Rec Sports
36th Annual Rate Bowl Kicks Off on December 26, 2025 in Downtown Phoenix
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (June 5, 2025) – Hosted by the Fiesta Sports Foundation, the 2025 Rate Bowl returns to downtown Phoenix on Friday, December 26, at 2:30 p.m. MST. Televised on ESPN’s linear television and digital platforms, this year’s only Big 12 vs. Big Ten postseason matchup will be broadcast live from Chase Field.
For college football fans who love offense, the Rate Bowl, returning to downtown Phoenix for the 10th consecutive season, has provided its share of fireworks the last two seasons. The 170 combined points between the 2023 and 2024 games are the most of any bowl game during that span.
“Arizona is a staple for college football fans across the country,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. “The Rate Bowl is one of the Bowl Season’s most unique experiences as we transform a Major League Baseball ballpark into a football field. On top of the spectacular climate here in the Valley during the winter holidays, the Rate Bowl has proven to be a special experience, not only for the two teams we host, but their dedicated fan base as well as our college football fans here in Arizona.”
Fans can reserve their seats now for this year’s 36th Annual Rate Bowl by placing a $50 deposit per seat by clicking this link. The Rate Bowl also has a variety of premium seats and experiences available for purchase. Interested fans may inquire at 480-350-0911 or premium@fiestabowl.org.
For general questions regarding this year’s Rate Bowl, please contact the Rate Bowl Ticket Office at 480-350-0911 or tickets@fiestabowl.org.
Fast Facts about the Rate Bowl:
- 2025 will be the 36th annual game in bowl history
- The Rate Bowl is Bowl Season’s only Big 12-Big Ten matchup
- The Rate Bowl became the first bowl to be regularly played at an MLB ballpark when it was staged in downtown Phoenix in 2000
- An MLB ballpark turns into football field for the game (Watch field transformation)
- 2025 will be the 16th game, including 10 consecutive, played at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix
- Since 2015, each year following the game, the 75,000-plus square foot natural grass playing field is donated to an Arizona community in need. The 2024 playing field was donated to Western School of Science and Technology servicing the Maryvale neighborhood. Previous fields were installed at elementary schools, nonprofit organizations and city parks in Phoenix, Avondale, Laveen, Glendale, Bullhead City and Fort Mohave.
- The 170 combined points over the last two Rate Bowls are the most of any Bowl Season game during that span
- The 2023 installment was Bowl Season’s highest-scoring game (85) that season
- The Big Ten and Big 12 conferences faced each other eight times from 2006-13 before revival of bowl matchup in 2021
- The Big 12 has won seven of the 11 bowl matchups between the conferences
- The Rate Bowl’s three-most highly attended games have featured Big Ten vs. Big 12 pairings
- The 2011 matchup between Iowa and Oklahoma was played in front of a bowl-record attendance of 54,247
- The Big 12 Conference has 23 appearances in the game’s 35-year history with the most appearances and victories (16) than any other conference
- The Big Ten is 6-9 all-time in the Rate Bowl in 15 appearances
- Kansas State (Big 12) has appeared in the Rate Bowl a record five times including 2024
- Minnesota (Big Ten) ranks second with four appearances
- Notable players to take the field in the game’s 35-year history include Larry Fitzgerald, Aaron Rodgers, Le’Veon Bell, Drew Bledsoe and Ron Dayne
ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has been a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision to create unforgettable experiences through world-class sporting events, unparalleled hospitality and life-changing community impact. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the Foundation provides charitable resources to support Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through a focus on youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on X/Instagram.
ABOUT RATE
Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: Top 5 Mortgage Lender by Inside Mortgage Finance for 2024; Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose? digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years.
Rec Sports
TWRA Youth Fish Art Contest Now Open

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging youth across the state in grades K-12 to submit their original artwork of any Tennessee native fish for the national Art of Conservation: Fish Art Contest. The contest was created by the nonprofit Wildlife Forever to encourage youth to become connected to the outdoors.
The contest is free to enter, and students can submit one 2D piece and one 3D piece. All participants must enter original artwork of a Tennessee fish in a natural habitat and may not replicate another artist’s work. Photos or videos used as a source material for inspiration of the artwork are allowed. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi are not eligible for this contest.
Additionally, TWRA is adding its own specialty award this year, The Bill Dance Signature Lakes Award – in honor of the legacy of fishing legend Bill Dance and the TWRA’s work to develop premier fishing destinations across the state. To be considered for the award, students should enter artwork of largemouth or smallmouth bass or art featuring bass fishing.
All submissions must be entered through an online entry form. More information regarding rules, submission form, and requirements can be found on the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation website. The last day for submitting artwork is Feb. 28, 2026.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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Rec Sports
Centennial Cougars beat Champlin Park Rebels – The Rink Live
The Centennial Cougars won their game at Centennial Sports Arena against the Champlin Park Rebels on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, ending 7-4.
The Rebels took the lead in the middle of the first period, with a goal from Paul Pazandak. Derek Roehl assisted.
The Cougars tied it up 1-1 with a goal from Nick Carls halfway through the first, assisted by Joey Hemr.
Five goals were scored in the second period, and the Cougars led 4-3 going in to the third period.
The Cougars increased the lead to 5-3, only 43 seconds into the third when Cooper Daikawa netted one, assisted by Keegan Julik.
Kaden Johnson made it 6-3 with a goal three minutes later, assisted by Gavin Cunningham.
Paul Pazandak narrowed the gap to 6-4 with a goal three minutes later, assisted by Gabe Contons and Brody Girard.
Gavin Cunningham also increased the lead to 7-4 with a goal eight minutes later.
The teams will face off once again at Champlin Ice Forum on January 9th.
Coming up:
The Cougars will go up against the Forest Lake Rangers at Centennial Sports Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, while the Rebels will battle Maple Grove on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Maple Grove Community Center.
Read more prep coverage
Scoring:
Minnesota, Centennial Sports Arena
6th December 2025
Champlin Park Rebels at Centennial Cougars
7-4
1st period:
Champlin Park Rebels, 1–0 (9:44) Paul Pazandak
Centennial Cougars, 1–1 (12:20) Nick Carls
2nd period:
1–2 (23:20) Kaden Johnson, 2–2 (23:42) Max Peterson, 3–2 (25:30) Rhys George, 3–3 (30:55) Joey Hemr, 3–4 (32:25) Nick Carls
3rd period:
3–5 (41:43) Cooper Daikawa, 3–6 (44:48) Kaden Johnson, 4–6 (47:13) Paul Pazandak, 4–7 (55:39) Gavin Cunningham
Automated articles produced by United Robots on behalf of The Rink Live.
Rec Sports
Dodge County falls to Proctor/Hermantown in a ranked Class A girls hockey game
KASSON, Minn. (KTTC) – Two top-ten girls hockey teams in Class A squared off at Dodge County Ice Arena.
The No. 2 Dodge County Wildcats fell behind the No. 9 Proctor/Hermantown Mirage 4-0 after the second period.
Each team scored once in the third period as the Mirage finished the upset win, 5-1.
Dodge County returns to action on December 29. The Wildcats will travel to play the Academy of Holy Angels at 5:00 p.m.
Find stories like this and more in our apps.
Copyright 2025 KTTC. All rights reserved.
Rec Sports
A-K Valley athletes of the week: St. Joseph’s Bella Bartolovic, Springdale’s Robby Simmen
By:
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 4:17 PM
Bella Bartolovic
School: St. Joseph
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Bartolovic dropped a season-high 27 points against Leechburg on Tuesday. She then followed that up with 19 against Eden Christian on Thursday to lead St. Joseph to a 2-0 week. The sophomore guard leads the Spartans with six double-figure scoring games and 20.5 points per contest.
St. Joseph is 5-2 (3-0) and will prepare for a meeting with Aquinas Academy (6-0, 2-0) on Monday.
What do you believe is the potential of this team, even with it being a young one?
It is a great start, and we look to continue this streak. I believe this team has a lot of potential this season to make it far, even though we’re young.
What has been working well for you as you’ve taken a scoring leap?
I have a very supportive team and coaching staff, which allows me to play without the worry of making mistakes.
If you maintain your scoring, how will you respond when teams begin to put you at the top of the scouting report?
I will take this as a compliment. I will continue to work on improving my game and trusting my teammates.
What can you say about the contributions the team has gotten from senior Kasey Cienik and junior Jocelyn Spinelli?
Their leadership has been very important because they encourage us all to do our best and boost our confidence.
What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?
Play more basketball
What is the best basketball shoe out right now?
Sabrina’s
What are your plans for the holidays?
To spend time with family and friends
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Jingle Bell Rock.”
You have a matchup against Aquinas Academy on Monday, a rematch of last year’s No. 2 teams in Section 1-A. What will be the keys to staying undefeated in section play against the Crusaders?
The keys to Monday will be staying composed and working as a team.
Robby Simmen
School: Springdale
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Simmen went off for a season-high 39 points to lead Springdale to a Section 1-2A win over California on Tuesday. He then scored 15 in an overtime loss to Bentworth on Friday. Simmen has reached double digits in all six games for the Dynamos (2-4, 1-2) and leads them with 20.5 points a game.
After graduating eight seniors last year, how have you and other underclassmen stepped up and filled in leadership roles?
Many of our current juniors and our senior that have been on the team last year know what it takes to be a leader from experiencing our games and practices. The past seniors and our coaches set a great example for us. We stepped up by continuing to do what makes us better as a team, which is lifting each other up as well as giving everyone the confidence they need on and off the court.
What has been the biggest improvement in your offensive game this season?
In the offseason, I work on all of my skills. I feel I improved most in my speed and strength. It gives me a lot more opportunity to be an all-around threat on offense.
In three out of five games this year, the team has had two double-digit scorers. Liam Dexter has two of those games. How have you seen him grow as a player in your three years together?
Liam has always had the skill to do what he does. We’ve played together on a youth basketball team since third grade. His ability to shoot and play in the paint makes him a difficult player to guard.
What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?
When I’m not playing basketball or in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Who is your favorite music artist, and is it the same person for pregame?
My favorite artists are probably Zach Bryan or Drake. Drake is more for pregame, though.
What are your plans for the holidays?
Go spend time with family.
What Christmas movie is a sneaky contender for the best of all time?
“Home Alone.”
Tags: Springdale, St. Joseph
Rec Sports
Commanders young RBs – The Athletic
The Commanders will have nearly two dozen players hit free agency in March, so these final three games are a lot like preseason games, as glorified tryouts. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a Commanders sixth-round pick in 2023, stuck around with the regime change in ’24 and has really come on this season to become the team’s de facto starter after Austin Ekeler went down with an Achilles injury. He will be a restricted free agent in March, and as Washington tries to revamp the entire roster, his play this evening could carry significant weight in deciding his future here.
Rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt could play heavily into that. Bill has shown flashes of his quickness, speed and vision behind the line of scrimmage, and leads the team in both rushing yards (646) and rushing touchdowns (five) through Week 15. But his development into a complete back, who can block and catch passes out of the backfield, will be key to him becoming more of a featured back.
Rec Sports
TWRA Youth Fish Art Contest Now Open

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging youth across the state in grades K-12 to submit their original artwork of any Tennessee native fish for the national Art of Conservation: Fish Art Contest. The contest was created by the nonprofit Wildlife Forever to encourage youth to become connected to the outdoors.
The contest is free to enter, and students can submit one 2D piece and one 3D piece. All participants must enter original artwork of a Tennessee fish in a natural habitat and may not replicate another artist’s work. Photos or videos used as a source material for inspiration of the artwork are allowed. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi are not eligible for this contest.
Additionally, TWRA is adding its own specialty award this year, The Bill Dance Signature Lakes Award – in honor of the legacy of fishing legend Bill Dance and the TWRA’s work to develop premier fishing destinations across the state. To be considered for the award, students should enter artwork of largemouth or smallmouth bass or art featuring bass fishing.
All submissions must be entered through an online entry form. More information regarding rules, submission form, and requirements can be found on the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation website. The last day for submitting artwork is Feb. 28, 2026.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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