Hut, hut, hike! Phoenix area gearing up for Fiesta Bowl

PHOENIX — While some people finalized last-minute dinner plans or put the finishing touches on their New Year’s Eve outfit, the Phoenix area was getting ready for the annual BattleField Fiesta Bowl game.

The 45th annual game will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium on New Year’s Day. Two popular Midwestern teams, seventh-ranked Ohio State and eighth-ranked Notre Dame, will kickoff at 11 a.m.

But before the big game, Glendale officials were preparing for a big crowd.

“If you can leave early, get there as soon as you can and take your time,” Tracey Breeden with the Glendale Police Department said. “That way you don’t get in a hurry and we don’t want you to miss the kickoff.”

The Arizona Department of Transportation said traffic was expected to be heavy along the Loop 101 between Northern Avenue and Camelback Road both leading up to and after the game.

The city will close Maryland Avenue between 93rd and 95th avenues to all traffic save for pedestrians and certain shuttles.

Multiple parking lots are available around the stadium. Pricing costs top out at $50. All lots are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. for tailgaters.

As far as security, fans should expect procedures similar to an Arizona Cardinals home game.

“Most of the security that University of Phoenix stadium has for any other football game or any other event they have there will be the same,” Breeden said.

Despite the game being held in Glendale, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said his city is expecting to benefit economically, especially bars, restaurants and museums.

“We know that both of those schools travel very well,” he said. “They’re super popular college football teams, both with a national following.”

Stanton said he hopes the game encourages more people to visit Arizona.

“People want to come explore this most beautiful state,” he said. “Study after study shows that, when fans come here, they spend a little extra time and therefore a little extra money and it’s great for our local economy.”

KTAR’s Mike Sackley contributed to this report.

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