Where is vrbo fiesta bowl

Overview

The VRBO Fiesta Bowl is one of college football’s most prestigious postseason games, held annually in Glendale, Arizona. It has grown from a regional bowl game into a marquee national event, often featuring top-ranked teams.

Since 2007, the game has been played at State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. Its placement in the College Football Playoff rotation elevates its significance, drawing millions of viewers each year.

• Location: The game is held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, a climate-controlled venue with a retractable roof and roll-in field.
• 2024 matchup: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 27–24 in the January 1, 2024 contest.
• Historical roots: The Fiesta Bowl began in 1971 and was originally played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe before moving to Glendale.
• Title sponsor:VRBO became the presenting sponsor in 2019, replacing PlayStation, with a multi-year agreement.
• Attendance: The 2024 game drew over 65,000 fans to the stadium, close to its full capacity for football events.

How It Works

The VRBO Fiesta Bowl operates under the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure, serving as a semifinal site in rotation with other major bowls. Selections are based on team rankings and CFP committee decisions.

• CFP Rotation: The Fiesta Bowl is part of a six-year rotation for CFP semifinals, hosting in 2017, 2020, and 2024, with next in 2028.
• Team selection: The top four teams in the final CFP rankings qualify for semifinals, with matchups assigned by committee.
• Broadcast: The game is televised nationally on ESPN, reaching over 15 million viewers in 2024.
• Stadium capacity: State Farm Stadium holds 63,400 fans for football, expandable to over 70,000 for special events.
• Ticket pricing: Average resale prices for the 2024 game were $450–$600, with premium seats exceeding $1,000.
• Duration: The game lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including halftime, with kickoff typically around 1:00 PM MST.

Comparison at a Glance

Bowl games vary in prestige, payout, and playoff significance; here's how the VRBO Fiesta Bowl compares to other major postseason games:

The VRBO Fiesta Bowl matches the Rose Bowl in payout and prestige when hosting a CFP semifinal. Its modern stadium and central location make it a top choice for marquee matchups, especially when paired with national title implications.

Why It Matters

The VRBO Fiesta Bowl is more than a postseason game—it's a cultural and economic event that impacts local communities and national college football narratives. Its role in the playoff system ensures high stakes and broad media attention.

• Local economy: The 2024 game generated over $100 million in economic impact for the Phoenix metropolitan area.
• Recruiting boost: Teams that perform well gain national exposure, aiding in recruiting visibility for future classes.
• Television revenue: ESPN’s rights deal contributes to the $450 million annual CFP payout distributed to conferences.
• Historic moments: The 2007 Fiesta Bowl between Boise State and Oklahoma is considered one of the greatest games in college football history.
• Infrastructure: State Farm Stadium’s retractable field allows for year-round events, maximizing venue utility.
• Community engagement: The Fiesta Bowl organization supports youth programs, donating over $35 million since 1971.

As college football evolves, the VRBO Fiesta Bowl remains a cornerstone event, blending competitive excellence with community investment and national spectacle.