Turkey Legs to Go is FanHouse's complete travel guide for all of the 2008-2009 college bowl games. Here, we cover the Insight Bowl (Tempe, Arizona), which pits Kansas against Minnesota.Overview / Matchup: The Golden Gophers were a tremendous surprise to everyone this year, finishing 7-5. Unfortunately, it was an early season surprise that was the better part, as the Gophs coughed up their last four games of the year, including a season ending 55-0 skunkfest at the hands of Iowa. On the bright side, an easy schedule and a ridiculously weak Big 10 has them bowling. Although they do have to face off against Mark Mangino and the Jayhawks, and that's enough to scare anyone. Much less a gopher.
Hotels: The Arizona Grand Resort is the most luxurious accommodation within easy driving distance of the stadium. Located about 4 miles from the stadium and half a mile from the area's premier shopping mall, you'll find plenty to do in and around the Grand Resort (excellent on-site dining at competitive prices). Although it's usually marketed towards business travelers, the Hilton Phoenix Airport is just three miles from the stadium and has round-the-clock room service. The only downside is some guests complain of noise from airplanes overhead so you should try to book early and get a room on the ground floor. The Fairfield Inn by Marriott is near the Hilton, but offers cheaper rooms (less than US$100 per night) and basic amenities like cable TV and daily maid-service.
Restaurants/Nightlife: Serving Continental American Cuisine in a small house-turned-restaurant, House of Tricks is one of the best kept secrets in Tempe. Rustler's Roost is a western-style restaurant complete with sawdust on the floor and a country-western band. The beef'n'brew restaurant offers great views from the top of South Mountain. Big City BBQ and Grill is a Phoenix-based chain that serves BBQ sandwiches, smoked meats and soul food. The portions are hearty and the price is right, so it's a great place for travelers on a budget.
All travel related information provided by Professional Travel Guide.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-17-2008 @ 12:59PM
Matt Crow said...
Hi! I am the owner of the Arizona Grand Resort. Coming from a long line of Jayhawks (both parents, 2 grandparents, 4 cousins) and having been born at KU Med Center, I would love to see Jayhawks enjoy my property.
Check out the Jayhawk special deal at www.arizonagrandresort.com/kansas . A $139 deal at a real resort. Matt Crow
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12-29-2008 @ 11:40AM
G Seward said...
As a longtime Winter Visitor in Mesa and unable to attend the KU-Minnesota game, please tell me where I can find it on TV???????????????? So disappointed that I cannot find where it will be aired. Thanks
G Seward
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12-31-2008 @ 5:46AM
Unforgivable Wetness said...
Strip Clubs: The Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale area may be one of the best cities in the country if you want to see beautiful women dance for you naked ... but not if you want any sensual contact for one-on-one lap dances. This area is known for its excellent but sometimes overbearing bouncers and security. The customer service in these clubs are noticeably different from what you would normally expect from a strip club, but extras are few and far between, and they will escort you out of the club if you do not behave.
There are only two clubs in the Tempe area proper, the lightly regarded Dream Palace and the well-regarded Christie's Cabaret. Take a trip up to Phoenix, however; if you can battle the traffic, you will have your choice in one of the highest concentrations of boobie bars in any city in the U.S. Recommended, even though you can't go wrong when it comes to gorgeous strippers: the HiLiter Gentlemen's Club during the day, and Bourbon Street Circus at night.
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