In the weeks leading up to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, which will take place on Saturday, December 31 at State Farm Stadium and serve as a College Football Playoff Semifinal Game, AZ Big Media is sitting down with a member of the Fiesta Bowl family every Friday to shine a light on the event itself but also all the ways that the organization drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football Bowl Season.
Today, we sit down to talk Bowl memories and impact with Antone White, a member of the Yellow Jacket Committee since 2011. He is also the 2022 Fiesta Bowl Team Liaison and serves as managing director of Chase, Carson & White LLC.
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AZ Big Media: When did you begin volunteering for the Fiesta Bowl and tell us about what your role as Team Liaison entails?
White: Our role as Team Liaison is to work closely with our guest team on all logistics required to bring a major college program to the Valley of the Sun, this includes players, staff, and associated support. We are the team’s local guides throughout their stay, going so far as to live with the team we are assigned at the guest hotel until after the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl game.
AZ Big Media: What has been your favorite Fiesta Bowl game to date as a spectator and why?
White: As an Ohio State alum, it would have to be the 2002 National Championship game where OSU defeated the Miami Hurricanes, who were the defending National Champions.
AZ Big Media: Any memorable moments while working the Fiesta Bowl game itself?
White: There are plenty of moments over my 12 years as a Yellow Jacket, the one that stands out the most is when Urban Myers was working for ESPN in the booth but was on down on the sideline and didn’t have the proper ID. Our team thought it was best for me to address this; it all went well after I told him I was an OSU alum but needed to see his ID. 😊
AZ Big Media: Let’s talk about some of the impact the Fiesta Bowl makes in the community. Tell us about one of its key programs.
White: I’ve had the pleasure of chairing the Arizona Milk Producers Youth Football Clinic in years past. This non-contact clinic, which took place in October 2022 this year, teaches more than just fundamentals to kids and is led by trained athletes and coaches. The kids spent the day learning, practicing, and going through various drills. It also builds confidence, a strong work ethic and motivation that will help kids succeed on and off the field. Kids ages 5-14 are able to participate.
AZ Big Media: Tell us something interesting about you outside of work and your Fiesta Bowl role?
Years ago, well before my work with the Fiesta Bowl, I had a couple small roles in two feature films and a local commercial.
