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BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT FREEDOM CROSSING December 25, 2022

EL PASO, Texas – As the Tony the Tiger Fan Fiesta presented by El Paso LIVE was cancelled due to the humanitarian efforts that are currently being held in the El Paso Convention Center, the Sun Bowl Association is now hosting the Battle of the Bands and other events from the Fan Fiesta at Freedom Crossing beginning at 4 p.m. (MT) on Thursday, Dec. 29.

The event is free and open to the public and fans can catch a glimpse and even get a picture with Tony the Tiger, the Sun Queen and the Sun Court. The highlight of the event is the Battle of the Bands between the Pitt and UCLA Marching Bands. Both bands will march to Marshall Road and perform outdoors Freedom Crossing at 6 p.m.

“We didn’t want to lose one of the fan favorite events in the Battle of the Bands, so we were able to find an alternative location,” said Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “Once again, this shows how the community of El Paso has bought into the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl and all the events that surrounds it. We cannot be more thankful.”

Fans and patrons attending the Sun Bowl Battle of the Bands event, should enter Fort Bliss through Buffalo Soldier, Cassidy, or Sheridan Gates’ left lanes. Adults must have valid identification.

All non-DoD cardholders (18 & older) must present a current identification card that is REAL ID compliant, per DHS policy. https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Note: Weapons of any kind are prohibited on the installation to include anyone with carry conceal permits.

WHAT: Sun Bowl Battle of the Bands
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022
TIME: 4-7 p.m. (MT)
PLACE: Freedom Crossing (1611 Haan Rd, Fort Bliss, TX 79906)

Media interested in attending should RSVP no later than noon (MT) on Friday, Dec. 29 by calling 915-449-6095. (Media Contact for Fort Bliss: Virginia Reza; Email: virginia.g.reza.civ@army.mil). Be at Buffalo Soldier Gate no later than 3:30 pm, Thursday, Dec. 29, to be escorted to Freedom Crossing.

EVENT SCHEDULE:
• Mariachis – 4 p.m.
• Sun Bowl Sun Court (introduction of Queen, Lady-in-Waiting and Princesses) – 5 p.m.
• Tony the Tiger – 5:15 p.m.
• Pitt and UCLA Mascots – 5:30 p.m.
• Pitt/UCLA cheering squads – 5:30 p.m.
• Pitt and UCLA Battle of the Bands – 6 p.m.

The 89th Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is set for a 12 p.m. (MT) kickoff on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 and will feature Pitt taking on UCLA in Sun Bowl Stadium. Televised on CBS Sports and can be heard on Bowl Season Radio.