TEMPE, Ariz.  – Bowl season makes for one of college football’s most entertaining times.  

The Cactus Bowl, which has undergone several name changes since its inception in 1989, has produced many exciting games in Arizona. Yet the City of Tempe hasn’t hosted the game since 2015.  

However, Arizona State University, with its primary campus in Tempe, has seen success in the bowl. 

In 2005, the Sun Devils defeated Rutgers 45-40 in the then-called Insight Bowl.  

Former ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter, the MVP of that combined 85-point game, recalled many memories from the victory on Dec. 27, 2005, at Chase Field in Phoenix. 

“I think I've played in four bowl games, three as a starter, and this was my best game and experience,” Carpenter said. “It was a home game for us basically, and playing in a baseball stadium was a unique atmosphere.” 

As Carpenter glamored over ASU’s success in the bowl game, the Fiesta Sports Foundation announced on Wednesday, June 3, that the Cactus Bowl will return to Tempe and be played at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 26. 

Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses said he wanted to restore the rich tradition of college football to the game by moving the Cactus Bowl from its previous site at Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix. 

“A bowl game in a football stadium is the kind of environment that college football fans expect,” Moses said. “With seats right on top of the action, familiar sidelines and the kind of amenities that college football fans enjoy. 

“An atmosphere where fans can come in early, they can tailgate barbecues in parking lots, they can enjoy our pregame entertainment and walk over from Downtown Tempe.” 

In addition to bringing back rich traditions, the City of Tempe offers plenty of reasons why it is an ideal location to host the Cactus Bowl. 

Moses said Downtown Tempe’s college town atmosphere, growth and countless activities offer an appealing destination for visiting fans. 

“They’re (Tempe) well equipped to welcome our guests from out of town that come here for this game, and that will hopefully stay for many days after,” Moses said.  

Alongside the city's growth, Sun Devil football's resurgence over the past two years also looks to bring the community together with the bowl game's announced return to Tempe.

After consecutive 3-9 campaigns, the Sun Devils have won 19 games over the last two years, highlighted by a Big 12 championship and a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2024.

With another season on the horizon, the Sun Devils aim to get back into the postseason, while possibly setting themselves up for a showdown at the Cactus Bowl in their own backyard. 

ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini said he looks forward to the bowl’s impact on the community. 

“The beauty of what we do is we know every week the experience continues to get better and better,” Rossini said. “We like the idea of the Cactus Bowl becoming a part of the Valley’s holiday traditions.”