In 1973, the first Fiesta Bowl parade was held and since then, the beloved annual event in Phoenix has grown and been enjoyed by many.
This year marks the 51st Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe. The theme for 2017 is “Spirit of Competition” and the parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16th on the traditional two-mile march through Central Phoenix.
For the 2023 Fiesta Bowl Parade, honoring this year’s theme, former Arizona State University and NFL quarterback Jake Plummer and former Moon Valley High School, University of Arizona and NBA standout Richard Jefferson will be honored as grand marshals.
A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Plummer guided one of the greatest Arizona State football teams during his senior season in 1996, leading the Sun Devils to an undefeated regular season, Pac-10 championship and berth in the Rose Bowl. Plummer finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting – the best finish by a Sun Devils player in program history – and concluded his career as Arizona State’s all-time leader in passing yards (8,827), touchdowns (65) and total offense (8,711).
The 2019 Arizona State Hall of Famer got his NFL career started in the state after being selected in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. In his second season, Plummer started all 16 games and led the Cardinals to the franchise’s first postseason victory since 1947.
After six seasons with the Cardinals, Plummer signed with the Denver Broncos where he reached the playoffs three times in four seasons, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game during the 2005 season after besting Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Plummer wrapped up his NFL career with 29,253 yards and 161 passing touchdowns while starting 136 games over 10 seasons.
A Phoenix native who starred at Moon Valley High School and has been an ESPN NBA analyst since 2019, Jefferson enjoyed a 17-year NBA career that included an NBA championship in 2016 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Drafted with the 13th overall pick in the 2001 Draft, Jefferson spent his first seven seasons with the Nets and reached his first two NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
In more than 1,100 regular season games, Jefferson averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists and won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
At Arizona, Jefferson earned All-Final Four recognition during Arizona’s run to the 2001 National Championship game and ultimately averaged 11.2 points per game while starting 77 of 84 games as a Wildcat. Jefferson is a member of the Arizona Ring of Honor and the Pac-12 Hall of Honor.
Plummer and Jefferson will join a combination of more than 3,000 men, women, children and animals in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, featuring various brilliantly colored floats, giant balloons, antique cars, equestrian units, charitable groups, local celebrities, marching bands and more during Arizona’s highest-attended single day event.
When Will The 2023 Fiesta Bowl Parade Be Held
On Saturday, December 16th of 2023, the 51st edition of the Fiesta Bowl parade will occur. The parade will start at 10 a.m.
Is There a Cost to Watch the Fiesta Bowl Parade
Those who wish to watch the Fiesta Bowl Parade can do so from the streets without charge. To ensure a good spot, it is recommended that you arrive early to find a good spot.
To purchase a seat for the Fiesta Bowl Parade, tickets for grandstand seating can be purchased by visiting fiestabowl.org to secure your seat.
The fee for each person to access the grandstands of the Fiesta Bowl Parade is between $15 and $30.
Fiesta Bowl Parade Route
The Fiesta Bowl Parade will be covering a two-mile stretch in downtown Phoenix. The parade procession will commence at Central and Montebello avenues and travel southward to Camelback Road. After that, it will turn eastward to Seventh Street before finally heading south to Minnezona Avenue.
Parking For the Fiesta Bowl Parade
There is no specific parking lot designated for the Fiesta Bowl Parade. All parking will be on the Phoenix streets, along the parade route and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Again, it is recommended that you make your way down to the parade early to locate and secure a parking spot.
Click here for more information about the Fiesta Bowl.
