LAS VEGAS — Players and coaches from 16 teams in the Big 12 wrapped up two days of media day action at Allegiant Stadium as they enter a new era of college football.
For Arizona, 'new' is an operative word.
"That's the unknown for us joining the Big 12 is that there are venues we haven't played in yet," Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said. "Our players haven't felt the crowds of some of these places and what they feel like on game day. Having a great crowd can impact the home team.
"I'm also excited for these teams to come to Arizona Stadium and feel the 'Zona zoo, our crowd and our fans in the city of Tucson and how they rally for the U of A."
Both Arizona State and Arizona are new to the conference. Both schools have new athletic directors to help navigate this transition. In Tucson, it's somewhat of a homecoming for Desiree Reed-Francois, who went to law school at Arizona, and is bringing a new energy to campus.
"When you look at the University of Arizona, from coach Brennan's hiring through keeping our incredible core of student athletes, the momentum we had in the spring, that momentum is translating into ticket sales and enthusiasm. I think we're at the highest point of ticket sales we've been at since 2018. I'm really excited. The future is great."
The Wildcats kick off their season at home Sat., August 31, against New Mexico. Their inaugural Big 12 home game is October 5 against Texas Tech.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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