Branding Bowl Games: Fiesta Bowl
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In 1968, Arizona State University President G. Homer Durham proposed that Phoenix should have a football bowl game. Thanks to the support of several local sports enthusiasts and community leaders, this dream was realized on April 26, 1971. Until this point, the Rose Bowl was the only other bowl game played outside of the South.
On June 10, 1971, the Arizona Sports Foundation and the Arizona Republic held a “Name the Bowl Game” contest. According to the Fiesta Bowl’s official website, 6,500 entries were received, 73 of which suggested the name “Fiesta Bowl”. In a blind drawing of the 73 winning entries, Gary Keltner was chosen as the lucky winner and received four lifetime tickets to the Fiesta Bowl Classic.
Although the name Fiesta might seem a bit abstract at first, I think it is rather appropriate for a bowl game. The dictionary definition of the word Fiesta, as defined by www.dictionary.com is “A festival or festive celebration.” What could be more festive than a football game? Football games not only engage the players and their fans, but also the larger community in which the game takes place. Football games, and more importantly, bowl games, are celebrated with food, friends and team spirit, truly embodying the definition of Fiesta.
By: Jessica McGrail
Branding Bowl Games: Rose Bowl
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Let me introduce you to “The Granddaddy of Them All”...the Rose Bowl Game. This annual American college football bowl game achieved its nickname by being the first post season game, dating back to 1902! It starts things off right on New Year’s Day in Pasadena California, and since 1945, has been the highest attended college football game!
Don’t be fooled though! This legacy goes far beyond an annual football game. The first tournament was actually staged in 1890 when a local group decided to hold a festival to tell the world about their paradise of blooming flowers and warm weather. The Festival included such amazing games as ostrich races, chariot races, and bronco busting demonstrations.
What eventually developed into the Tournament of Roses, also known as “America’s New Year Celebration,” is famous for an amazing parade that consists of floats now featuring high-tech computerized animation and exotic natural materials from around the world.
This year the Rose Bowl Game will be Penn State vs. USC, so make sure you check out who wins the granddaddy of all games! Learn more here.
Contributed by: Ashley Hollingsworth