Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Fiesta Sports Foundation — organizer of the annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade — is joining with the Arizona Interscholastic Association in an effort to elevate the experience for Arizona’s high school student-athletes.
Fiesta Sports Foundation officials tell the Digital Free Press this is the next step in a strategic alliance between the organizations that began with the introduction of the Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown in 2023, and followed with the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Showdown.
Also, officials there point out the announcement of the inaugural Fiesta Sports Foundation Preseason All-State teams in 2024 as another step toward solidifying the multiyear agreement now struck between nonprofit, youth sport entities.
“Our mission is to enhance the lives of Arizonans through youth, sports and education. This alliance with the AIA underscores our commitment to our student-athletes by supporting the provision of essential life skills and personal development opportunities through athletics,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses.
“We are excited to increase our support of girls flag football as the sport continues its remarkable trajectory.”
The Fiesta Bowl is now the presenting partner of the AIA Flag Football Championship, which hosted the playoff semifinal round for the 6A, 5A and 4A classifications with the championship games this past Saturday, Nov. 23.
“Arizona has become a national leader in opportunities for student-athletes. And we’re very happy to be partnering with the Fiesta Sports Foundation to increase those opportunities,” said AIA Executive Director David Hines.
“Through our partnership and shared vision, student-athletes will have more chances to be included in game broadcasts, see an increase in scholarship opportunities, and for fans to really be a part of our events.
It’s a big deal for us, and for Arizona sports overall, to have a partner in the Fiesta Sports Foundation that is helping the AIA pave the way for athletic success and recognition.”
