag Championships

    • In December of each year, a tryout will be held to determine who will be in the Fiesta Bowl Parade Unit. The event is open to all students, from elementary to high school. A fee is charged for each team entry. Events at the championship include flag and dance, pom and cheer and twirl. The 2010 event will be held at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix.

    Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade

    • Beginning in 1970, the annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade is held on New Year's Eve in downtown Phoenix. Glittering floats, enormous balloons and music make this one of the country's best parades. The event is free, but limited tickets can be purchased for reserved bleacher seating. Arrive early as space along the route fills fast. Bring water, food, chairs and warm clothes because the mornings will be cool. The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. and continue until late afternoon.

    College Football's Biggest Party

    • For those that love the time-honored tradition of tailgating, this annual pre-game party is a must. The festivities, which take place before the BCS championship game, is held at the Glendale Youth Sports Complex. Bands will be blaring school fight songs, cheerleaders will be twirling high in the air, grills will be charring all sorts of meats, and contests and games will be held throughout the afternoon. The party is scheduled from 12:30 to 5 pm.