This year’s Fiesta Bowl Block Party is all about new traditions, new additions, and celebrating the New Year.
This year marks the 27th Annual Fiesta Bowl Block Party, Arizona’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. Attendees can expect to see headlining band Jimmy Eat World and opening band The Maine take the main stage, university bands marching through downtown, nonstop entertainment, the two fireworks displays kicking off 2011 and much more.
More than 100,000 locals and visiting college football fanatics annually attend the Fiesta Bowl Block Party, a family friendly event.
Because the Block Party had to relocate last year to the Mill Avenue District between Rio Salado and University, Rich Ripley, Fiesta Bowl Block Party’s event coordinator, said the relocation hasn’t and won’t hinder the success of the Block Party.
In fact, the relocation of the event has allowed them to put entertainment on every corner in downtown Tempe, and the light rail provides easy access to the Block Party.
So what was the real challenge this year, according to Ripley?
“Our challenge every year is how to keep the event fresh for the people that attend,” Ripley said. “Some of the new things this year are a stage for Scandelesque, an outdoor sports club, [and] the video dance display. We also keep old favorites that people love like Dueling Pianos and the Craig Davis Magic Show.”
The multimedia displays are a new addition to the Block Party this year. They will add a sound and light experience never seen before.
“We have basically taken a dance club and put it into the middle of an intersection,” Ripley said. “We have had [it] at the Block Party for 7 or 8 years. We decided to move it to the Center of the Party and make it fun for everyone who attends.”
As for a new tradition added to the event, it started last year – the confetti blast at midnight.
“Our midnight tradition now is our confetti blast with the fireworks in the sky,” Ripley said. “People love it and we have made it a tradition. It is quite amazing to be in the middle of that.”
27th Annual Fiesta Bowl Block Party:
December 31, 2010
5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Please visit Fiesta Bowl Block Party’s website for more information.
