Not ready for the holidays to be over yet? Celebrate the season one last time at the Fiesta Bowl Parade on Saturday, January 2 at 11 a.m.
Held in conjunction with the Fiesta Bowl every year since 1971, the parade features nearly 100 entries, including floats, giant helium balloons, equestrian units, specialty and charitable groups, and local celebrities. Marching bands from local high schools as well as the two universities participating in the Fiesta Bowl and the two universities participating in the Cactus Bowl will also be there.
Keep an eye out in the parade for local hero Randy Johnson, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. “The Big Unit” is a perfect fit for this year’s theme: Arizona’s Got Game.
The parade, sponsored by the National Bank of Arizona, will begin on Central Avenue, just north of Montebello Avenue, and travels south to Camelback Road where it head east to 7th Street and south again to the end of its route, just south of Minnezona Avenue. No ticket is required to find a spot along the route.
Your best bet is to get there early—some people come before sunrise to stake out their place along the 2-mile route—unless you have reserved seating in the grand stands, located at Missouri and Central Avenues. Reserved accessible seating for people with mobility issues is available there for $10; premium seating is available for $25.
If you plan to sit along the road (and attend for free), consider finding a place at Central Avenue and Camelback Road or 7th Street and Camelback Road. Both intersections offer pre-parade entertainment and are located near local restaurants. Make sure you bring chairs, snacks, and plenty of water and sunscreen.
Parking for the parade can be a little tricky. There are not specific parking lots designated for people attending the Fiesta Bowl Parade. If you’re lucky, you may be able to score parking on the streets near the parade route. But take note: parking meters are NOT free on the weekends.
You should also have no problem finding parking lots all along the parade route. Bring cash to pay for your space.
Another option is to park and ride the light rail to the parade area. Use the Central/Camelback station for easiest access to the parade route.
If you’re a football fan, catch the game the day before, as well. The Fiesta Bowl will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, January 1, 2016, at 2 p.m. between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Feel free to give us a call to learn more about this fantastic tradition and for any additional tips on parking and enjoying the parade.
