Bronco, Sooner fans enjoy Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Approximately 400,000 Fiesta Bowl enthusiasts and local residents lined the streets of central Phoenix to relax and take in the magnificence of the Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade.

The sounds of many marching bands, including the finalists in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Fiesta Bowl National Band Championships and the bands from Boise State University and the University of Oklahoma echoed down the asphalt.

Acclaimed as one of the top six parades in the nation by “USA Today,” the event featured more than 80 performing groups from across the country, gigantic helium balloons and unique floats.

Marching bands and cheerleaders from both Oklahoma and Boise State rallied for fans that have made the journey to come watch their favorite team as they go head to head in the bowl game Jan. 1.

Football fans erupted when the floats of the teams set to play in the Fiesta Bowl passed by. Chants of “Boise” and “State” echoed as the gigantic BSU helmet floated down the street, pulled by a small tractor. “Oklahoma, we want to hear you!” flowed from the mouths of Sooner fans once they caught a glimpse of the shimmering OU helmet float.

Bob and Jane Lindsay, of Boise, ID, arrived about two hours prior the beginning of the parade. The couple has followed BSU for many years – including on the team’s trips to Hawaii and the Liberty Bowl in Kentucky two years ago.

“We consider this an awesome opportunity and hopefully not once in a lifetime,” Bob Lindsay said. The entire Lindsay family (with the exception of Bob) is currently attending or have attended BSU. Jane holds a master’s degree in business administration from the university, their son recently graduated and is attending medical school in Arizona and their daughter is completing graduate school at BSU.

Many Oklahoma fans made the journey to the parade as well. John and Barbara Herdt traveled from Lincoln, Okla., to watch the game and cheer on their favorite team. They don’t doubt the abilities of BSU, despite their diehard enthusiasm for OU.

“It’ll be close. They [Boise State] can’t go that long undefeated and not be good,” John Herdt said.

BY SHEREE’ WHITELEY AND JESSICA CHRISTENSEN

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