Starting at 10 a.m. MST on Dec. 27, fans, performers and family members of players gathered outside of the University of Arizona Casino Del Sol Stadium for food, live performances and tailgate activities before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, known for its week-long festivities, provided fans with the opportunity to engage with both teams’ mascots, marching bands and cheerleaders before the players took the field.
Both Miami University and California State University, Fresno, had their own areas for fans to congregate. At Miami’s fan area, President Gregory Crawford welcomed parents and RedHawk football fans to the festivities presented by the university’s alumni association.
Outside of the RedHawk fan area, tables hosting local organizations and small businesses lined the mall, and live performances by multicultural organizations welcomed fans to experience the culture in Tucson, Arizona.
“We really just want to showcase all of the different tribes here in Arizona … as well as social impact artists within our community,” said Dre Olivas, the music director of the main stage at the tailgate. “We want to give them a voice, you know, give them a stage to showcase their talents, and to be seen and heard.”
At around 11:45 a.m., both Fresno State and Miami showcased their marching bands and cheer teams to surrounding fans, which ended in a dance battle between Swoop and Fresno State’s mascot, Timeout.
Before they headed to the stadium to prepare for the game, the Miami cheerleaders weaved through surrounding fans, handing out Miami-branded eye black stickers. Lydia McDonald, a senior member of the cheer team, said as her second time at the Arizona Bowl, she is looking forward to cheering on the RedHawks to back-to-back bowl game wins.
“This year, I’m really looking forward to – hopefully – another win, and playing another school, which is really exciting,” she said.
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During the game, all 22 tribes were represented on the field as over 80 community organization flags were carried in the Raavolution Stadium Parade.
Organized as part of the Human Impact Project (HIP), the collection of non-profit organizations – which focus on community engagement and awareness of their respective missions – shared their stories, art and educational materials throughout the day.
Conducted by Snoop Dogg, the halftime performance featured the Miami University Marching Band, Shakerettes and cheer team in a joint performance with students from California State University, Fresno and a cheer clinic organized for the event. The group performed hits such as “Young, Wild & Free” and “The Next Episode.”
The RedHawks fell to the Bulldogs 18-3, breaking their bowl game winning streak from last year’s win against the Colorado State University Rams.
@OliviaPatel555
All photos and video by Sarah Frosch
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