Rent an RV for the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona College football camping

Fiesta Bowl Overview

The Fiesta Bowl is one of college football's most prestigious bowl games, featuring the College Football Playoff semifinals. The 2026 edition takes place on January 8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with the sixth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels facing the tenth-ranked Miami Hurricanes. Expected to draw over 60,000 fans from across the nation, the Fiesta Bowl combines championship-level football with the excitement of playoff competition.

The three to four-day event brings intense playoff atmosphere and creates high demand for accommodations across the Phoenix metropolitan area. With hotels booked months in advance and limited inventory available, an RV provides a comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective way to experience this championship game. The Glendale location puts you minutes from State Farm Stadium while offering access to the greater Phoenix area's attractions and dining options.

Getting to State Farm Stadium

State Farm Stadium is located in Glendale, Arizona, approximately 9 miles west of downtown Phoenix off Loop 101. The venue is easily accessible via major highways (I-10 and Loop 101) and offers dedicated parking for 14,000 vehicles on-site plus an additional 12,000 spaces in surrounding lots. For the Fiesta Bowl, general parking is available via Glendale Avenue or Cardinals Way, while preferred parking can be reserved in advance.

Glendale's location makes it convenient for RV travelers. Most RV parks in the Phoenix area are within 15-30 minutes of State Farm Stadium, providing easy access without the need to break camp. Traffic around the stadium will be heavy on game day, so plan for extended travel times during arrivals and departures. Arriving early to your RV park (24-48 hours before kickoff) ensures smooth settling and allows time for exploring the area.

Where People Stay for the Fiesta Bowl

Attending the Fiesta Bowl requires securing accommodations in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Three primary options are available: hotels, traditional tent camping, and RV travel. Hotels in the greater Phoenix area fill quickly during major events, often with premium pricing and limited availability by fall. Tent camping in the Arizona desert requires specialized equipment for winter outdoor sleeping and offers minimal amenities for a championship event experience.

RV travel offers a balanced middle ground. You get the comfort of a private sleeping space, full bathroom and shower facilities, kitchen access for meals, and heating for cool desert nights - all without the premium pricing of hotels. RV parks in the Glendale and Phoenix area provide full hookups, secure facilities, and often welcome groups gathering for major events. Many parks offer laundry, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that enhance your stay. The flexibility to arrive early and stay after the game makes RV camping the preferred choice for Fiesta Bowl attendees seeking value and comfort.

How People Plan the Fiesta Bowl with an RV

Successful Fiesta Bowl RV trips follow common planning patterns. Most fans arrive 24-48 hours before the January 8 kickoff, allowing time to settle into their campground, explore the area, and prepare for game day. This early arrival also provides opportunities for pre-game tailgating at your RV park and attending any fan fest activities in the Phoenix area.

The championship experience extends beyond the game itself. Many visitors plan multi-day stays to enjoy Phoenix's attractions during off-hours - hiking nearby desert trails, visiting Arizona botanical gardens, exploring Scottsdale's dining and shopping, or relaxing by the pool at their RV park. Some groups coordinate group camping where multiple RVs park near each other, creating a shared tailgating experience. Departures vary, with some fans leaving immediately after the game while others extend their trip through the weekend to fully experience the Arizona desert and avoid post-game traffic congestion.

Practical Tips for the Fiesta Bowl with an RV

Arrive at your RV park well before game day to avoid last-minute stress and traffic congestion. The Phoenix area will experience heavy traffic January 8, so being settled gives you flexibility for parking, stadium access, and exploration. Book your RV park early - Fiesta Bowl weekends fill quickly, sometimes months in advance.

Park positioning matters. Request a site with good proximity to exit roads if you plan to leave immediately after the game, or choose a central location if you want to use your RV as a base for exploring the area. The Arizona desert in January has mild daytime temperatures (65-70 degrees) but cool evenings (40-45 degrees), so ensure your RV heating is in good working order.

Coordinate transportation to the stadium. Many RV parks offer group shuttle services during major events. If not, designate a driver or arrange ride-shares to allow others to enjoy tailgating beverages responsibly. Parking at the stadium is available but can be expensive (often 25-50 dollars per vehicle), so shuttle services represent a significant savings for groups.

Prepare for crowds. Glendale and Phoenix will be packed with visitors. Stock your RV with groceries and water before arriving, as local stores may be depleted. Bring entertainment for downtime - pool access at your campground, games, books, or exploring nearby attractions.

Manage waste and utilities responsibly. Full hookup sites make this easy, but be aware of peak usage times when showers and laundry facilities get busy. Schedule these activities during off-peak hours if possible. Keep your RV generators quiet during quiet hours to be considerate of neighboring campers.