SCOTTSDALE, AZ (May 31, 2023) – Kickoff for the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, a highly-anticipated college football postseason contest between the Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences, has been set for Tuesday, December 26, at 7 p.m. MST, at Chase Field. Live game coverage will be available in an exclusive national broadcast window on ESPN through its linear television and digital platforms.
 
The 34^th annual installment of the game returns to downtown Phoenix for the eighth straight season, as a Major League Baseball park transforms to a football field, promising college football fans a unique and thrilling Bowl Season environment and experience for both local and traveling fans. In line with Fiesta Bowl Charities' mission of community outreach and service, following the game, the 70,000-plus square feet of sod used for the game field is donated to a community in need. Over the past seven seasons, the playing surfaces were re-planted in Phoenix, Glendale, Bullhead City, Maryvale, Avondale, Laveen and Fort Mohave.
 
"Hosting the only annual Bowl Season matchup between the Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences is one of the many distinctive aspects of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl," said Guaranteed Rate Bowl Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. "The December 26 game date allows our local fans to enjoy top notch college football after celebrating the holidays, and our out-of-town fans to enjoy the holiday season in Arizona while celebrating postseason college football."
 
The 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl saw Wisconsin Head Coach Luke Fickell victorious in his Badgers' coaching debut as Wisconsin held off a fourth-quarter Oklahoma State comeback for a 24-17 victory. After the Big 12 won six of eight matchups between the two conferences from 2006-13 in the bowl, the Big Ten has claimed wins in each of the last two seasons, after Minnesota was victorious in 2021 over West Virginia.

Guaranteed Rate Bowl hospitality always extends to teams and their travel parties. In 2022, both Wisconsin's and Oklahoma State's fans were treated to their in-stadium traditions while in downtown Phoenix: the Badgers' multi-decade tradition of playing House of Pain's "Jump Around" at the third quarter break was honored and the Cowboys fans' favorite singalong, Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places," was played during a first-half timeout.
 
The Guaranteed Rate Bowl is now accepting fan deposits for this season's game tickets by visiting this link or calling (480) 350-0911.
 
Fast Facts about the Guaranteed Rate Bowl:

• 2023 will be the 34^th annual game in bowl history
• The Guaranteed Rate Bowl is the only bowl game between the Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences
• The Guaranteed Rate Bowl became the first bowl to be regularly played at an MLB ballpark when it was staged in downtown Phoenix in 2000
• An MLB ballpark turns into football field for the game (Watch field transformation)
• 2023 will be the 14^th game played at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix
• The 70,000+ square feet of game turf is donated to a community in need for a playing field
• The Big Ten and Big 12 conferences faced each other eight times from 2006-13 before revival of bowl matchup in 2021
• The Big 12 has won six of the 10 bowl matchups between the conferences
• The Guaranteed Rate Bowl's three-most highly attended games have featured Big Ten vs. Big 12 pairings
• The 2011 matchup between Iowa and Oklahoma was played in front of a bowl-record attendance of 54,247
• The Big 12 Conference has 21 appearances in the game's 33-year history (14-7 record), more than any other conference
• Nine of the 10 schools in the Big 12 have played in the game with seven making multiple appearances
• The Big Ten is third with 13 appearances, going 6-7 all-time in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl
• Seven of the 14 teams in the Big Ten have played in the game, led by Minnesota's four appearances
• Kansas State (Big 12) and Minnesota (Big Ten) are tied with the most appearances with four each
• Notable players to take the field in the game's 33-year history include Larry Fitzgerald, Aaron Rodgers, Le'Veon Bell, Drew Bledsoe and Ron Dayne

 
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.