Fans fuel Fiesta Bowl fever

PHOENIX, Ariz. – 73,719 Bronco and Sooner fans converged their voices to bring the noise level in the University of Phoenix stadium to a deafening roar. The attendance at the game marked the 16th consecutive sell-out in the history of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and there definitely wasn’t a lack of enthusiasm present among the attending fans. Bands played, cheerleaders danced and yelled, but the most apparent means of support came from the blinding displays of Boise State blue and orange and Oklahoma University red and white. The devotion of the fans was apparent even before entering the stadium. Monstrous RVs filled the stadium parking lot and people completely covered in their team’s colors greeted newcomers. Faces were painted, hair was died, pom-poms were shaken and vocal chords were exercised to support the fans’ beloved teams. Some spent hours or days preparing their attire and set-up, and many believe that it aids in their team’s performance. It seemed that an invisible line had been drawn down the middle of the field. One half contained more blue and orange attire than an eye could handle, red and white on the other. "Noise definitely makes a big difference for whoever is on offense at the time. I think the players feed off of how much energy the fans are putting out. The cool thing about this game is that I think it’s the most evenly-divided game I’ve ever seen. As a football fan, it’s kind of cool seeing it split fifty-fifty," said Mark Hulm, a Sooner fan from Phoenix, Ariz. Even at the concession stands and lines to the bathrooms, cheers of "Boise" and "State" echoed throughout the hallways on the Bronco side of the stadium. "It’s amazing. I went to the Liberty Bowl and this is a lot better. You could see it at the tailgate party – orange and blue was everywhere," said Scott Darling, a Bronco fan since the mid-1980s. Many dedicated alumni members filled the stadium – fans who have stuck by their team through thick and thin. The combined efforts of every die-hard fan in the stadium produced an electric air that anyone attending couldn’t help but embrace. As for what it takes to be a true fan, Darling believes, "It takes a lot of perseverance. A strong heart. Belief – belief in what can happen."

Sheree Whiteley

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