Turkey Legs to Go: Fiesta Bowl Travel Guide, Ohio State vs. Texas

Turkey Legs to Go is FanHouse's complete travel guide for all of the 2008-2009 college bowl games. Here, we cover the Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona) which pits Ohio State against Texas.

Overview/Matchup: If you wanted to make the case that no one got more burnt by the BCS in 2008 than Texas, well, I think an entire state of people as well as myself would probably agree with you. Of course, don't go doing anything crazy like telling Ohio State fans that they're only in the BCS (again??) this year because the Big 10 is so down, or because the BCS overvalues them. No, sir. Don't do that. Or at least, if you're going to, wait until Texas shreds them in Glendale before doing so.

Hotels: There's good news and bad news for those in search of luxury accommodation at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The good news is that the Arizona Biltmore Resort is one of the finest hotels in the state, offering a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, two championship golf courses, poolside dining, top-notch service and much more. The bad news... it's almost 30 minutes from the stadium. If you're after proximity and all around value you can't beat the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa. The property is literally adjacent to the stadium and it's so new, our correspondents haven't even been able to write a full review yet. Nevertheless we can tell you the hotel offers a full-service spa, on-site restaurant (Soleil), and a stylish contemporary design. For budget-minded accommodation, head across the street and stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

Restaurants: The other small piece of bad news is about Glendale is... there's not much to do in Glendale. For entertainment and dining out Phoenix is your best bet. If you're willing to make the trek into town here are a few places to keep in mind. For truly fine-dining, head to Christopher's Fermier Brasserie. The French-American restaurant serves top-notch cuisine and features entrees like house-smoked salmon and truffle-cured sirloin. Also, because of Christopher's proximity to the resorts in northeast Phoenix it would be a great stop after a round of golf. Alice Cooper's'town Sports Bar & Grill is a rock-and-baseball themed sports bar that is fun, affordable and features items like the Megadeth meatloaf. If you already broke your budget on the golf course, try 5 & Diner for 1950s atmosphere and 24-hour breakfast.

Nightlife: There's plenty of nightlife in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale, unfortunately Glendale is a little bit lacking. There will be college hangouts near the stadium, but consider this rough guide before you head out for the evening: Tempe is where you should go to hear young bands, Scottsdale offers more sophistication (dress appropriately), and the area around Camelback Road and 24th Street is for hanging out and spending big bucks. Bars and clubs close at 2 am, and smoking is illegal inside any establishment.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-18-2008 @ 5:54PM

dea said...

I am heading out to Phoenix for the Insight and Fiesta bowl I found a great rate of $89.00 @ the Holiday Inn Phoenix Downtown North right next to the Light rail stop (Drops you off @ the block party). I checked on Trip Adviser and found this to be a deal… See you in AZ…..

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/cwshome/DPRD-7M9SZN/PHXOS/website/

12-18-2008 @ 6:39PM

ArizonaDuckFan said...

Don't believe this "theres nothing to do in Glendale" argument. Fine dining and shopping can be had just minutes away from UoP Stadium at WestGate entertainment center that includes numerous restaraunts like; Jimmy Buffett, Yardhouse, Hells Half Acre and others.

If you do decide to make the trek into Phoenix you'll find Downtown sorley lacking in entertainment but Alice Cooperstown is always good as is Jacksons On 3rd just down the street. I suggest LoLo's Chicken & Waffles if your in the mood for a unique downtown Phoenix experience.

For real party people your better off avoiding downtown & glendale and head for Tempe or Old Town Scottsdale. All the California skanks you can look at but right here in the desert!

12-20-2008 @ 11:59AM

mmlts20078 said...

AS AN OHIO STATE FAN, I FEAR WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE BUCKEYES AGAIN THIS BOWL SEASON..

ON PAPER, THEY THINK THEY WILL WIN.

BUT, A REALITY CHECK IS NEEDED IN COLUMBUS!!!

JIM TRESSEL MAY BE ABLE TO BEAT "THAT TEAM UP NORTH" (MICHIGAN), BUT HE CAN'T SEEM TO WIN THE BIG ONE...

1-03-2009 @ 5:44AM

Unforgivable Wetness said...

Strip Clubs: Glendale is in a suburb west of Phoenix, but with the population and congestion on the roads, it might as well be Reno. Only the poor live on the West Side, they say, and the clubs apparently go where the people, and the money, are. There are only two clubs in the city proper: the understaffed, overpriced Pink's Cabaret and the Coyote Cabaret, an ignored afterthought. It's best to brave the traffic and head east into Phoenix, namely the HiLiter Gentlemen's Club during the day, and Bourbon Street Circus at night. Most clubs in the area seem to be hard to get to because they're located in nooks and crannies in the area, so be on the lookout. This being a very corporate city, watch out for the various cameras at intersections. And there is no smoking allowed inside the boobie bars.