TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Excitement is building in Tucson as teams arrive for this weekend’s Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop. Miami (Ohio) was the first team to fly in, arriving Tuesday at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
The RedHawks, escorted in by police, were greeted at the hotel with a festive atmosphere. A mariachi band played as the team buses rolled in, and employees clad in red Miami shirts welcomed them warmly. This marks the squad’s second consecutive year participating in the event.
“It’s something that is surreal that we weren’t necessarily planning for, but when it came about we were very excited,” April Kosin, a Redhawk parent, told News 4 Tucson.
The Kosins have traded Michigan’s snow for Tucson’s warmth this week to support their son, Brody, a redshirt freshman on the team.
Miami (OH), which finished second in the Mid-American Conference, will face Fresno State from the Mountain West Conference on Saturday. Miami (OH) Coach Chuck Martin is aiming for a second straight Arizona Bowl victory.
“The hotels, the area, the hospitality, how you treat us, the city of Tucson. We have way more people coming this year because everyone that came last year told everyone that didn’t come, ‘You missed it, it was an amazing time.’ Even the game, with the DJ– it just felt different,” Martin said.
The Kosins aren’t sure what is in store for the next few days but come this weekend, they’ll be cheering on their son.
“Have fun, compete, for some this is their last game, for our seniors go out with a bang and for the young kids it’s just an opportunity to compete at higher level and be on TV and be with the team, for some of them for the last time,” Jeff Kosin, Brody’s Dad, said.
Fresno State is set to arrive Wednesday evening at the JW Marriott, preparing to face Miami (Ohio) at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.