The Arizona Bowl, now officially known as the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, is one of the newer additions to the college football postseason bowl schedule. First played in 2015, the game takes place annually in Tucson, Arizona, at Arizona Stadium, the home field of the University of Arizona Wildcats. Despite its relatively recent origin, the Arizona Bowl has quickly become a fan-favorite for its competitive matchups and strong connection to the local community.
The Arizona Bowl was founded to provide an additional postseason opportunity for teams from the Group of Five conferences, which include the Mountain West Conference (MWC), Mid-American Conference (MAC), and occasionally, other conferences. Unlike many bowl games that primarily cater to Power Five schools, the Arizona Bowl focuses on giving smaller-conference teams a chance to shine on a national stage.
Its establishment also aimed to contribute economically and culturally to the Tucson area, creating a community-driven event that benefits local businesses and charities.
Though young, the Arizona Bowl has already seen its share of standout moments:
- 2016: Air Force defeated South Alabama 45–21 in a high-energy game featuring an explosive running attack.
- 2019: Wyoming bested Georgia State 38–17, with quarterback Sean Chambers showcasing an impressive dual-threat performance.
- 2022: The Ohio Bobcats narrowly defeated Wyoming 30–27 in an overtime thriller, cementing the bowl’s reputation for dramatic finishes.
In 2021, the Arizona Bowl gained significant attention when Barstool Sports became its title sponsor. This partnership introduced innovative digital streaming for the game, bypassing traditional television broadcasts and bringing the bowl to a younger, tech-savvy audience. The Barstool Sports sponsorship also infused the game with a distinct cultural vibe, incorporating humor, social media engagement, and interactive fan experiences.
Arizona Stadium, located against the picturesque backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, provides a stunning setting for the game. With a capacity of over 50,000, the stadium offers an intimate yet energetic atmosphere for fans. Tucson’s warm December weather adds to the appeal, making the Arizona Bowl a pleasant destination for teams and spectators alike.
Community and Charitable Impact
A defining feature of the Arizona Bowl is its commitment to giving back. Proceeds from the game are distributed to local charities, emphasizing the bowl’s mission to support the Tucson community. This philanthropic focus has endeared the Arizona Bowl to residents and reinforced its reputation as a game with a purpose.
Legacy and Future
In less than a decade, the Arizona Bowl has established itself as a staple of the college football postseason. Its focus on competitive matchups, community impact, and innovative approaches to sponsorship and broadcasting set it apart from other bowl games.
As the Arizona Bowl continues to grow in prominence, it remains a celebration of college football’s diversity and a source of pride for Tucson and its surrounding region. Fans can expect the game to deliver memorable moments, thrilling finishes, and an unwavering commitment to its mission for years to come.
Past Arizona Bowl teams & scores
- 2024 Snoop Dog Arizona Bowl – Miami (OH) 43 – Colorado 17 – Dec. 28, 2024
- 2023 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Wyoming 16 – Toledo 15 – Dec. 30, 2023
- 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Ohio 30 – Wyoming 27 – OT – Dec. 30, 2022
- 2021 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl – Canceled
- 2020 Arizona Bowl – Ball State 34 – San Jose State 13 – December 31, 2020
- 2019 Arizona Bowl – Wyoming 38 – Georgia State 17 – December 31, 2019
- 2018 Arizona Bowl – Nevada 16 – Arkansas State 13 – OT – Dec. 29, 2018
- 2017 Arizona Bowl – New Mexico State 26 – Utah State 20 – December 29, 2017
- 2016 Arizona Bowl – Air Force 45 – South Alabama 21 – December 30, 2016
- 2015 Arizona Bowl – Nevada 28 – Colorado State 23 – December 29, 2015