Fiesta Bowl

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It was all smiles at the Fiesta Bowl Museum on Tuesday, as we introduced our Grand Marshal for the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys… Sun Devil wrestling legend, Anthony Robles. “To be the Grand Marshal in my own state is an honor. It’s where I grew up, I went to Mesa High School; Arizona is home for me. To represent Arizona and all the good things that are here, it’s very special,” Robles said. “I’m really proud to be a part of this and part of the Fiesta Bowl because of all that they stand for and what they do in the community.” Fans are invited to join us for the parade on Saturday, Dec. 28, beginning at 10 am, as it marches down Central Avenue. For those that can’t attend in person, the annual event will air live on Arizona's Family 3TV. (?? Carine Heller)

One of the most inspirational athletes in our state's history will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 28, when Arizona native and 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles serves as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys. The subject of the upcoming film "Unstoppable," Robles was born without his right leg, but overcame extreme obstacles to become a three-time All-American at Arizona State University, and?an inductee in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “Anthony Robles has lived his life in a way we all aspire to – with perseverance, humility, determination, honor and courage,"?said Fiesta Bowl Organization Executive Director & CEO Erik A. Moses. "His journey is an inspiration to us all and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He is a great person to lead our Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe." Robles’ incredible story is captured in the new film by Amazon MGM Studios. Produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the film stars Jennifer Lopez as Robles’ mother, Jharrel Jerome as Anthony and Don Cheadle as ASU Head Coach Shawn Charles. Robles was highly involved in the film as a producer and served as his own stunt double in the movie’s wrestling scenes. The limited theatrical release is slated for Dec. 6, and will be released globally on Prime Video Jan. 16, 2025. ??♂??Read more:?https://lnkd.in/gM4TpAVK

Over the weekend, our Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors made the trip to Stillwater, OK for the 50-year reunion of Oklahoma State's 1974 Fiesta Bowl championship team. The 1974 Cowboys were the first of three Oklahoma State teams to play in the Fiesta Bowl. All-time, Oklahoma State is 3-0 in the Fiesta Bowl with subsequent wins in 2012 and 2022. Thank you to Oklahoma State Director of Athletics Chad Weiberg for inviting us to be a part of this special recognition!

Extending the impact of Arizona's most robust teacher support program, Fiesta Bowl Charities granted the classroom wish of 5??0??0?? teachers for $2,500 each during the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by Salt River Project. The $1.25 million in donations will be distributed to 84 cities and towns across Arizona, impacting 237,737 students. The program granted wishes in 380 different schools, covering 108 school districts and 79 charter schools. ?? Full list of recipients: tinyurl.com/4d3z3k9p Recipients include teachers instructing bilingual classrooms, sustainability classes, physical education, special needs and much more. The 500 wishes range from new seating and books, to robotics kits and virtual reality headsets. "Teachers are unsung heroes and selfless mentors with incredible influence on our youth to help shape them to become the next generation of leaders," said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director & CEO Erik A. Moses. "Providing resources that they would not otherwise have gives them the ability to create new areas of teaching that will unlock students' potential." Special thanks to our title partner, Palo Verde Generating Station for the continued support of this important initiative.

The Fiesta Sports Foundation has joined with the Arizona Interscholastic Association to elevate the experience for Arizona's high school student-athletes, schools, families, fans and partners through a multi-year partnership, building on a strategic alliance between the organizations that began with Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown in 2023. Starting immediately, the Fiesta Bowl will be the presenting partner of the AIA Flag Football Championship, which is in the playoff semifinal round today for the 6A, 5A and 4A classifications with the championship games slated for this Saturday, November 23. For more info ?? ??: https://lnkd.in/gRQaQqE2

Hey Arizona educators, you’re the real ????????. It was an amazing afternoon, as we called 500 teachers, coaches and staff to award $2,500 grants for their classrooms during the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP. Thank you to all of our incredible partners including Palo Verde Generating Station and Salt River Project, our Board of Directors, Yellow Jackets, Ambassadors and friends, who helped us give out $1.25M for the second year in a row!

Let the granting begin! The first three of 5??0??0?? Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers grants were awarded on Monday in Mesa, Phoenix and Buckeye, AZ. The remaining recipients will receive surprise calls on Tuesday — and $2,500 for their classroom wishes — during our annual Wishes for Teachers Draft presented by Salt River Project. Special thanks to SRP and the Palo Verde Generating Station for your continued support of our annual campaign, which will award $1.25M to Arizona educators this year.

"One of the great things is showing that Arizona is more than just a couple of counties. Arizona is 22 different tribes on our lands and rich history." We are so fortunate to have Judy Ferreira, Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, on our Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Judy and all of the great work she's doing to encourage others to learn, appreciate and celebrate the diversity that makes Arizona unique. ?? https://lnkd.in/gsp42uNW

The #FiestaBowl and NACDA traveled to San Jose this weekend to present the San Jose State Athletic Department with the 2023-24 Community Service Award at the Spartans football game vs. Boise State. Over 500 San Jose State University student-athletes participated in multiple service projects in 2023-24, completing over 20,000 hours of service. The scope of their project centered around addressing social and racial injustices, elevating youth from marginalized communities and providing support and advocacy for individuals impacted by life-altering conditions. Congratulations Spartans, keep up the amazing work!