The Fiesta Sports Foundation, organizer of the annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade, has joined with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) to elevate the experience for Arizona’s high school student-athletes, schools, families, fans and partners through a multi-year partnership.

This is the next step in a strategic alliance between the organizations that began with the introduction of the Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown in 2023, according to a press release, and followed with the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Showdown and the announcement of the inaugural Fiesta Sports Foundation Preseason All-State teams in 2024 to recognize some of the top players in boys tackle and girls flag football.

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of Arizonans through youth, sports and education. This alliance with the AIA underscores our commitment to our student-athletes by supporting the provision of essential life skills and personal development opportunities through athletics,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses, in the announcement. “We are excited to increase our support of girls flag football as the sport continues its remarkable trajectory.”

Associated promotional assets will come within the games themselves, as part of the championship game broadcasts on Arizona’s Family Sports Regional Network, through social media and in the AIA’s weekly radio programming.

“Arizona has become a national leader in opportunities for student-athletes. And we’re very happy to be partnering with the Fiesta Sports Foundation to increase those opportunities,” said AIA Executive Director David Hines in the announcement. “Through our partnership and shared vision, student-athletes will have more chances to be included in game broadcasts, see an increase in scholarship opportunities, and for fans to really be a part of our events. It’s a big deal for us, and for Arizona sports overall, to have a partner in the Fiesta Sports Foundation that is helping the AIA pave the way for athletic success and recognition.”

In addition to the on-the-field elements, the Fiesta Sports Foundation will be the presenting partner of the annual AIA Student-Athlete Leadership Summit each spring. This program includes students from every AIA member high school, such as Fountain Hills High School, to learn and practice leadership skills, through workshops, guest speakers and discussions focused on topics relevant to being high school student-athletes in Arizona.

All state championship teams, and spirit squads, in football are also invited to march in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, with expansion to other sports in future years.