The Territorial Cup is awarded annually to the winner of the Arizona-Arizona State game. These two instate rivals have been fighting for the Territorial Cup since 1899 making it the oldest rivalry trophy in the NCAA. The two teams began playing annually in 1925 and over the decades the Wildcats have amassed a 48-39-1 lead over the Sun Devils.
The rivalry between the Arizona Wildcats and New Mexico Lobos dates all the way back to 1908. From 1938 to 1990 the two schools played for the Kit Carson Rifle, however, the trophy was retired due to concerns about the history of violence against Native Americans. Arizona holds a 43-20-3 lead in the rivalry, which has been dormant since 2008.
Wildcats Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating at Arizona Stadium is a time-honored tradition that that brings Wildcat fans all over the country together again on game days. If you’re looking to get the most out of your Arizona pregame experience, then The Mall is the place to be. On The Mall, you’ll find the most die-hard Wildcat fans and the biggest tailgates since this is where all the season ticket holders tailgate. The Mall is also home to all the official and sponsored tailgates, so don’t feel shy about heading over there even if you don’t know anyone.
Another reason The Mall is a great place to be before kickoff is that it is home to the Wildcat Walk. During the Wildcat Walk the team, coaches, and staff is dropped off at University and Cherry to walk through the tailgating action at The Mall to greet fans. The Wildcat Walk occurs two hours before the game as the team makes their way to Arizona Stadium. Don’t miss out on the Wildcat Walk, as it is an excellent opportunity to see the players face to face.
It is also important to note that if you want to make friends with the people around, then it is in your best interest to wear red and blue as Wildcat fans are very friendly to fellow fans. Put on your red and blue and head down to The Mall for a great tailgating experience that any college football fan would love.
Don’t miss out on the Wildcat Walk, which takes place two hours before the game. During the Wildcat Walk the team, coaches, and staff are dropped off at University and Cherry before proceeding through the tailgating action at The Mall en route to the stadium
Following the game, the band marches to the administration building where they put on a post-game concert for all the fans. At the end of the concert the student union clock tower, bell is rung and everyone in the band yells, “Bear Down!” Follow the band to the administration building after the game so that you can take part in this wonderful tradition.
University Boulevard hosts Bear Down Fridays, which is a pep rally that takes up the entire area the night before a home game. The band, cheerleaders, and even some of the coaches from Wildcat athletics are present for the celebration. Why wait until Saturday to get in on the game day festivities when you could join in on this great tradition.
Sentinel Peak got the nickname “A” Mountain because of the large, painted rock in the shape of an A. The “A” was whitewashed onto the mountain in 1916 and has remained there over the years. Arizona State also has a similar “A,” which has led to both schools trying to change their opponent’s “A” to their colors.
Where to tailgate
The MallTailgating at The Mall, a grassy area along 3rd Street in the middle of campus, includes individual tailgaters as well as the officially sponsored tailgate. Make sure to buy a parking pass though as you need one to tailgate at this prime location.
Coca-Cola Fan FiestaLocated at Bear Down Field the Fan Fiesta starts three hours before kickoff. Here you’ll find live entertainment, food, interactive activities, and a fun-zone for kids.
GameDay GrillThe GameDay Grill can be found inside the Fan Fiesta and features new food every week. It’s a great spot to check out if you’re looking to catch up on the action going on around college football as it features 10 large screen TVs.
Tailgate LotsIf you can’t get a spot at The Mall and still want to set up your tailgate then the tailgate lots around campus offer a good alternative. Here you’ll meet and mingle with other fans creating a great game day experience.
Wildcats Stadium Guide
In Game
Arizona Stadium has undergone several renovations recently with the most notable taking place in the North End Zone. The new renovation stands out amongst the rest of the stadium making it the premier spot to sit if you’re looking for luxury accommodations. The North End Zone also offers you a great view of the new scoreboard so that you won’t miss any of the action.
Here in Arizona, you’ll not only get an excellent view of the action on the field, but you’ll also be able to catch a great view of the Tucson landscape and skyline. Seats in the upper deck and the luxury suites, in particular, offer an incredible view as you can see clearly over the stadium.
Recent renovations may have made Arizona Stadium more luxurious than in the past, but that doesn’t mean the passion has been taken out of the place. The Zona Zoo remains one of the most raucous student sections in college football, and you’ll spend the majority of the game standing and cheering your lungs out. The loud fans and nice new amenities at Arizona Stadium make attending a Wildcats football game an experience you’ll remember forever.
The newly added north end zone includes new seats, great food, state-of-the-art amenities, and a view of the massive scoreboard in the south end zone. If you’re looking to experience an Arizona football game in style, then the North End Zone is the spot for you.
before every game the Wildcats perform a Haka dance, which pumps up both the players and fans. Keep your eyes peeled for this dance as typically the team performs their dance in front of the student section.
It’s included in the field design, the fight song, and many posters and t-shirts, but the traditional slogan has a deeper historical meaning. Student body president and quarterback John “Button” Salmon was in a severe auto accident in 1926. On his deathbed, he told coach Pop McKale, “Tell them… tell the team to bear down.” The slogan continues today as a great way to meet and connect with fellow Wildcat fans.
Like many other mascots throughout college football Arizona’s Wilbur Wildcat performs pushups after every Wildcat’s score. However, unlike other mascots Wilbur does his pushes one handed. Cheer Wilbur on as he performs his impressive one-handed pushups.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter Wildcat fans hold up four fingers to signify that it is the start of the fourth quarter. Hold up your fingers to help give the Wildcats the extra boost needed to finish out the game with a victory.
The Guadalajara Grill has been offering a wide variety of the best Mexican food including favorite dishes and innovative fresh dishes that keep our customers coming back.
Whatever your needs, El Charro Café and family are prepared to show you that; "We are not the best because we are the oldest, We are the oldest because WE ARE THE BEST!"
Watch video
#/media/File:Sentinel_Peak_(Arizona).jpg){kind=link}
