Going to the Fiesta? Check here

[WanderingSpectator]

Here's my guide to visiting Arizona. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Fiesta Bowl Game Day: What You Need to Know

With the Nittany Lions earning their way to the quarterfinal in the Fiesta Bowl, the Valley of the Sun will become the “Happy” Valley of the Sun once again. The Lions will make their fi…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

 

[bdgan]

I wonder how many PSU fans will go. Teams historically knew their bowl destination in early December so fans had time to make their plans.

PSU fans didn't know for sure they were playing in the Fiesta bowl until today. Some already went to the BiG title game and others made a special trip to State College today. Now we've got our 3rd extra game with only 10 days notice.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

I wonder how many PSU fans will go. Teams historically knew their bowl destination in early December so fans had time to make their plans.

PSU fans didn't know for sure they were playing in the Fiesta bowl until today. Some already went to the BiG title game and others made a special trip to State College today. Now we've got our 3rd extra game with only 10 days notice.

I made my reservations last week. But I go to Scottsdale several times a year and would have been fine just hiking and being there for NYE. Now the game is a bonus

 

[BiochemPSU]

Let me just say that I really hope for some suite oranges after the fiesta bowl.

 

[Iionscott]

I made my reservations last week. But I go to Scottsdale several times a year and would have been fine just hiking and being there for NYE. Now the game is a bonus

I I did the same, booked last week. Was there when we played Washington, but stayed in Phoenix. This time staying in Scottsdale at an Embassy Suites about a mile from Old Town. You have any recommendations as far as restaurant/bars? Ever been to Sedona?

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I I did the same, booked last week. Was there when we played Washington, but stayed in Phoenix. This time staying in Scottsdale at an Embassy Suites about a mile from Old Town. You have any recommendations as far as restaurant/bars? Ever been to Sedona?

I have plenty of suggestions in the post but Old Town Scottsdale has tons of bars and restaurants. It depends on what you want. Everything from basic to high end. The Scottsdale Waterfront would be a good place to look for options. Let me know what you’re interested and I can narrow it down.

Sedona is spectacular. Just check the weather before you go. It can be cold and snowy.

 

[Iionscott]

I have plenty of suggestions in the post but Old Town Scottsdale has tons of bars and restaurants. It depends on what you want. Everything from basic to high end. The Scottsdale Waterfront would be a good place to look for options. Let me know what you’re interested and I can narrow it down.

Sedona is spectacular. Just check the weather before you go. It can be cold and snowy.

Thank you for the response. What would be your recommendation as far best steakhouse in Scottsdale. Last time was at Mastros , but. Would like to try something unique to Scottsdale and not a national chain. Also, any recommendations for a nice Mexican restaurant?

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Thank you for the response. What would be your recommendation as far best steakhouse in Scottsdale. Last time was at Mastros , but. Would like to try something unique to Scottsdale and not a national chain. Also, any recommendations for a nice Mexican restaurant?

Ya I hit Mastro’s every time just because I like the scene and a buddy is a waiter there 1-2 nights a week and takes good care of us.
the Mission is a good place for SW/mex food. Also a scene though. And if you’re there for dinner it’s incredibly dark inside. Def get the table side prepared guacamole

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Here's my guide to visiting Arizona. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Fiesta Bowl Game Day: What You Need to Know

With the Nittany Lions earning their way to the quarterfinal in the Fiesta Bowl, the Valley of the Sun will become the “Happy” Valley of the Sun once again. The Lions will make their fi…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

Lots of great advice and recs here.
Rusty Spur is tiny just so people know but cool.
I like Citizen’s Public House (chopped salad to start) and Culinary Dropout (chips/dip to start) as well.

 

[Iionscott]

Thank you for the info

 

[WanderingSpectator]

CMark offered up some great input.

Tough to beat Mastro’s (it’s national but was started here) but for an option that will tick off both of your boxes (Steak and Mexican) check out Toca Madera Steakhouse. Fairly new and with a couple of other locations outside of AZ. I haven’t been there yet but friends have and rave about it.

For local, Frasher’s Tavern is an old school Scottsdale staple and has been around forever. STK Steakhouse is along the Scottsdale Waterfront but is also a chain.

I agree on Mission for Mexican too. Solid place and yes, table side Guac is a must.

 

[Bones80]

Thank you for the response. What would be your recommendation as far best steakhouse in Scottsdale. Last time was at Mastros , but. Would like to try something unique to Scottsdale and not a national chain. Also, any recommendations for a nice Mexican restaurant?

I would suggest Monti’s La Cassa Villa in Tempe ( just south of Scottsdale near Arizona State University) Great steaks, Mexican food and their Roman bread is wonderful.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I would suggest Monti’s La Cassa Villa in Tempe ( just south of Scottsdale near Arizona State University) Great steaks, Mexican food and their Roman bread is wonderful.

Long gone.

 

[PSU87]

Let me just say that I really hope for some suite oranges after the fiesta bowl.

I see what you did there

 

[psuro]

I wonder how many PSU fans will go. Teams historically knew their bowl destination in early December so fans had time to make their plans.

PSU fans didn't know for sure they were playing in the Fiesta bowl until today. Some already went to the BiG title game and others made a special trip to State College today. Now we've got our 3rd extra game with only 10 days notice.

I just booked. I went to Big Ten CG on short notice. Did not go to home game because i did not want to sit in the weather. Looking forward to it i may also consider Orange Boel and Atlanta if they get that far.

The game is a 4-6 hour drive from SoCal. Not out of question the alum from Socal (or western US) will make the trip. PSU has a sizable alum base in Cali.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

CMark offered up some great input.

Tough to beat Mastro’s (it’s national but was started here) but for an option that will tick off both of your boxes (Steak and Mexican) check out Toca Madera Steakhouse. Fairly new and with a couple of other locations outside of AZ. I haven’t been there yet but friends have and rave about it.

For local, Frasher’s Tavern is an old school Scottsdale staple and has been around forever. STK Steakhouse is along the Scottsdale Waterfront but is also a chain.

I agree on Mission for Mexican too. Solid place and yes, table side Guac is a must.

STK was the other place I was trying to think of. Nice outdoor seating as well.
Couple other places in the area. I had a great steak at Peppermill. ANd some really good food other than steak. The location (strip mall) and atmosphere is absolutely nothing special, but good food.
I haven't been to Ghost Ranch, but it was recommended to me for SW food.
Little Miss BBQ is good bbq, may be multiple locations, I hit the one near airport.

Looking forward to this trip. Staying right next to stadium a couple nights (Renaissance) and a few nights dt Scottsdale.

I do highly recommend spectator's hiking recs. Camelback is just awesome (Cholla is easier to me, especially if you stop short of the peak, Echo Canyon has some areas that feel like rock climbing), Piestawa I nicknamed the stairclimb, several really great trails in the South Mountains (I usually do Holbert Trail)...
Further away, FlatIron (hard) and Butcher Jones (not hard).

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

What golf courses is everyone playing when you get out there?

 

[Bones80]

I just booked. I went to Big Ten CG on short notice. Did not go to home game because i did not want to sit in the weetger. Looking forward to it i may also consider Orange Boel and Atlanta if they get that far.

The game is a 4-6 hour drive from SoCal. Not out of question the alum from Socal (or western US) will make the trip. PSU has a sizable alum base in Cali.

They also have big alum chapters in Tucson and Phoenix. PS will be represented.

 

[troutrus]

Saw my only Bowl Game there in 2012. Andrew Luck’s Stanford team lost to OSU Cowboys in a barn burner. Nice setup with Westgate right there.
2021 -My Last time in that stadium my youngest grandson was graduating from high school. Can you see him waving in the photo?

 

[WanderingSpectator]

What golf courses is everyone playing when you get out there?

We-Ko-Pa is one of my favorites. Troon North still ranks up there. Many of the resorts (Desert Ridge, Princess, Kierland, Talking Stick, Phoenician, Camelback) have courses. Those are generally “friendly” courses to keep the guests happy. Whirlwind on the Gila River Indian Rez in Chandler has 36 and isn’t surrounded by houses. Papago was redesigned and a great option. So many choices. For the best value deal, Aguila is tough to beat. It’s a municipal course designed by Gary Panks. Solid layout and reasonable rates for this time of year.

 

[Bones80]

Assume BS will be the home team and PS will be in all white roadies? Can anyone confirm?

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I

Assume BS will be the home team and PS will be in all white roadies? Can anyone confirm?

I believe BSU will wear the same uniforms from 2007 when the upset OK in the Fiesta. While tops with orange pants. They are asking their fans to wear orange.
If they wear white tops, we might wear home blues.

 

[psuro]

They also have big alum chapters in Tucson and Phoenix. PS will be represented.

PSU Sombrero Campus.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

I

I believe BSU will wear the same uniforms from 2007 when the upset OK in the Fiesta. While tops with orange pants. They are asking their fans to wear orange.
If they wear white tops, we might wear home blues.

Hoping the cheerleaders wear white tops… and nothing else!

 

[Jackiebrown]

I lived in Zone for a few years after graduating from PSU, plenty of West Coast PSU fans will be at the game.

 

[TheBigUglies]

I wonder how many PSU fans will go. Teams historically knew their bowl destination in early December so fans had time to make their plans.

PSU fans didn't know for sure they were playing in the Fiesta bowl until today. Some already went to the BiG title game and others made a special trip to State College today. Now we've got our 3rd extra game with only 10 days notice.

These are good problems to have. Its been a fun ride and lets keep it going!!

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Head to Sedona…. OpenRange Saloon… you will love it!

 

[Bosco2]

I

I believe BSU will wear the same uniforms from 2007 when the upset OK in the Fiesta. While tops with orange pants. They are asking their fans to wear orange.
If they wear white tops, we might wear home blues.

Who's considered the home team? We're ranked higher. Does that count?

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Who's considered the home team? We're ranked higher. Does that count?

Boise State is the home team I’m guessing because of seeding and not ranking. I’m guessing they opted for the white jerseys for nostalgia purposes.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Updated with the latest tailgate and pregame information and more...

Fiesta Bowl Game Day: What You Need to Know

With the Nittany Lions earning their way to the quarterfinal in the Fiesta Bowl, the Valley of the Sun will become the “Happy” Valley of the Sun once again. The Lions will make their fi…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

 

[PSUFBFAN]

Updated with the latest tailgate and pregame information and more...

Fiesta Bowl Game Day: What You Need to Know

With the Nittany Lions earning their way to the quarterfinal in the Fiesta Bowl, the Valley of the Sun will become the “Happy” Valley of the Sun once again. The Lions will make their fi…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

I just wanted to tell you that you've done a heck of a job with this guide to the Fiesta Bowl. Thanks!!

 

[PSUalum2007]

Has anyone received their seating assignments through NLC yet? I received confirmation, but no seat assignment yet.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Has anyone received their seating assignments through NLC yet? I received confirmation, but no seat assignment yet.

don't expect them until the 29th or 30th

 

[TiogaLion]

If you're looking for a restaurant with a Southwestern flare and great views, check out "Rustler's Roost". Great food that won't break the bank. It's southeast of Phoenix but well worth the drive if you have a car. Make sure to order the rattlesnake.

Rustler's Rooste | Steakhouse & Bar in Phoenix, AZ

Rustler's Rooste mountaintop restaurant serves the finest steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood. Appetizers are different & delicious. Yup, we’ve got rattlesnake!

www.rustlersrooste.com

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I just wanted to tell you that you've done a heck of a job with this guide to the Fiesta Bowl. Thanks!!

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback (good or bad).

 

[PSUJam]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback (good or bad).

Is it too cold to float the Salt River with a cooler? Always a good time there.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Is it too cold to float the Salt River with a cooler? Always a good time there.

Way too cold. Season ends in Sept.

 

[heyholet'sgo]

Anyone have an extra ticket ? Life has beyond hectic lately but ....I live 2 hours away from Fiesta Bowl . Thinking I should at least put some feelers out see what the universe decides on this one .

 

[Nittering Nabob]

I highly recommend Lon's at the Hermosa Inn over in Paradise Valley. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail near the chimneas and then dine inside or al fresco.

Nice write-up @WanderingSpectator

 

[ClarkstonMark]

I highly recommend Lon's at the Hermosa Inn over in Paradise Valley. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail near the chimneas and then dine inside or al fresco.

Nice write-up @WanderingSpectator

definitely dine outside. Love Lon's.
fun fact .... it is so freaking dark where Lon's is located. It is some special area or district where there is little to no artificial light, can't remember what they called it