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 Lindsey Brist, 2023-24 Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee Rookie of the Year and a senior leader at Western USA for Renew Energy Partners.
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When and why did you begin volunteering for the Fiesta Bowl?
I began my Fiesta Bowl journey as a Yellow Jacket in January of 2023, but I feel like I have been a part of the Fiesta Bowl family for a long time. Boise State is my home team and where I grew up. When I came down to Scottsdale for college, Boise State followed me! Boise State was in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and then back to the 2010 Fiesta Bowl! I was lucky enough to be at those games cheering on the Broncos and see them dominate the field! When I earned my Yellow Jacket with the Fiesta Bowl, it was like coming home to be part of the action once again. I am so fortunate to have this Fiesta Bowl family!
Tell us about your role this year, and what are your general goals with the position?
This year has been a busy year for me. I sit on the Yellow Jacket recruiting committee, and I am also on the leadership team for one of our Vrbo Fiesta Bowl host team hotels. I also sit on the game operations committee in charge of the game officials for the games. Along with those leadership duties, I have helped stage several of our community events like Friday Night Showdown, the PNC Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge presented by Chapman Automotive and the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe. For me, I would love to be Yellow Jacket leadership someday. I know I have the drive and love for the team, the bowl and the game itself. So…stay tuned!
What has been your favorite Fiesta Bowl game to date as a spectator and why?
I think it is the fan favorite…the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. It was Boise State vs. Oklahoma and featured the iconic “Statue of Liberty” play. It’s history for sure and something I will never forget as a proud native of Boise.
Any memorable moments while working the Fiesta Bowl game itself?
Last year was my first year being on the field and overseeing officials and Instant Replay. It was memorable because it was my first time being on the field and there is something electric about being on the field, with the team, in the middle of the action. It was also special to get a front row seat to watch Bo Nix excel, then to see him the next year go onto the NFL. Pretty awesome!
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?
One of the many reasons I love being a part of Fiesta Bowl is because we give back to the community in SO many ways. Whether it is through Wishes for Teachers, tickets for Veterans, Teachers and Kids, or the many nonprofit events that we attend like Helping Hands for Single Moms; we are able to touch so many lives. However, one of my all-time favorite events and times to spread love is the St. Mary’s Food Bank turkey drive. To see the thankfulness, love, and smiles on people’s faces is truly priceless.
Tell us something interesting about you outside of work and your Fiesta Bowl role?
Something interesting about me is that I am a die-hard golfer. I love the sport so much. It also keeps me humble. When I am trying to take some time for myself and decompress, you can usually find me on a golf course.
