NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl executive committee member Kym Adair was in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday taking part in a press conference detailing the advantages of Air Force being one of the participants in the game Dec. 30 at Arizona Stadium.
The Falcons (9-3) of the Mountain West will play South Alabama (6-6) of the Sun Belt Conference in what is a dream matchup for Adair and the committee.
Adair commented in the press conference about Tucson’s sunny and warm temperature in addition to the involvement of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to the events leading up to the game.
With over 200 days of sunshine and mid-December weather like this, who wouldn't want to spend bowl season in Tucson? pic.twitter.com/HdIBtnxOLR
— Arizona Bowl (@novaAZBOWL) December 14, 2016
She also mentioned that the “Swag Bag” of free gifts given to members of each team is the best provided to players in all of the bowls for the second consecutive year. The gifts include Beats by Dre Headphones, watches, inflatable couches, backpacks and other items.
Air Force athletic director Jim Knowlton expressed enthusiasm for the game, saying, “Personally, I am thrilled to be going to the Arizona Bowl in Tucson.” The Falcons are scheduled to arrive in Tucson on Christmas Day.
“What we had no idea about until we sent our advance party out early this week was how gracious, how welcoming and what a first-class group of folks that you have out there that are working this bowl,” Knowlton said. “Our folks came back and said this is going to be incredible. So we’re excited.”
Knowlton joined Air Force coach Troy Calhoun and Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson at the press conference.
Air Force welcomes the opportunity to play in the Arizona Bowl knowing the game will be televised, an initial concern of the Falcons. The game will be shown on the CW and will be available in 80 million households nationwide and more internationally on the Armed Forces Network. It will also be shown live on Twitter and on Campus Insiders online.
The online broadcast will allow for a GoPro camera on the heads of officials and for 360 technology that will give a panoramic view of the stadium from the field.
Air Force and South Alabama players will take part in stunts at Old Tucson. A bullriding event is also scheduled in which participants will represent both teams. The Falcons are scheduled to tour the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
A block party is scheduled downtown the night before the game that will include cheer squads and a battle of the marching bands of both teams. Fans gain admittance into a tailgate party the day of the game with their game tickets. The Gin Blossoms are slated to perform a concert during the tailgate party.
A food festival is also played the day of the game. The event will include samples of nachos and beers from Tucson-area restaurants.
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