THE
Buzz NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION
news & notes
Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers donates $1 million to Arizona Teachers at second annual Draft Day On October 29, 2019, 200 Arizona teachers were given $5,000 grants to make their classroom wishes come true in the Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers, powered by DriveTime Draft Day. The unique combination of a draft day and telethon resulted in an enhanced event and livestream on a virtual set at SNEAKY BIG. Prominent members of the Arizona community like 2017 Fiesta Bowl Parade Grand Marshal Shane Doan, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper and many other local celebrities called and congratulated teachers on their $5,000 wish. The $1 million grant is believed to be the largest donation to Arizona teachers. For more information, click here.
Wells Fargo Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge, presented by Chapman Automotive Swinging towards success in October, the Wells Fargo Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge, presented by Chapman Automotive was held at the renowned short course at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley. Most rounds were sold out and one golfer scored an ace worth $25,000, plus prizes awarded on every hole. Some of the Valley’s high-profile media members took part as well, with ABC15 News anchor Steve Irvin winning a closest-to-the-pin contest and $2,000 for Miracle League of Arizona.
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T H E B U Z Z J U LY 2 0 1 9 E D I T I O N
news & notes Chasing Our Goals 3.1 million of 3.4 million for 2019-20 91% to goal – Less than two weeks left to set a new YJ record!
TICKET SELLING OPPORTUNITY! Five Female Arizona Trailblazers named Grand Marshals of the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Cheez-It® Recognizing the theme of Women in Sports, the 2019 Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Cheez-It®, will honor five female icons with Arizona ties. From World and Olympic champions to trailblazers, this year’s Grand Marshals include Special Olympics golfer Amy Bockerstette, U.S. Women’s Soccer standouts Julie Ertz and Jessica McDonald, U.S. Paralympic gold medalist Allysa Seely and arguably the greatest women’s basketball player of all time Diana Taurasi. The parade will take place throughout Central Phoenix on Saturday, December 28 at 9 a.m.
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We have a new and exciting Ticket Package for sale called the Football Frenzy Package. This is not only a great deal but should be an easy sale! Details below: • 2 Games in 24 Hours - $2,880 • Six (6) Club Regular College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl tickets • Six (6) Stadium Club pregame party passes (Food & Beverage included) • Two (2) PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl parking passes • Six (6) Lower Premium Cheez-It® Bowl tickets • Two (2) Cheez-It® Bowl Garage parking passes
short & Tweet Tickets for the @Fiesta_Bowl and @Cheez-ItBowl are going fast! Contact me to claim your tickets now to an exciting @CFBPlayoff semifinal matchup or “Friday Night Lights” at the #CheezItBowl Volunteers are still needed for many of our one-of-a-kind events during game week. Sign up to volunteer at our pregame parties, parade, hospitality teams and more! Visit fiestabowl.org/volunteer for more information For the first time ever the #FiestaBowlParade will feature FIVE Grand Marshals! Some of the Valley’s most iconic women will grace the Downtown Phoenix Parade route on December 28 at 9 a.m. You won’t want to miss it!
T H E B U Z Z J U LY 2 0 1 9 E D I T I O N
upcoming events Selection Fest December 8, 2019
Fanfest Pregame Party December 28, 2019
Scottsdale Plaza
State Farm Stadium
The Oasis Pregame Party, presented by Cheez-It® December 27, 2019
2019 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl
Chase Field
December 28, 2019 State Farm Stadium
Cheez-It® Bowl December 27, 2019 Chase Field
Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Cheez-It® December 28, 2019
Upcoming Yellow Jacket Committee Meetings: December 8, 2019 (Selection Fest) – Scottsdale Plaza
January 22, 2020 – TBD
Downtown Phoenix
Fiesta Bowl Stadium Club Pregame Party December 28, 2019 State Farm Stadium
T H E B U Z Z J U LY 2 0 1 9 E D I T I O N
spotlights Board Spotlight: Brett Benton
Staff Spotlight: Lenny Paoletta
First Year on Board: 2013
Staff Member Since: 2019
Favorite Fiesta Bowl Game: This one is not on everyone’s radar, but it was Boise State vs Arizona. I was part of an incredible liaison team and the friendships I made with staff and alumni at Boise State will last forever. Most Memorable Moment: As a team liaison for the Oregon Ducks, riding on the team bus in complete silence, with a group of young men who were about to play for a national championship. I had goose bumps as we pulled into State Farm Stadium and saw the thousands of fans from Oregon greet us and from Auburn to jeer us. It was an incredible experience. Favorite Job: Working media hospitality shifts at the Camelback Inn and getting my first taste of the appreciation we receive from the media for what we do and how we do it.
Position at the Fiesta Bowl: Game & Event Operations Coordinator Responsibilities: Provides leadership within the Operations Department and oversight for Team Services, the Volunteer Program, the Warehouse, Game Productions and assists with Committee Development and other events for the Bowl. Hometown: Abington, Massachusetts Alma Mater: University of Massachusetts Favorite College Football Game: 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Oklahoma vs Boise State. It had it all: drama, trick plays and even a marriage proposal. Favorite Song: Broken Arrows by Avicii ft. Zac Brown
Interesting Fact: I’m Canadian, played three sports in High School (hockey, swimming, football), also my family lived in Brussels, Belgium, for several years.
Yellow Jacket Spotlight: Chelsey Golightly Number of Years with the Fiesta Bowl: Four Favorite Fiesta Bowl Game: Ohio State’s win over Miami for the 2002 National Championship Positions Held at the Fiesta Bowl: Media Ops Chair, Media Ops Assistant Chair, Team Hospitality Assistant Chair, Oasis Pregame Party Assistant Chair, Sales Coach, Engagement Commissioner, Recruiting Committee Member, and Committee Liaison to the Board of Directors Audit and Compliance Committee.
Favorite Fiesta Bowl Game: Since I’ve been with the Bowl, my favorite game is the Clemson vs. Ohio State CFP Semifinal in 2016. It’s not every day (or ever) that you see a team shut out a brilliant Ohio State squad. It showcased how special that Clemson team was on its way to winning the national title. My favorite college football game of all time is Michigan State v. Michigan, October 17, 2015. Michigan fumbled a punt with 10 seconds left and MSU returned it for a game winning touchdown with no time left. It was a great birthday present. Most Memorable Moment: Coach O speaking to his team in the locker room after LSU’s win last year. You could tell how much it meant to him and the team. Favorite Job: It’s hard to pick one because everything is fun in its own way. I’ve enjoyed all of the positions I’ve had within the Bowl. T H E B U Z Z J U LY 2 0 1 9 E D I T I O N
behind the bowl Balloon Testing The decorated floats, the marching bands, local celebrities, and of course the giant parade balloons make the Fiesta Bowl Parade a feast for the eyes.
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Palm Lane Elementary Playground Build With over 900 students, school Principal Stephanie Ward says the kids can’t wait to get their hands on their brand-new playground.
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Fiesta Bowl Football Focus Podcast Episode 3 Bob Bowlsby The Commissioner joins us to talk Big 12 partnership, College Football Playoff, touches on his time at Iowa and Stanford and relives his most memorable moment from the PlayStationÂŽ Fiesta Bowl.
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T H E B U Z Z J U LY 2 0 1 9 E D I T I O N
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