This year, there is added excitement among college football fans in the Valley as Arizona State will make its playoff debut.

Although the Sun Devils will play in Atlanta, a big week of football begins Thursday locally with the Rate Bowl in downtown Phoenix.

Rutgers and Kansas State will face Chase Field, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note.

The stakes rise in Glendale on New Year’s Eve when the Fiesta Bowl hosts a playoff game between Boise State and Penn State.

Erik Moses of the Fiesta Sports Foundation said no matter which team wins, this will be a historic event.

“The VRBO Fiesta Bowl will be the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal in our expanded 12-team format this year,” he said.

The Rate and Fiesta Bowls attract thousands of people to the Grand Canyon State each year, and Moses said they are responsible for a significant economic boost in Arizona.

“Together with our two bowl games and our parade, we are responsible for over $200 million in positive economic impact to the state of Arizona each year,” he said.

The Fiesta Bowl will be followed by three more quarterfinals on New Year’s Day – including ASU’s showdown in Atlanta against Texas.