PHOENIX (AZFamily) – As many prepare for highly anticipated bowl games across the country, thousands of Arizonans will flock to downtown Phoenix for the annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl parade!

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday as hundreds of floats and performers march through the streets. Get there early as spots fill up quickly! The parade begins at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue and winds through two miles of the central Phoenix area. Tap here to view the parade’s full route map.

“It’s a great tradition. “You know, this is a display of Arizona pride and we’re happy that people come out every year to show their pride and enjoy this during the holidays,” said Erik Moses of the Fiesta Sports Foundation.

This year’s theme is titled “A New Era” and represents a better fan experience, complete with brand new cars! Good Morning Arizona got a sneak peek at what fans can expect in terms of new floats this weekend.

Two floats had a Wild Wild West theme and one even had two horse heads with cowboy hats on the front! In another image, giant skeletons holding maracas and wearing sombreros sat on an ofrenda – a tribute to Día de Los Muertos.

Volunteers were also busy decorating giant football helmets! There’s even a float for all 2024 graduates, featuring a graduation cap atop giant math and science books.

Don’t forget to look out for the black and yellow Lerner & Rowe wagon!

Additionally, an Arizona legend will serve as grand marshal for this year’s parade. Anthony Robles, NCAA wrestling champion and Arizona State University graduate, will be added to the grand marshal list.

“Excellent wrestler from Arizona State University and just an inspiration to so many people. “So we’re happy to be able to give him, as they say, his flowers while he’s here in the valley,” Moses said.

No. 3 Boise State and No. 6 Penn State meet on the gridiron on New Year’s Eve at State Farm Stadium. Kick-off is for 5:30 p.m. Tickets for fans are still available.

Do you see a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a recent news story? Send it to us here with a short description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.