TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Athletics and the Big 12 Conference are proud to announce that Tucson will be one of the host sites for the 2025 Big 12 Fall Tour, scheduled for October 2–4. The three-day celebration will spotlight the University of Arizona, its student-athletes, and the Tucson community, while highlighting the partnership between Arizona Athletics, the Big 12, and key sponsors. 

 

The Big 12 Fall Tour will feature a variety of events designed to engage students, alumni, families, and the wider community. Programming will include school and community projects, on-campus leadership opportunities, and fan-focused celebrations leading up to Arizona Football's Big 12 matchup against Oklahoma State at 12 p.m. MST on Saturday, Oct. 4. 

 

Highlights of the Big 12 Fall Tour in Tucson include: 

• School Makeover Reveal: In partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, the Big 12 funded multi-purpose makerspace at a local elementary school in the Tucson Unified School District. Arizona student-athletes, Wilbur and Wilma mascots, and the Arizona spirit squad will join the school community for the unveiling on Thursday, Oct. 2.  

• Reading Incentive Program: Earlier this fall, Arizona Athletics partnered with Mission View Elementary to launch a reading program designed to inspire young readers. Students who completed the challenge earned a complimentary ticket to Arizona Football's home opener against Hawai'i on August 30. More than 300 tickets were distributed to Mission View students, celebrating their dedication and commitment to reading. 

• Allstate Empowerment Luncheon: On Friday, Oct. 3, the University of Arizona campus will host the Allstate Empowerment Luncheon, now in its third year, as part of the Fall Tour. The luncheon provides students and attendees with leadership insights from distinguished panelists, including Desiree Reed-Francois (R. Ken Coit Vice President and Director of Athletics), Dr. Patricia Prelock (University of Arizona Provost and Chief Advancement Officer), Susan Gray (President and CEO, Tucson Electric Power), and Vanecia Kerr (President and CEO, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.) 

• Red-Blue Showcase & Post/Move Concert: On Oct. 3, the annual Red-Blue Showcase signals the "unofficial" start to basketball season in Tucson each year and this year's event promises to be a memorable one. Members of the men's basketball team will participate in a slam dunk contest as well as a 3-point shooting contest alongside members of the women's basketball team, before closing the event with a scrimmage. After that, fans are encouraged to go to Bear Down Field, adjacent to McKale Center, for a concert featuring DJ Diesel – aka Shaquille O'Neal – along with legendary MC Mix Master Mike, Myles O'Neal and Tomm-e (head coach Tommy Lloyd).  

• Community & Campus Engagement: Student-athletes, coaches, and Big 12 representatives will participate in service activities across Tucson, demonstrating the conference's commitment to building stronger communities. 

• Fan Experiences & Heluva Good! Tailgate Tour: Heluva Good!, the Official Dip of the Big 12, will bring its new Tailgate Tour to Tucson, offering product sampling, interactive games, and exclusive merchandise giveaways as part of the Bear Down Bash just outside Arizona Stadium on Bear Down Field starting three hours prior to kickoff. 

• Concert & Tailgate Party: On Saturday, Oct. 4, fans are invited to the Bear Down Bash presented by Coors Light on Bear Down Field. Headlining the event will be Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, delivering a high-energy performance before kickoff. The Bear Down Bash will also feature food trucks, gameday activations, and giveaways from tailgate sponsor Heluva Good Dip and concert sponsor SeatGeek.  

 

"Partnering with the Big 12 on this Fall Tour is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the Tucson community," said Desireé Reed-Francois, R. Ken Coit Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Our community has always rallied around our university, and this weekend will highlight the passion and pride that make Arizona Athletics unique. The energy of our fans is what sets the stage for unforgettable experiences." 

 

The Big 12 Fall Tour in Tucson concludes with the Wildcats' football showdown against Oklahoma State at Arizona Stadium on Saturday evening. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the Bear Down Bash, and bring the full force of the Wildcat spirit to one of the biggest games of the year.