San Francisco, Kraft Bowl an ideal fit for the Sun Devils

The Sun Devils will wrap up the 2012 season with their second consecutive bowl appearance as the team prepares to take on the Navy Midshipmen at the third Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, Dec. 29. The game will mark the first-ever meeting between Arizona State and Navy.

The Midshipmen (8-4) finished their regular season in similar fashion to ASU by defeating their rival, Army, on Dec. 8 in Philadelphia.

"As a Bowl Director you are always looking for someone on the upswing or coming off a big win or finished the season strong," Executive Director of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Gary Cavalli said. "We feel really good about having two teams who won their rivalry games, finished on such a high note and everybody is really excited about the way the seasons ended."

As part of the bowl experience, the Sun Devils will participate in several local activities during their stay, starting with a trip to Glide Memorial Kitchen on Christmas Day to serve a holiday meal to needy families.

"Part of our mission at the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl is to help the hungry families in the Bay Area," Cavalli said. "For every ticket sold to the game we donate three meals to three different hunger relief organizations so if you are a fan contemplating coming to our game, you know if you buy a ticket to the game you are helping feed three families in San Francisco."

With northern California housing one of the largest ASU alumni bases, San Francisco offers an ideal location for Sun Devil fans to interact with fellow supporters while enjoying all the sights and sounds of the City by the Bay. Ticket sales have gone well thus far but good seats remain available and can be purchased here. If you are unable to attend the game, you can also donate tickets to military families.

The game will take place at arguably one the nation's premiere sports venues in AT&T Park – home of the 2012 MLB World Series Champion San Francisco Giants.

"We kind of pioneered playing a bowl game in a baseball venue and I think we have done it pretty well," Cavalli added. "We put the temporary bleachers that seat 4,000 people out in the right center field area so it closes the field in very nicely. It has really proven to be a nice intimate venue for football."

Cushioned on the water's edge, with its extensive views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco Bay, AT&T Park provides an incredible setting for football fans to take in a game.

"While you are sitting there watching football you are also getting the opportunity to experience some really great views of San Francisco," Cavalli said. "We have received compliments from fans because they like being so close to the action. It's a very special place and you can't beat the setting of downtown San Francisco."

Bowl officials feel strongly that the teams participating should also get the opportunity to experience their city, which is why both teams stay in Union Square. Not only is it a prime location, but it offers an abundance of sights and activities all within a short distance from one another.

The Sun Devils, along with the Navy squad, will participate in Thursday's trip to Alcatraz, as well as other team dinners and activities throughout the city.

Numerous other events are scheduled for the public to enjoy leading up to kickoff, including the official Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Pep Rally Friday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. The rally will be held at Union Square and is free of charge. The rally offers fans of all ages a chance to listen to head coach Todd Graham and select Sun Devil student-athletes speak, as well as a witness a battle of the bands between both schools. Sun Devil fans are encouraged to wear gold and show your support.

At the conclusion of the pep rally, fans can head across the street to the Kickoff Luncheon at noon at the Westin St. Francis. A limited number of tickets are still available to the public. Click here for more information, and here to purchase tickets.

For additional things to do in San Francisco, visit the official Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl website.