SAN ANTONIO — The 2023 Valero Alamo Bowl will mark the end of an era as it will host the final matchup of Pac-12 and Big 12 teams before conference realignment shifts the sport's landscape before the next college football season.
Whether you're watching from home or in the stands, here's everything you need to know ahead of this historic game. The 2023 Valero Alamo Bowl will be held at the Alamodome on Thursday, Dec. 28 and is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m.
Who's playing?
Representing the Pac-12 is the Arizona Wildcats, who went 9-3 on the year, finishing third in the conference and No. 14 in the nation. The No. 12-ranked Oklahoma Sooners will be the Big 12 representative after finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record.
This will be Arizona's first bowl game appearance since 2017. Not only will this be the Wildcats' last game as a part of the Pac-12, but the Sooners – playing in their 25th straight bowl game – will also be leaving the Big 12 for the SEC next season.
According to the 2023 College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, a total of 24 players between the two teams are opting out of the bowl game for the transfer portal. Ten of those are players are from Arizona and 14 from Oklahoma, including starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Starting in his place is Jackson Arnold, making his first career start in the Sooners' final game of the season. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said the plan was always for Arnold to take over the team’s offense next season, but Gabriel opted to transfer instead of declaring for the NFL Draft as expected. Gabriel passed for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 266 of 384 passes with just six interceptions.
The 2022 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year at Guyer High School in Denton, Arnold threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns while completing 18 of 24 passes. He faces an Arizona defense that allowed 229.6 yards passing per game, 72nd in the country.
Where can I get tickets?
From single-game tickets to VIP postgame field credentials, the Alamo Bowl offers several different options when it comes to the gameday experience.
You can get single-game tickets for as low as $52 on Ticketmaster.
The Alamo All-Access package, meanwhile, includes:
- Four (4) FREE lower level or club level sideline tickets to the Valero Alamo Bowl
- Four (4) tickets to the Brake Check Pregame Pit Stop (all-inclusive pregame party)
- Four (4) Weaver Touchdown Club Passes (in-stadium club – includes complimentary drink)
- Four (4) VIP Postgame Field Credentials
- Two (2) parking passes to the Valero Alamo Bowl
You can also find tickets for the game on:
- StubHub for as low as $49
- VividSeats for as low as $44
- SeatGeek for as low as $41
How much to park?
Parking passes are available on Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $100 to $135.
Attendees can also utilize the cheaper VIA Park & Ride option, which provides service from the Crossroads station to the Alamodome from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and return service for one hour after the game's conclusion. VIA Park & Ride costs just $1.30 each way.
Can I bring my bag to the Alamodome?
Depends! If you have a hefty bagpack, camera case, large tote bag or large purse, prepare to be turned around at the entrance.
The facility does, however, allow bags smaller than five and a half by eight and a half inches; clears bags smaller than 12 inches by six inches by 12 inches; gallon-sized plastic bags; and medically necessary bags and diaper bags. Click here for a full breakdown.
Other prohibited items include alcohol, balloons, chairs, guns, noisemakers, laser pointers and knives.
How's the weather looking Thursday?
According to the KENS 5 10-Day Forecast, if you're going to the game you can expect a great experience as there is a 0% chance of rain with highs to be in the low-60s and lows in the upper-30s.
How else can I watch?
If you'd rather watch the game from the comfort of your own home, the 2023 Valero Alamo Bowl will be on ESPN with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. CT.