(TUCSON, AZ) December 8, 2019 – On the heels of their exciting fall seasons, the Cowboys of the University of Wyoming and the Panthers of Georgia State University have been invited to play at the fifth NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl on December 31 at 2:30 MST pm at Arizona Stadium.
The invitations were personally extended to Cowboys Coach Craig Bohl and Panthers Coach Shawn Elliott earlier today.
Executive Director Kym Adair jumped at the chance to welcome these two programs to Tucson.
“We could not be more thrilled to have the Wyoming versus Georgia State match up in the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. These two powerful programs are going to add fireworks on the field in addition to the fireworks in sky post game. We can’t wait to see all the Southern Arizona fans join these two fan bases at Arizona Stadium on December 31st.”
The Wyoming Cowboys come to Tucson riding high. The Cowboys had a solid season marked by an opening win against Missouri. Wyoming finished the season 7-5 overall and 4-4 in the Mountain West. The Cowboys went a perfect 6-0 at home marking the first undefeated home season in War Memorial Stadium since the 1996 season.
Wyoming is one of the nation’s top rushing teams, as the Cowboys rushed for 208.5 yards per game ranking No. 27 in the nation. The Wyoming defense was one of the top units in the nation against the run allowing only 99.4 yards per game to rank ninth in the nation. The Wyoming defense ranked No. 11 in the nation this season ranking No. 11 in the nation allowing 17.8 points per game.
The Georgia State Panthers are becoming accustomed to the post season. The Panthers appearance in Tucson will mark their third Bowl game in five years. The season started on a high note with a win over SEC blue blood Tennessee. The upset at Neyland Stadium set the stage for a strong 7–win season, including a 5-1 record defending their home turf in Atlanta. Georgia State is led on offense by Seniorrunning back Tra Barnett. Barnett set school records for rushing yards in a game, season and career, all on the same day in the Panthers’ 52-33 win over Troy. Barnett rushed for 242 yards that day, and another 128 on Senior Day saw Tra become the first 2000 yard rusher in school history. The Panthers will be looking for their second Bowl championship in school history.
“The process of obtaining teams for a college Bowl game is akin to playing Twister while engaged in speech and debate,” said Ali Farhang, chairman of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. “We have worked zealously to get precisely the matchup we wanted. Wyoming and Georgia State will bring tens of thousands of fans to Tucson, which not only manifests in a significant impact on our economy but maximizes what the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl can do for local charities,” he continued. “A community that celebrates together thrives together. We look forward to seeing our entire community pack Arizona Stadium and the New Year’s Eve Party on December 31. It’s game time, Tucson!”
Cowboys and Panthers fans will have the opportunity to experience Tucson’s hospitality beginning on December 30 at 5:00 pm MST at the Downtown Pep Rally at Jacome Plaza. The event will feature both football programs’ bands, cheerleaders, and mascots in a friendly rivalry.
On December 31, the gameday schedule starts at 10:00 am MST on the University of Arizona Mall with the Desert Diamond Casino Tailgate Festival. Food and beer vendors, a dynamic car show, Charity and iHeart Villages, alumni tailgate parties, and a stage filled with live music and entertainment will prepare fans for the big game that kicks off at 2:30 pm MST.
Following the game, the celebrations will continue at the Downtown New Year’s Eve Bowl Bash,Tucson’s take on Times Square, beginning at 6:00 pm MST. There will be an interactive Kids Zone, stages of amazing entertainment, an outdoor ice-skating rink, food trucks and beverage stations, and the world’s largest piñata. The countdown for the New Year will peak with the dropping of local artist Joe Pagac’s Tucson Taco, as well as fireworks off the roof of the historic Hotel Congress.
About the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Owned and operated by TD4Tucson, a Tucson-based non-profit organization, the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl provides world-class experiences for college student-athletes, fans, and the local community, culminating in a nationally recognized college football competition. This year’s game willkick-off at 2:30 pm MST on December 31, featuring teams from the Mountain West and Sun Belt Conferences with national audience partnership support from CBS Sports Network. For more information visit www.NOVAArizonaBowl.com.
Press Release by Arizona Bowl Media
