Being an Arizona Wildcat fan is one of the greatest things in the world to be, and as one myself, there are traditions you must be a part of, that’s why I list out my Top Five!
Bear Down! That is the motto that every Wildcat fan and athlete of Arizona Athletics goes by in real life and during competition. But ‘Bearing Down’ means so much more when it comes to being a Wildcat fan.
Whether it’s going to cheer on your Wildcats at McKale Center, or visiting the Hall of Champions in the McKale Center, to eating at a favorite spot on campus before Game Day, there is so much to do when exploring the University of Arizona Campus!
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Being a native of Tucson and Wildcat fan for my entire life, trust me when I tell you there is so much to do and enjoy around the campus area. Some of these things on this bucket list you may have done or you may have not done, but they are these must be done regardless.
Once, twice, three times, it doesn’t matter how many times you experience them. What matters is that when the opportunity presents itself, I encourage you to Bear Down and check them out!
With the amount traditions or activities to take part in as a Wildcat, it’s hard not to include them all on this list. However, I have narrowed down this list to what I believe is true “bucket list” worthy.
Some you may agree with and some may not. If you don’t agree, I’m okay with that. These are all good problems to have. It could be a lot worse. We could be an ASU fan!
And without further a due, let’s get this party started, starting in chronological order with No.5.
No. 5 – Must visit food spots
Getting your grub on! There is nothing better than having some good quality food before, during or after a Wildcat game. On the University of Arizona campus, there are many places to choose from. From pizza to wings and of course beer (and everything in between) they have it all. Inside the stadiums as well, there are your go-to stadium food staples that can’t be passed up either.
Gentle Ben’s, Frog and Firkin, and No Anchovies are just a few we recommend you check out. Not only do they have good food, but the atmosphere is inviting as well. Plus, televisions are located inside and outside so you won’t miss any Wildcat action. Taking into account the growing number of Wildcat fans, Frog N Firkin and No Anchovies recently expanded their locations, adding more space for you and your friends to enjoy themselves.
For those attending the games, whether at Arizona Stadium, McKale Center or any other Wildcat sporting event, don’t forget to get yourself some stadium food, such as nachos or hot dogs. This upcoming season, football fans may even see some new food options to try. Eegees is baaaacckkkk!!! Plus Arizona Athletics is bringing in Brushfire BBQ and more.
A Tucson staple is coming back to Arizona Stadium.
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) August 13, 2018
Eegee’s headlines a group of new food vendors being made available this fall #BearDown https://t.co/PBEH9HnE9k
Finally, fans will even be able to indulge in a beer this year at football games and hopefully soon inside McKale Center.
Taste testing for new concession stand options at Arizona Stadium for @ArizonaFBall ✅
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) June 7, 2018
Thank you to Chef Omo and his team for helping us upgrade the Arizona game day experience! #BearDown pic.twitter.com/GmNXN3Dxz3
No.4 – Explore the UA Mall
One of the great features of the University of Arizona campus is the UA Mall. Over the years it has gone through a transformation and in its present state, it offers many things to do. From visiting the USS Arizona Memorial to Old Main or just playing on the grassy fields it’s another must do as a Wildcat fan.
The USS Arizona Memorial is a dedication to those 1,177 who gave their life aboard the ship in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Being a Wildcat is just not about supporting your team, but also remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their lives to give us the luxuries and freedoms we take for granted each day. So next time you have some free time, spend some time visiting this memorial.
Visiting the Old Main is another must do! It was the original University building that was constructed in 1891 and remains as one the most iconic elements on campus. Right in front of the building is a water fountain that a nice place to relax, take a picture or hang out with some friends.
On College Game Day’s, the beautiful scenery on the Mall changes to accommodate thousands of football hungry fans tailgating just before the Arizona Football team kicks-off! It’s a great experience and one of the better atmospheres in the Pac-12.
Arizona fans know how to party, and the UofA Mall is where that’s at!
No. 3 – Visit the Hall of Champions in McKale Center and Lute Olson Statue
Over the last 100 years, there have been many memorable moments in Wildcat history that should not be forgotten. The Jim Click Hall of Champions, constructed in 2003, is where all those moments can be relived and remembered. Championships, individual and team achievements, history of all Wildcat sports are just some of the things you can except to see when visiting.
Right outside the Hall of Champions, a newly erected Lute Olson Statue can be seen, honoring the Hall of Fame coach! On April 12, 2018, the statue was revealed and former players and coaches came out to pay their respect. Olson is one of the greatest coaches in college basketball and is the reason the Arizona basketball program has become a powerhouse. Luuuuuuuuuuuuute!
Whether you’re attending a Wildcat basketball game or looking for something to do, I would highly recommend visiting these two places. They will remind you why being a Wildcat fan is such a special thing. And who knows, you may learn a thing or two that you didn’t know before.
No. 2 – Take part in Arizona Wildcat traditions
We have covered this before with Zona Zealots, but figured this would be a good time to remind Wildcat fans of the traditions to take part in. These make each universities across the nation different and Arizona has many of their own to take part in: touching the John ‘Button’ Salmon statue outside the Arizona Stadium, taking part in the Wildcat walk and in-game traditions.
The John “Button” Salmon statue, honoring the man and origin of ‘Bear Down’, was previously outside McKale Center before being moved outside the football stadium in 2013. As a tradition, players will touch the statue as part of the ‘Wildcat Walk’ to honor the legend and the ‘Bear Down’ mantra that carries on today. Have some free time before a game and need to channel some of that ‘Bear Down’ energy, swing on by and touch the statue!
One of the newer traditions, the Wildcat Walk, started in 2010, and gives Wildcat fans a chance to welcome their football team as they walk along Cherry Avenue and head into the stadium prior to the start of the game. Mascots, marching bands, fans wearing their red and blue, this is the place to be on Game Day!
Looking for other traditions, look no further. There are plenty of traditions to take part in during the actual games, and at basketball games is perhaps the best. Fans in attendance will stand until the other team makes their first basket or jingle those keys during the kick-off at the football game just to name a few. Most importantly, the number one tradition is to wear Arizona red and blue at all times!
No. 1 – Go to an Arizona vs. ASU game
As one of the most heated rivalries in college athletics, going to Arizona vs. ASU game is an absolute must! It doesn’t matter which sport, these games bring out the best in both teams and fans. I have had the luxury of being part of these game of these in-person and there is nothing like it! It’s hard to explain, you just have to go and check it out for yourself.
Over the years there have been some memorable meetings in all sports, most recently happening with the basketball team beating then time No.3 and unbeaten Arizona State on the day before New Year’s Eve at home 84-78. Nothing better than ending the year on a high note!
Going to one of these games, whether it’s home or away, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth and then some. Not able to make one of these games? No worries, cheering on the Wildcats at home or at a bar, you can experience the same type of feelings and emotions as if you were there in person.
There you have it! These are the Top Five things I recommend you do as a Wildcat fan. Lets us know your thoughts and if we are missing any anything or any other suggestions you may have. As always, no matter where you might be or what you may be doing, there is always one thing you must do, and that is, BEAR DOWN!