The Fiesta Bowl Organization has announced that the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2021, will be played without fans in attendance at the stadium, other than immediate families of the teams participating in the game.
Based on recommendations from the Arizona Department of Health Services, the local jurisdictions decided not to allow fans at this year’s game in efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“While we are disappointed that the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl will not have fans in the stadium to enjoy Bowl Season this year, we respect the decisions made by the local authorities,” said Mike Nealy, Executive Director of the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
“Our staff was incredibly diligent to put health and safety measures in place that earned the endorsement from the Governor’s Office for policies that aligned with recommendations for reducing COVID-19 transmission risk. Ultimately, we all need to do our part to ensure the health and safety of our community to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fiesta Bowl Organization has worked with the Arizona Governor’s Office, Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, health experts and ASM Global to create updated health and safety plans and protocols. These policies were designed to protect participants, staff, fans, media and vendors, while maintaining an entertaining fan experience. COVID-19 mitigation plans were reviewed and approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
“We have been looking forward to delivering another first-class fan experience for the 50th Anniversary Fiesta Bowl,” said Patrick Barkley, Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board. “We will welcome two fantastic teams to Arizona later this month and showcase our well-known hospitality to them, while putting together a game that millions of fans will watch live on ESPN.”
