The Arizona Bowl emerged as one of three newly sanctioned NCAA bowl games, set to kick off in the 2015 season, alongside the Austin Bowl and Cure Bowl. Originally intended to be held at Arizona Stadium, the event was designed to showcase teams from Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference. This marked a significant return of post-season college football to Tucson, Arizona, a city that had previously hosted the Copper Bowl (now known as the Guaranteed Rate Bowl).
Formally announced on October 1, 2015, as the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl, this event was the brainchild of the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC), Alan Young, Kemp Ellis, Nikki Balich, the Mountain West Conference, and Campus Insiders. The inaugural game was slated for December 29, 2015, with a backup plan involving the Sun Belt Conference in case either primary conference lacked bowl-eligible teams.
The first showdown featured the Nevada Wolf Pack against the Colorado State Rams, notably both from the Mountain West Conference due to insufficient bowl-eligible teams from Conference USA or the Sun Belt. This occurrence marked a departure from the norm, the first time in years that a non-championship bowl game featured teams from the same conference without a prior regular season face-off.
In subsequent years, the Sun Belt Conference became the primary tie-in for the Arizona Bowl from 2016 to 2019, replacing Conference USA. Further agreements were struck in 2019, establishing tie-ins with the Mountain West and Mid-American Conference (MAC) from 2020 through 2025.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt during the 2020 game, which was played without spectators. Additionally, the 2021 game faced cancellation due to the withdrawal of the Boise State Broncos amid COVID-19 concerns within the program. Subsequently, the Central Michigan Chippewas were named as replacements for the Sun Bowl.
Arizona Bowl Sponsorship and Broadcasting Rights
The NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl kicked off its first five years with NOVA Home Loans as the title sponsor until 2020. However, when NOVA Home Loans opted out, Offerpad took over, rebranding it as the Offerpad Arizona Bowl. Barstool Sports stepped in as the title sponsor from 2021 onwards, although this move faced backlash leading to funding withdrawal by the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Initially, the bowl embraced a digitally-focused approach, teaming up with Campus Insiders for online streaming, and later joining forces with 120 Sports for interactive content and webcasts. However, due to mounting pressure, the organizers secured traditional television coverage. Sinclair Broadcast Group's American Sports Network televised the initial games, subsequently shifting to CBS Sports Network in a multi-year agreement in 2017.
The 2020 edition earned a CBS main network slot due to the cancellation of the Sun Bowl amid pandemic disruptions. Barstool took over broadcasting in 2021, with The CW joining in to simulcast the coverage in 2023, marking an evolution in the Arizona Bowl's broadcasting journey.
Arizona Bowl Winner List
The Arizona Bowl has witnessed various teams claim victory since its inception in 2015. Winners include Nevada in the inaugural game against Colorado State, with subsequent champions like Georgia State, Wyoming, Ball State, and Central Michigan. The bowl continues to showcase competitive matchups among collegiate football teams vying for this prestigious title annually.
| Year | Winning Team | Opponent |
| 2015 | Nevada | Colorado State |
| 2016 | Air Force | South Alabama |
| 2017 | New Mexico State | Utah State (OT) |
| 2018 | Nevada | Arkansas State (OT) |
| 2019 | Wyoming | Georgia State |
| 2020 | Ball State | No. 19 San Jose State |
| 2021 | Canceled | — |
| 2022 | Ohio | Wyoming (OT) |
Arizona Bowl Appearances and win-loss Records
The Arizona Bowl has seen various college football teams make appearances since its establishment in 2015, showcasing competitive matchups. Notably, Nevada and Wyoming have each made three appearances, securing victories in two games apiece. Several teams, including New Mexico State and Air Force, have participated once and emerged victorious, contributing to the diverse win-loss records within the bowl's history.
| Team | Appearances | Record |
| Nevada | 2 | 2–0 |
| Wyoming | 2 | 1–1 |
Arizona Bowl MVPs
The Arizona Bowl has honored standout players with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in each edition since its inception. Notable MVPs include players such as James Butler from Nevada, who earned the honor in the inaugural game, and Josh Allen from Wyoming, recognized for his exceptional performance in a subsequent year. These accolades highlight individual excellence in contributing to their team's success on the bowl stage.
| Year | Offensive MVP | Team | Defensive MVP | Team |
| 2015 | James Butler | Nevada | Ian Seau | Nevada |
| 2016 | Arion Worthman | Air Force | Weston Steelhammer | Air Force |
| 2017 | Larry Rose III | New Mexico State | Leon McQuaker | New Mexico State |
| 2018 | Ty Gangi | Nevada | B. J. Edmonds | Arkansas State |
| 2019 | Xazavian Valladay | Wyoming | Alijah Halliburton | Wyoming |
| 2020 | Drew Plitt | Ball State | Bryce Cosby | Ball State |
| 2022 | CJ Harris | Ohio | TBA | TBA |
FAQs
The Arizona Bowl began in 2015 as one of three newly sanctioned NCAA bowl games, featuring teams from Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference.
Initially sponsored by NOVA Home Loans, the bowl transitioned to Offerpad in 2020 and then to Barstool Sports from 2021 onwards.
Nevada and Wyoming are the teams that have each secured victories in the Arizona Bowl twice, contributing to their notable win-loss records.
The bowl initially focused on digital streaming through Campus Insiders and later transitioned to traditional television coverage, partnering with networks like CBS Sports Network and The CW.
Yes, the 2021 game was canceled due to the withdrawal of the Boise State Broncos amid COVID-19 concerns within the program.
Players like James Butler from Nevada and Josh Allen from Wyoming were among the notable MVPs recognized for their outstanding performances in the Arizona Bowl.
