Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 | 2 a.m.
Powered by Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
Football has long been the most popular sport in the country, and the NFL is not solely to thank for that. NCAA football draws millions of viewers each week, ranking as the second-most-watched sports programming in America. As regular-season NCAA football comes to an end, postseason playoffs and bowl games are about to begin.
There are 39 bowl games scheduled for the 2018-19 college postseason during the course of three weeks, and it all starts in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Bowl on December 15 will be one of five bowls kicking off the postseason. Here’s what you should know about this long-standing Valley tradition.
About the Las Vegas Bowl
The first Las Vegas Bowl took place December 18, 1992, and of the 39 NCAA-recognized bowl games, it’s the 16th oldest and has remained in Las Vegas throughout its history. This year’s game will be the 13th played at Sam Boyd Stadium—and possibly the last, given the construction of the Las Vegas Raiders Stadium. Regional rivals, the Pac-12 Conference and Mountain West have been facing off at the Las Vegas Bowl since 2001.
Why it’s “more than just a game”
For many, the Las Vegas Bowl is considered a holiday tradition unlike any other college sporting event in the country. Because the competing teams are kept under wraps until two weeks prior to the game, the fan participation and bowl-week events have become as much a part of the experience as the game itself. After all, if there’s any city that knows how to host an all-inclusive, multifaceted experience, it’s Las Vegas.
What makes the Las Vegas Bowl so unique is that it combines the quintessential Vegas entertainment experience with beloved collegiate traditions to create an event that appeals to sports fans and non-fans alike. Because fan engagement is an integral component of the Las Vegas Bowl landscape, there’s a full week of bowl events leading up to the big game.
December 11
Teams arrive and are greeted at their respective hotels with a fun, extravagant reception. Later in the evening, coaches, school dignitaries and VIPs attend a reception at Maverick Helicopters.
The event is for players and those affiliated with the schools.
December 12
During the day, players, mascots and cheer teams volunteer at Opportunity Village. That night, the festivities amp up with the Fremont Street Experience welcome reception. Hosted by Chet Buchanan, this is the first opportunity for fans to see and interact with the teams. Expect live entertainment and player involvement during the event, including a Family Feud-style competition between the teams.
Reception is free and open to the public.
December 13
The Goodie Two Shoes Foundation provides underserved children the opportunity to pick out new shoes. The players of each team will volunteer with Goodie Two Shoes at a local elementary school. This provides players with the chance to give back and get to know Las Vegas in a new way.
For players and those affiliated with the schools.
December 14
The day before the big game, there’s a kickoff luncheon featuring the players, coaches, bands and cheerleaders from each team hosted at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel. The guest speaker is Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst Trent Dilfer, and attendees can expect a live performance from an Elvis impersonator.
That night, teams return to the Fremont Street Experience for the annual Pep Rally under the dome. The Pep Rally is another opportunity for fans to engage with the teams and experience a large-scale college tradition. Fans will hear from the coaches, watch cheerleader performances and enjoy a friendly mascot face-off.
Kickoff Luncheon is $75, Pep Rally is free.
December 15
The pregame fan fest starts bright and early with a huge tailgate that’s unlike any other in Las Vegas, including live performances, games, tons of food and drinks, and a battle of the bands from each school. There will also be an appearance by Chet Buchanan and more. The official Las Vegas Bowl kickoff is at 12:30 p.m.
The pregame fan fest is free and open to the public. Tickets to the game are $35-$110 and are available for purchase at tinyurl.com/yc92b3z4. All ticket prices increase December 1.
Can't make the game? Don't worry. It's televised live on ABC.
