In the weeks leading up to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl – which is set for Saturday, December 31 at State Farm Stadium and will serve as the first-ever a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal 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 with our friend Judy Ferreira, Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors and executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association.

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Question: When and why did you begin volunteering for the Fiesta Bowl? Please provide the year and details on why you did so.

Judy Ferreira: Volunteering with the Fiesta Bowl officially began in April 2024, however my involvement and volunteering for Fiesta Bowl events and activities goes back to 2011.  As a parent of fifth and sixth grade students, both who competed on separate teams, I was a parent volunteer who assisted our two Gila County College Prep Academy teams who were taking part in the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge for the first time.  This challenge caused students to think “outside of this world” and lend their knowledge and explore by thinking about future possibilities and life in space.  For my children, they were able to be challenged and learn from the opportunity along with hundreds of other students from across the state to find future solutions in real world settings.  Opportunities and partnerships like this only shows that the Fiesta Bowl has been and continues to be more than just a game!

Question: Tell us about your role this year, and what are your general goals with the position?

Judy Ferreira: As a member of the Board of Directors, I have been part of meetings and events to help promote the Fiesta Sports Foundation and ALL that it is.  Highlights have been showcasing to college coaches and athletic directors our beautiful state, volunteering at the Salvation Army prepping food, granting wishes to amazing teachers in Arizona, supporting high school student-athletes in football and flag football competitions at Friday Night Football Showdowns, and being part of the Legacy Football Clinics at Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community with ASU Receiver Xavior Guillory – all which bring people together to benefit communities around sport, youth and education.  I enjoy the team attitude that fellow board members, Yellow Jackets and staff members generate.  The energy within the Fiesta Bowl Team is spirited!

Question: What has been your favorite Fiesta Bowl game to date as a spectator and why? Be sure to name the year and the teams who played.

Judy Ferreira: My favorite Fiesta Bowl, which at the time was the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game was held December 31, 1997 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ where the #9 ranked Kansas State Wildcats met the #14 Syracuse Orangemen.  Having worked as a student secretary at K-State Football, we were part of the 1989 Wildcat Team that ended the 30-game winless streak with a historic win in Manhattan over North Texas State.  In a stadium filled with K-State Purple, it was great to see the progress made by the program and the 35-18 win in the Fiesta Bowl!

Question: Any memorable moments while working the Fiesta Bowl game itself?

Judy Ferreira: None yet.  I can’t wait to make some this year!

Question: Given it is the holiday season – the time when we all want to give back as much as possible – please share an example of how the Fiesta Bowl helped make spirits merrier and brighter this year?

Judy Ferreira: As a member of the Board, “giving back” to the communities doesn’t happen in a specific season.  The work that the Fiesta Bowl Foundation does to give back is year-round and non-stop.  There is a spirit that makes you want to do a little more and volunteer a little more as you are around people who share the same goal.  Along the way, you realize that there is a gift received when you give and at times, the gift you receive is priceless. Two examples come to mind.  The first was as a member of the Charitable Giving Committee and seeing the amazing organizations and the work that is happening all over Arizona to make lives better.  The second was the privilege of granting wishes and delivering great news to teachers throughout Arizona to do more for their students.  Both examples provide a merrier and brighter day to others.  What a wonderful and rewarding way to give back!