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BYU and the University of Arizona announced on Friday a three-game football series, to begin in 2016 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in suburban Phoenix (Glendale), continuing with games in 2018 (Tucson) and 2020 (Provo).
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In school press release, BYU AD Tom Holmoe called the arrangement "a great regional series and a unique opportunity for our large fan base in Arizona to see us play."
"Arizona has a great football tradition and University of Phoenix Stadium is an incredible NFL venue. I believe the venue and location will attract a lot of our fans in support of the Cougars," Holmoe said.
In an online briefing accompanying the announcement, Holmoe said "our fans will come out in big numbers down there--they'll come from Arizona, they'll come from California, Utah and the surrounding areas. This will be a great opportunity to match up with the Wildcats, and to have a great 'home fan base' in a neutral venue."
Holmoe said the NFL venue in Glendale is "very fan-friendly, with good ticket prices, and great seat availability."
Arizona AD Greg Byrne said he "appreciates BYU's willingness to be involved" with the series.
"These three games will provide the coaches, student-athletes and fans of both Arizona and BYU with a great regional match-up," said Byrne.
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In the online gathering, BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said playing Arizona "is a great game for us."
"The regional nature of the game makes complete sense...we have a ton of church members, a ton of alumni (in Arizona), and we're looking to play the best teams on the biggest stages that we can. It will be an awesome experience for us as well."
Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez cited "a lot of national interest in both programs," adding that he has "a tremendous amount of respect for (Brigham Young) University, and for Bronco--he's a friend of mine. I don't like playing friends, but I think this is going to be a great series for both institutions and for both fan bases."
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Mendenhall noted that BYU has another neutral-field game on tap for 2016, with the Cougars slated to face West Virginia at FedEx Field.
Here are BYU's future contracted opponents, with Arizona now added to the Cougars' schedule:
Arizona (2016, 2018, 2020)
Boise State (long-term annual through 2023)
Central Florida (2014-away)
Cincinnati (2015, 2016)
Connecticut (2014, 2015)
East Carolina (2017, 2018)
Houston (2013, 2014)
Georgia Tech (2013-home)
Idaho State (2013-home)
Michigan (2015-away)
Middle Tennessee (2013, 2014)
Nebraska (2015-away)
Nevada (2013, 2014, 2019)
Notre Dame (five more games through 2020)
Southern Miss (2014, 2015)
Texas (2013, 2014)
UNLV (2014, 2015)
Utah (2013, 2016)
Utah State (2013, 2014, 2015)
Virginia (2013, 2014)
Washington State (2019-away)
West Virginia (2016)
Wisconsin (2013, 2017, 2018)
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Photo/Graphic: Courtesy BYU Athletic Communications
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