Arizona Bowl

Arizona Bowl History

The Arizona Bowl emerged as a significant postseason spectacle within college football, officially making its debut during the 2015 season as an NCAA-certified bowl game. Its inaugural game was slated to be held at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, a city well-acquainted with post-season college football, having previously hosted the Copper Bowl (now recognized as the Guaranteed Rate Bowl).

This bowl game was one of three new NCAA-sanctioned events introduced for the 2015 season, alongside the Austin Bowl and Cure Bowl. Initially designed to feature Conference USA and Mountain West Conference teams, the Arizona Bowl's early plans included Arizona Stadium as its venue.

The birth of the Arizona Bowl was publicly revealed on October 1, 2015, branded as the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl. Crafted through a collaboration involving the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC), Alan Young, Kemp Ellis, Nikki Balich, the Mountain West Conference, and Campus Insiders, the inaugural game was set for December 29, 2015.

Interestingly, the first showdown featured the Nevada Wolf Pack against the Colorado State Rams, despite both teams belonging to the Mountain West Conference. This unique occurrence marked a departure from tradition, being the first non-championship bowl game with teams from the same conference since the 1979 Orange Bowl. Notably, the game proceeded even though Conference USA and the Sun Belt needed more bowl-eligible teams.

The evolution of tie-ins continued for the Arizona Bowl, with the Sun Belt Conference replacing Conference USA as a primary tie-in partner from 2016 to 2019. However, pivotal changes were announced in July 2019, with tie-ins extending to the Mountain West and Mid-American Conference (MAC) from the 2020 season through 2025.

The Arizona Bowl, like many events worldwide, faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 game transpired behind closed doors, barring spectators from attending to ensure safety amidst the Arizona outbreak.

Regrettably, the 2021 game encountered a similar fate, as the Boise State Broncos withdrew due to COVID-19 concerns within their team. Consequently, the game scheduled against the Central Michigan Chippewas was canceled, leaving football enthusiasts awaiting the next chapter of the Arizona Bowl's rich history.

The Arizona Bowl, amid its brief existence, has seen shifts in partnerships and unique team matchups and navigated the challenges posed by unprecedented circumstances. As it continues its journey, the Arizona Bowl remains a celebrated fixture within the college football postseason landscape.

Arizona Bowl Game Schedule 2023

Scheduled for December 30, 2023, the 2023 Arizona Bowl stands as a prominent fixture within college football's postseason lineup. Set to unfold at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, this forthcoming game marks the seventh annual installment of the Arizona Bowl series.

Anticipation surrounds the event as it brings together contenders from two powerhouse conferences, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the Mountain West Conference. The stage is thus set for an exciting clash between elite college football teams, promising fans, and enthusiasts, yet another thrilling showdown at this esteemed bowl game.

Arizona Bowl Game Time

The 2023 Arizona Bowl, a highly anticipated college football bowl game, is set to unfold on December 30, 2023, within the confines of Arizona Stadium, situated in Tucson, Arizona.

This eagerly awaited match is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. MST, providing fans and enthusiasts with a precise timeframe to witness the action-packed showdown between teams from the Mid-American Conference and the Mountain West Conference.

Arizona Bowl Teams Qualified for 2023

The stage is set for the 2023 Arizona Bowl, bringing together formidable contenders from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the Mountain West Conference (MWC).

The Toledo Rockets, representing the Mid-American Conference, will face off against the Wyoming Cowboys from the Mountain West Conference. This exciting match-up is in line with the established conference tie-ins, showcasing the prowess and talent of these two competitive teams on the collegiate football stage.

Of notable interest, this impending game marks the third encounter between Toledo and Wyoming. The historical series between these teams stands tied at 1-1, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement for fans eagerly awaiting this clash of titans at the Arizona Bowl.

Arizona Bowl Game Tickets

Tickets for the Arizona Bowl can typically be purchased through authorized ticketing platforms, including the official Arizona Bowl website, affiliated ticketing partners, or through authorized ticket sellers associated with the participating teams, often offering direct access to game tickets.

Arizona Bowl Location: Arizona Stadium

The prestigious Arizona Bowl, a certified NCAA postseason college football bowl game inaugurated in the 2015 season, finds its spirited home at the iconic Arizona Stadium in Tucson.

Situated on the grounds of the University of Arizona, Arizona Stadium stands as an open-air college football arena in the southwestern United States. Serving as the proud home turf of the Arizona Wildcats, belonging to the Pac-12 Conference, this stadium was initially erected in 1929 with a modest capacity of 7,000 spectators. Over the years, the venue has undergone multiple expansions, culminating in its present-day seating capacity of 50,800 as of 2022.

Beyond its role as a hub for thrilling football matches, the stadium houses the administrative offices of the Wildcat football program. Additionally, it accommodates various academic offices, including the esteemed Steward Observatory Mirror Lab, diversifying its significance beyond athletic pursuits. Arizona Stadium, steeped in history and modernized for contemporary sports experiences, continues to be the vibrant setting for the exhilarating Arizona Bowl festivities.

Arizona Bowl Records

Arizona Bowl Records

Team Records:

• Most points scored by one team: 45 points, Air Force vs. South Alabama in 2016

• Most points scored by a losing team: 27 points, Wyoming vs. Ohio in 2022

• Most points scored by both teams in a game: 66 points, Air Force (45) vs. South Alabama (21) in 2016

• Fewest points allowed in a game: 13 points (shared by Nevada vs. Arkansas State in 2018 and Ball State vs. San Jose State in 2020)

• Largest margin of victory: 24 points, Air Force (45) vs. South Alabama (21) in 2016

• Total yards gained: 532 yards, Colorado State vs. Nevada in 2015

• Rushing yards gained by a team: 290 yards, Wyoming vs. Georgia State in 2019

• Passing yards gained by a team: 310 yards, Colorado State vs. Nevada in 2015

• Most first downs in a game: 30 first downs, Colorado State vs. Nevada in 2015

• Fewest yards allowed in a game: 285 yards, achieved by Arkansas State vs. Nevada in 2018

• Fewest rushing yards allowed in a game: 68 yards, Air Force vs. South Alabama in 2016

• Fewest passing yards allowed in a game: 74 yards, Colorado State vs. Nevada in 2015

Individual Records:

• Most all-purpose yards by a player: 295 yards, Xazavian Valladay (Wyoming) in 2019 (204 rushing, 91 receiving)

• Most touchdowns (all-purpose) shared by James Butler (Nevada), Jacobi Owens (Air Force), Xazavian Valladay (Wyoming), and Jordon Vaughn (Wyoming) in different years (2015, 2016, 2019, 2022)

• Most rushing yards by a player in a game: 204 yards, Xazavian Valladay (Wyoming) in 2019

• Most rushing touchdowns by a player in a game shared by James Butler (Nevada), Jacobi Owens (Air Force), and Jordon Vaughn (Wyoming) in different years (2015, 2016, 2022)

• Most passing yards by a player in a game: 310 yards, Nick Stevens (Colorado State) in 2015

• Most passing touchdowns by a player in a game: 3 touchdowns, Levi Williams (Wyoming) in 2019

• Most receiving yards by a player in a game: 154 yards, Josh Magee (South Alabama) in 2016

• Most receptions in a game: 9 receptions, Rashard Higgins (Colorado State) in 2015

• Most tackles in a game: 16 tackles, Darrell Songy (South Alabama) in 2016

• Most sacks in a game shared by Chason Milner (South Alabama), Dajon Emory (Arkansas State), and Shane Bonner (Ohio) in different years (2016, 2018, 2022)

• Most interceptions in a game: 2 interceptions, Justin Brent (Nevada) in 2018

Long Plays:

• Longest touchdown run: 77 yards, James Butler (Nevada) in 2015

• Longest touchdown pass was shared by Josh Magee (South Alabama) and Jale Robinette (Air Force) at 75 yards in 2016

• Longest kickoff return: 100 yards, Jason Huntley (New Mexico State) in 2017

• Longest punt return: 21 yards, Kenyon Reed (San Jose State) in 2020

• Longest interception return: 53 yards, Antonio Phillips (Ball State) in 2020

• Longest fumble return: 29 yards, Nehemiah Shelton (Ball State) in 2020

• Longest punt: 69 yards, Quinton Conaway (Nevada) in 2018

• Longest field goal was shared by Cooper Rothe (Wyoming) and John Hoyland (Wyoming) at 53 yards in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

Arizona Bowl Winner List

The Arizona Bowl Winner List showcases the history of thrilling college football matchups. In its inaugural year, on December 29, 2015, Nevada secured victory over Colorado State with a score of 28-23, witnessed by 20,425 attendees. Air Force dominated on December 30, 2016, triumphing 45-21 against South Alabama, captivating a crowd of 33,868. New Mexico State clinched a dramatic overtime win of 26-20 against Utah State on December 29, 2017, in front of 39,132 spectators. Nevada secured another victory in 2018, prevailing 16-13 over Arkansas State in overtime, attracting 32,368 fans. Notably, Wyoming triumphed in 2019, and Ohio emerged victorious in 2022, both games enthralling audiences with exhilarating gameplay.