New Year's Eve in Scottsdale/Glendale after the game?
Looks like I might be able to drive down at the last minute. Are there going to be any big events near the stadium to ring in the New Year? Any bars or events where there will be a lot of M-folks to celebrate? Or will most people be going in to Phoenix?
Oh, and if anyone has an extra single ticket they don't want to sell to a TCU fan, I could probably use one of those too. :-)
December 26th, 2022 at 8:49 PM ^
I’m curious as well. Right now my plan is to spend NYE in Tucson since I know the Old Pueblo really well.
December 27th, 2022 at 9:39 AM ^
The U-M alumni club in Phoenix is having a party at Bevvy Old Town, 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail in Scottsdale. 400+ fans are expected. The City of Scottsdale will shut down the entire city block for the game. Bevvy will donate part of the proceeds to fund scholarships for Phoenix students that attend U-M. Click on the above link for details.
December 27th, 2022 at 2:32 PM ^
Have you hiked Blackett’s Ridge?
December 26th, 2022 at 8:58 PM ^
I know Talking Stick casino has a NYE party (ticketed event). Its in Scottsdale. The stadium also has a entertainment district right outside of it so I expect a lot of fans to go to the bars there to watch the next CFP game that starts after the Michigan game.
December 26th, 2022 at 11:36 PM ^
The entertainment district by the stadium (Westgate) does have an event with fireworks, I think like 6 bars are doing a thing with single cover that lets you go between them. Downtown PHX usually has several good parties, but it’s been several years since I’ve been into that sort of thing so I’m out of date on which ones are good. Bring a jacket, lots of out of towners don’t realize it will hit the 40s after dark.
December 27th, 2022 at 12:00 PM ^
I just saw a feature on the Phoenix news about the 6 bars event, New Years party which is after the game starting at 7pm. "M Social House" is the home of Michigan fans. You can buy tickets online thru the Westgate site, $50 base cost (plus fees, with Fastpass available at apparently only $65+fees to bypass the lines). They are enforcing the clear stadium bag only protocol. Act now, Early Bird passes are already sold out.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-live-tickets-461234383457
December 27th, 2022 at 12:25 PM ^
While this is a CFP game, it is still being played as part of the Fiesta Bowl. I used to live in central Phoenix near Phoenix College, and the bowl teams that played in the game, typically practiced the week of the game at the school, or at least one competing team did. Nebraska and Oklahoma as I recall, were among bowl teams that practiced there. The field is typically used for small college and major high school playoff contests during the season.
The Fiesta Bowl features a wide variety of events and activities leading up to the game including a parade beforehand in downtown Phoenix. if you intend to stay in the city or environs overnight or through the weekend. The bowl itself features a party that I attended one year at a site near the football stadium.
The Valley of the Sun is extremely spread out and easily accessible by highway. But Glendale is in the opposite direction of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and not as close to Tempe and Arizona State where the bowl game used to be played. So, plan accordingly.
December 27th, 2022 at 8:19 PM ^
Weirdly the parade was like 2 weeks ago, meaning neither of the schools actually participated. Would have been cool to see the marching band.
December 26th, 2022 at 9:34 PM ^
I’m headed to the game from Tucson and have zero experience with either the traffic or parking situation. Do any of you have any advice you care to share?
Me and my buddy will be showing up 2-3 hours before kickoff and will looking for a friendly tailgate, too. I’m sure we can find a parking space somewhere, pop the trunk, and drink some sad two-hearted ales, but this game deserves more effort on my part.
December 26th, 2022 at 10:48 PM ^
There’s a free admission tailgate in the “green” parking lot. I believe they’ll have food and drinks for purchase. Starts at 10 am.
December 26th, 2022 at 11:34 PM ^
Most of the official stadium lots require prepaid tickets I think, I don’t know if they let you in day-of without a ticket. Tailgating is allowed in the stadium lots. You can park at Westgate nearby (outdoor shopping / bar area a short walk from stadium) for $25 starting at 10 am, but no tailgating is allowed there.
December 26th, 2022 at 9:41 PM ^
Wow, that’s a long drive from the Bay Area. I’m in the East Bay
December 26th, 2022 at 10:45 PM ^
I thought the same thing. From AA that's the same as saying I'll make the drive down to a game in Macon, GA.
December 26th, 2022 at 10:48 PM ^
Only 12 hours. I'll do most of it on Friday.
December 27th, 2022 at 12:37 AM ^
Let me tell you about this invention by some brothers with the last name Wright....
December 27th, 2022 at 1:10 AM ^
Not sure if you’ve been paying attention but the performance of the airlines has been pretty crap this holiday season so far. Car is slow, but probably more reliable
December 27th, 2022 at 2:22 AM ^
I've got a convertible and like doing roadtrips through the mountains. But the way down is going to be boring on the highways. I can take my time on the way back.
December 26th, 2022 at 10:34 PM ^
I'll also be looking for a pre-game tailgate and a bar to watch the other semi-final at after the game - hopefully both with Michigan people. If we here on this board pick one, we could probably create some critical mass, especially for after our game
Edit: from a quick good search Majerle's Sports Grill or Crown Public House look like options for sports bars in Phoenix
December 26th, 2022 at 11:31 PM ^
Both of the bars you listed are in downtown Phoenix, which is nowhere near the stadium unfortunately. The Crown is a cool place to check out on another day though.
December 27th, 2022 at 11:09 AM ^
Yea, I'm staying in Phoenix and I figured other people probably were as well, so it seemed fitting for after the game. Good point though, people could be staying anywhere.
Are there bars right near the stadium that you'd expect people to congregate at before/after our game to watch the next game? In Miami last year there was nothing around the stadium, but I know some NFL stadiums, like in Philly and Pittsburgh, have some bars right nearby.
December 27th, 2022 at 11:34 AM ^
Ah, I thought you were talking about pregaming. There is a large shopping / restaurant area called Westgate that is a short walk from the stadium with probably a dozen different bars and restaurants. I imagine there will be a ton of pre- and post-gaming there, including the “official” alumni association sponsored tailgate at Dave and Busters. Mostly chains, but they should have a good crowd .
Outside of that the area is kind of in the sticks, so yeah if you don’t mind missing the first half of the other semifinal you’ll find better spots downtown.
December 27th, 2022 at 12:13 PM ^
There is a good upscale Mexican restaurant with a nice bar area across from Majerle's downtown, called Blanco Cocina. This area is not near the football stadium (but is right by the Chase Field and Footprint Center), so an option for another time.
December 26th, 2022 at 11:35 PM ^
Is a victory cigar allowed at a hookah lounge?
December 26th, 2022 at 11:39 PM ^
There is a cigar bar in Westgate (Fine Ash) a 5 minute walk from the stadium.
December 27th, 2022 at 1:00 AM ^
If you're still looking for an extra single ticket, a friend of mine had to drop out so I have one I was just going to re-list. Would be happier selling it to a Michigan fan (and not paying Seatgeek exorbitant fees). Email at [email protected] if you're still looking!
December 27th, 2022 at 2:26 AM ^
Thanks, email sent.
December 27th, 2022 at 1:52 AM ^
Need a hotel too? What about meals too?
Anything else?
December 27th, 2022 at 2:35 PM ^
Driving? You are looking very clever given the SW airlines problems right now.
December 27th, 2022 at 5:51 PM ^
If you are still looking I have a single in Section 118, row 17, seat....we paid $468 with fees face value. Email me at [email protected] if interested.
December 28th, 2022 at 5:54 PM ^
We're likely going to get a table at a club for NYE celebration - anyone here up to join? would be more affordable if we could get a crew