Jan. 1, 2006

The University of Notre Dame football team has completed its preparations for the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, which will kick off at approximately 3:12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, in Sun Devil Stadium. The team held its final practice on Saturday, Dec. 31, with a one-hour long workout at Scottsdale Community College.

Saturday’s workout began in the same fashion as the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, with the team following a pre-game warm up protocol before 30 minutes of offensive and defensive drills. The Irish were also treated to a surprise visit from NFL great Jerry Rice, who served as grand marshal for the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Parade on Dec. 31. Rice spoke to the team for approximately five minutes and reminded the team to leave their mark both on and off the field.

The final pre-game media event was held on Sunday, Jan. 1, with both head coaches holding a press conference at the Marriott Camelback Inn (the media hotel). Before the press conference, Irish head coach Charlie Weis was presented with the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award by the Football Writers Association of America.

Now, the pre-game hype is complete. Please visit www.und.com for complete coverage of the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday, Jan. 2. For subscribers to Fighting Irish All-Access, there will be live audio offered by Notre Dame’s student radio stations, WVFI.

All photos by Mike and Sue Bennett from Lighthouse Imaging.