Fiesta Bowl

The Fiesta Bowl is one of college football’s most prestigious postseason games, embodying the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and excellence that defines the sport. Held annually in Arizona, this iconic bowl game has delivered unforgettable moments and has been a key player in shaping the national championship landscape.

The Fiesta Bowl was founded in 1971 as a means to provide an additional postseason opportunity for teams that had been overlooked by existing bowl games. Initially, the game featured the champions of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and quickly gained national recognition for its high-caliber matchups, and really gained exposure in the late 1980’s before growing into a BCS Bowl game and one the marquee events in college football, often featuring top-ranked teams and high stakes.

In the modern era, the Fiesta Bowl has solidified its place as one of the “New Year’s Six” bowl games—a group of six elite bowls that rotate as hosts of the College Football Playoff semifinals. This designation has elevated its status, ensuring that the game consistently showcases powerhouse programs and future NFL stars. When serving as a playoff semifinal, the Fiesta Bowl takes on even greater significance, with a national title shot on the line.

Memorable FIESTA BOWL Games and Moments

The Fiesta Bowl has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in college football history:

  • 1987: Miami vs. Penn State – Dubbed the “Duel in the Desert,” this game featured an epic clash between No. 1 Miami and No. 2 Penn State. Penn State’s stingy defense and late-game heroics led to a stunning upset, securing the Nittany Lions’ second national championship.
  • 2007: Boise State vs. Oklahoma – One of the greatest underdog stories in sports history unfolded as Boise State, a mid-major program, defeated powerhouse Oklahoma in a thrilling overtime game. The Broncos’ trick plays, including the unforgettable “Statue of Liberty” play, remain legendary.
  • 2019: Clemson vs. Ohio State – In a CFP semifinal matchup, Clemson overcame a 16-0 deficit to edge out Ohio State 29-23 in a dramatic, high-stakes showdown. The game featured elite performances and a controversial ending that is still debated by bitter Buckeye fans.

The Fiesta Bowl is more than just a game—it’s an experience. Held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the event draws tens of thousands of fans from across the country. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with the picturesque desert backdrop, create an unparalleled setting. Pre-game festivities, including parades and fan events, add to the excitement, making the Fiesta Bowl a bucket-list item for college football enthusiasts.

Looking Ahead

As college football evolves, the Fiesta Bowl remains a cornerstone of the sport’s postseason tradition. With its ability to deliver thrilling games, attract top talent, and engage fans, the Fiesta Bowl continues to be a celebration of everything that makes college football special.

Whether it’s a playoff clash or a battle between conference champions, the Fiesta Bowl guarantees a showcase of skill, strategy, and heart—a true testament to the greatness of the game.

 

Past Fiesta Bowl games & results:

  • 2024 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State vs. Boise State – December 31, 2024
  • 2023 Fiesta Bowl – Oregon 45 – Liberty 6 – January 1, 2024
  • 2022 Fiesta Bowl -TCU 51 – Michigan 45 – December 31, 2022
  • 2021 Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma State 37 – Notre Dame 35 – January 1, 2022
  • 2020 Fiesta Bowl – Iowa State 34 – Oregon 17 – January 2, 2021
  • 2019 Fiesta Bowl – Clemson 29 – Ohio State 23 – December 28, 2019
  • 2018 Fiesta Bowl – LSU 40 – UCF 32 – January 1, 2019
  • 2017 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 35 – Washington 28 – December 30, 2017
  • 2016 Fiesta Bowl – Clemson 31 – Ohio State 0 – December 31, 2016
  • 2015 Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State 44 – Notre Dame 28 – January 1, 2016
  • 2014 Fiesta Bowl – Boise State 38 – Arizona 30 – December 31, 2014
  • 2013 Fiesta Bowl – UCF 52 – Baylor 42 – Jan. 1, 2014
  • 2012 Fiesta Bowl – Oregon 35 – Kansas State 17 – Jan. 3, 2013
  • 2011 Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma State 41 – Stanford 38 – F/OT – Jan. 2, 2012
  • 2010 Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma 48 – Connecticut 20 – Jan. 1, 2011
  • 2009 Fiesta Bowl – Boise State 17 – TCU 10 – Jan. 4, 2010
  • 2008 Fiesta Bowl – Texas 24 – Ohio State 21 – Jan. 5 , 2009
  • 2007 Fiesta Bowl – West Virginia 48 – Oklahoma 28 – Jan. 2 , 2008
  • 2006 Fiesta Bowl – Boise State 43 – Oklahoma 42 (OT) – Jan. 1 , 2007
  • 2005 Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State 34 – Notre Dame 20 – Jan. 2 , 2006
  • 2004 Fiesta Bowl – Utah 35 – Pittsburgh 7 – Jan. 1 , 2005
  • 2003 Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State 35 – Kansas State 28 – Jan. 2, 2004
  • 2002 Fiesta Bowl* – Ohio State 31 – Miami 24 (2 OT) – Jan. 3, 2003
  • 2001 Fiesta Bowl – Oregon 38 – Colorado 16 – Jan. 1, 2002
  • 2000 Fiesta Bowl – Oregon State 41 – Notre Dame 9 – Jan. 1 , 2001
  • 1999 Fiesta Bowl – Nebraska 31 – Tennessee 21 – Jan. 2, 2000
  • 1998 Fiesta Bowl* – Tennessee 23 – Florida State 16 – Jan. 4, 1999
  • 1997 Fiesta Bowl – Kansas State 35 – Syracuse 18 – Dec. 31, 1997
  • 1996 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 38 – Texas 15 – Jan. 1, 1997
  • 1995 Fiesta Bowl – Nebraska 62 – Florida 24 – Jan. 2, 1996
  • 1994 Fiesta Bowl – Colorado 41 – Notre Dame 24 – Jan. 2, 1995
  • 1993 Fiesta Bowl – Arizona 29 – Miami 0 – Jan. 1, 1994
  • 1992 Fiesta Bowl – Syracuse 26 – Colorado 22 – Jan. 1, 1993
  • 1991 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 42 – Tennessee 17 – Jan. 1, 1992
  • 1990 Fiesta Bowl – Louisville 34 – Alabama 7 – Jan. 1, 1991
  • 1989 Fiesta Bowl – Florida State 41 – Nebraska 17 – Jan. 1, 1990
  • 1988 Fiesta Bowl – Notre Dame 34 – West Virginia 21 – Jan. 2, 1989
  • 1987 Fiesta Bowl – Florida State 31 – Nebraska 28 – Jan. 1, 1988
  • 1986 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 14 – Miami 10 – Jan. 2, 1987
  • 1985 Fiesta Bowl – Michigan 27 – Nebraska 23 – Jan. 1, 1986
  • 1984 Fiesta Bowl – UCLA 39 – Miami 37 – Jan. 1, 1985
  • 1983 Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State 28 – Pittsburgh 23 – Jan. 2, 1984
  • 1982 Fiesta Bowl – Arizona State 32 – Oklahoma 21 – Jan. 1, 1983
  • 1981 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 26 – USC 10 – Jan. 1, 1982
  • 1980 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 31 – Ohio State 19 – Dec. 26, 1980
  • 1979 Fiesta Bowl – Pittsburgh 16 – Arizona 10 – Dec. 25, 1979
  • 1978 Fiesta Bowl – Arkansas 10 – UCLA 10 – Dec. 25, 1978
  • 1977 Fiesta Bowl – Penn State 42 – Arizona State 30 – Dec. 25, 1977
  • 1976 Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma 41 – Wyoming 7 – Dec. 25, 1976
  • 1975 Fiesta Bowl – Arizona State 17 – Nebraska 14 – Dec. 26, 1975
  • 1974 Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma State 16 – BYU 6 – Dec. 28, 1974
  • 1973 Fiesta Bowl – Arizona State 28 – Pittsburgh 7 – Dec. 21, 1973
  • 1972 Fiesta Bowl – Arizona State 49 – Missouri 35 – Dec. 23, 1972
  • 1971 Fiesta Bowl – Arizona State 45 – Florida State 38 – Dec. 27, 1971