Football Field Donation Marks Fiesta Sports Foundation’s 10th Across State of Arizona
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (April 15, 2025) – The 75,000+ square foot playing field from the 2024 Rate Bowl – a thrilling 44-41 Kansas State come-from-behind victory over Rutgers – officially has a new home at Western School of Science and Technology. The Fiesta Sports Foundation, in partnership with BHHS Legacy Foundation and Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority (AZSTA), donated the turf to the Phoenix public charter school servicing the Maryvale neighborhood.
For the last 10 years, a natural grass playing surface has been installed in Chase Field for the Rate Bowl and after the game is later transported to a community around the state in need of a new and improved play space. Western School of Science and Technology is the 10th field donation, with previous fields installed at elementary schools, nonprofit organizations and city parks in Phoenix, Avondale, Laveen, Glendale, Bullhead City and Fort Mohave.
“As an organization that consistently invests in communities across the State of Arizona, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is proud to pay it forward and provide a much-needed new field at Western School of Science and Technology,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. “The uniqueness of the Rate Bowl continues as the field used by some of college football’s biggest programs and best players will now offer a safe play space that positively impacts young people through physical fitness and personal development. It was heart-warming to see the students smiling and playing on their new field. This would not be possible without our great partners at BHHS Legacy Foundation, AZSTA, the Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences.”
The day after Kansas State’s victory on December 26, the playing field was transported to the school and was subsequently installed on January 3. Of the 10 total football field donations by Fiesta Sports Foundation, this marks the first at an Arizona high school.
“BHHS Legacy Foundation is proud to be a community funding partner in providing the new Western School of Science and Technology football field, a safe place that they can now call their home field, which will be used and enjoyed by students for years to come. This important community project represents the fifth time that the Foundation has had the opportunity of serving as a funding partner with the Fiesta Sports Foundation in the effective utilization of the Rate Bowl football field sod. The Legacy Foundation Board and staff are grateful for this unique project opportunity which will support the students at Western School of Science and Technology,” said Gerald Wissink, CEO of BHHS Legacy Foundation.
In addition to the Rate Bowl natural grass field, Fiesta Sports Foundation also installed a multi-sport court for the school. The 4,000 square foot sport court, Fiesta Sports Foundation’s third such project following sport courts at Boys & Girls Club of the Colorado River in Fort Mohave and O’Neil Park in Glendale, completes the Fiesta Sports Foundation Sports Complex at Western School of Science & Technology.
The sports complex also includes the installation of a new solar scoreboard and bleachers. Western School of Science and Technology’s previous football field did not include a scoreboard nor spectator seating.
This event is historic for Western! We are so incredibly grateful to Fiesta Sports Foundation for this athletic field and sport court,” said Western School of Science and Technology Principal Valeria Escobedo. “This gift will support our students by encouraging them to prioritize physical movement, competition and teamwork. The lasting impact for our students and Maryvale community is extra special since it’s rooted in this organization’s mission of delivering positive impact to youth and communities across Arizona. We are excited to see new stories come to life on these vibrant, new facilities. I’m excited for our students to see this space become part of their journey at WSST.”
After the program and official ribbon cutting, Fiesta Sports Foundation hosted a football clinic with coaching by members of Western School of Science and Technology’s high school boys football and girls flag football teams. Clinic participants included 75 children from Pioneer Preparatory School and middle school students from Western School of Science and Technology.
“AZSTA is pleased to partner with Fiesta Sports Foundation to install a football field, scoreboard and sport court equipment at Western School of Science and Technology, enhancing the athletic and extra-curricular experience for students,” said AZSTA Board Chair Kim Sabow. “AZSTA is proud to support deserving Maricopa County organizations and deliver on the promise made to voters who approved Proposition 302.”
ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has been a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision to create unforgettable experiences through world-class sporting events, unparalleled hospitality and life-changing community impact. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the Foundation provides charitable resources to support Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through a focus on youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on X/Instagram.
ABOUT BHHS LEGACY FOUNDATION
Since inception in 2000, BHHS Legacy Foundation has enhanced the quality of life and health in the Greater Phoenix and Tri-State regions, investing more than $150 million in health-related nonprofits in the communities we serve. Learn more at www.bhhslegacy.org.
ABOUT ARIZONA SPORTS & TOURISM AUTHORITY
Formed as a result of voter approval of Prop. 302 in Nov. 2000, AZSTA is responsible for owning and operating State Farm Stadium; funding tourism promotion in Maricopa County; funding the construction and renovation of Cactus League Spring Training facilities; and funding youth and amateur sports projects and programs. For more information about the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program, please contact AZSTA at 623.433.7500 or visit www.az-sta.com.
Full gallery: https://www.fiestasportsfoundation.org/galleries/charities/football-field-dedication-wsst/381