TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The excitement for this year’s Arizona Bowl was palpable in downtown Tucson Friday night as fans of Fresno State and Miami (Ohio) came together for a dual pep rally.
Marching bands, cheer teams, and mascots energized the crowd, creating a vibrant scene filled with school spirit. Fans, including parents from both teams gathered, turning the downtown area into a colorful mix of red and blue.
Michael Beasley, the father of Miami (Ohio) redshirt freshman defensive back Koy Beasley, shared his son’s experience leading up to the bowl.
“It’s been great, he’s been having a lot of fun with his team. We haven’t seen him yet, we’ve just talked to him on the phone, so he’s been having a great time, just excited for the opportunity,” Beasley, a former college football at Marshall University, told News 4 Tucson.
Brian Brown, father of Fresno State senior slot receiver Jordan Brown, expressed his pride in his son’s journey as it comes to a close Saturday.
“On the ride with him, and enjoying all of the things that he’s had to go through over the years. It’s been a long time so being that it’s about to be over, we’re just excited to be here for him,” Brown said.
Miami (OH) is seeking back to back wins in the Arizona Bowl after finishing second in the Mid-American Conference this year, while Fresno State and first-year head coach Matt Entz are in search of a ninth win.
These teams, and potentially players Brown and Beasley, will face off on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. as the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop takes center stage.