Annual tradition ‘Fan Fiesta’ returns to the El Paso Convention Center

EL PASO, Texas - For 22 years, families have gathered the day before kickoff for the 'Fan Fiesta' at the Convention Center in Downtown El Paso. The event is free, family oriented and features a fireworks display, musical performances by local bands, pep rallies and battle of the bands from the two schools who will be battling it out in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.

Doors open at 3 p.m. on Dec. 30. There will be food, drinks, a sports bar and music as well as local shops and business for fans to shop through. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. through 6 p.m. the Arizona State University and Florida State University bands will parade through downtown with Tony the Tiger, ending with a 'battle of the bands' inside the Convention Center from 6:45 p.m. to 6:55 p.m. The event ends at 9 p.m. To find out more about Fan Fiesta, click here.

The game between the Sun Devils and Seminoles will mark the 86th year of the Sun Bowl. According to Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas, fans spend anywhere from $14 to $17 million dollars in the Borderland during the Sun Bowl.

Schedule of events:

8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Vendor Set-up

1:00-4:00 p.m. Cheer Camp in Rio Grande and Juarez Room

3:00 p.m. Doors Open

3:00-4:00 p.m. Performance by the TEMPO Dance Academy

3:00-5:30 p.m. Lobby Performers

4:00-5:00 p.m. Live Music by Soul Parade

5:00-5:15 p.m. National Anthem

5:15-5:50 p.m. Live Music by Soul Parade

5:50-6:00 p.m. Introduction of the Sun Court

5:30-6:00 p.m. Marching Bands Parade w/Tony the Tiger through downtown

6:00-6:40 p.m. Battle of the Marching Bands inside Convention Center Hall

6:45-6:55 p.m. Cheer Camp Performance inside Convention Center Hall

7:00-9:00 p.m. Lobby Performers

7:00-9:00 p.m. Live Music by Beatles United

9:00 p.m. Event Ends