Wildcat fans and the city of Tucson better be ready because game day will be here in less than four months. Arizona will take on Grambling State at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 10, which will most certainly feature some high-powered football. In order to maximize your full game day potential, here are some of the biggest tips to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
Purchase your ZonaZoo pass
If you are thinking about attending any sporting event the UA has to offer, this is definitely the way to go.
You can purchase a “Red” ZonaZoo pass for $175 or a “Blue” pass for $135. If you are thinking about attending even one men’s basketball game, the Red pass is for you.
Purchase your 2016-2017 ZonaZoo pass here.
The pass offers access to every single Arizona Athletics sporting event, so you can cross attending different sports off your college bucket list.
Want to see top-25 baseball, softball, gymnastics, women’s golf, men’s basketball, football, volleyball and soccer programs? It’s all possible with a Red pass.
Before the game
Want front row seats to a men’s basketball game against a Pac-12 Conference opponent? You might be waiting a while.
While you are guaranteed a seat if you make a reservation, where you sit is entirely up to you.
Many of the individuals who sit in the front row of the ZonaZoo will wait approximately seven to nine hours outside of McKale Center, depending on the opponent. If you are coming from class and make a mad dash 30 minutes before game time, enjoy sitting up in the high seats.
If you are thinking about attending the football games and want some quality seats, at least one hour should suffice.
Sunscreen & Water
Tucson is hot, like, really hot. Many out-of-state students struggle with not drinking water and keeping on sunscreen. To give you a hint, the average high temperature in September is around 94 degrees.
Lather up with sunscreen, ZonaZoo, or I promise your skin will get burnt in those few rough day games at Arizona Stadium. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Tailgating
Arizona tailgating has a strict policy for first come, first served. If you are lucky enough to have local family members or friends tailgating on the UA Mall, take advantage.
For most students, the ZonaZoo tailgate will definitely be the way to go.
Four hours before game time, students will be able to grab food and dance to music at the end of the Mall near Cherry Avenue.
Wildcat Walk
Being a part of the football team will get you a lot of perks and a bunch of high fives.
Head over to Cherry Avenue two hours before football game time. You know it’s time once you see the flashing sirens and police motor vehicles.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez and the Arizona football team will arrive on campus, escorted by police. Fans and students alike line up to shake hands with the players and wish them luck, alongside the UA Pep Band and cheerleaders.
Stay the entire game
This one is tough to do. It will be hot and you will be exhausted, but you should still stay all four quarters for Arizona football.
Vice President of Arizona Athletics Greg Byrne wants it to happen, Rodriguez wants it to happen, the ZonaZoo wants it to happen, so I would suggest following suit.
Just ask those students from 2014 about “The Hill Mary” against California. Or you could ask students at last year’s Senior Night game against Utah, when the Wildcats defeated the No. 10 Utes in double overtime before ZonaZoo rushed the field.
Take-home point: Stay the entire game.
Follow Matt Wall on Twitter.
