Arizona State and North Carolina State arrive for 84th Hyundai Sun Bowl

The Arizona State and North Carolina State football teams arrived Christmas morning to the traditional reception with mariachis and folklorico dancers.

The Sun Devils take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack Friday in the 84th annual Hyundai Sun Bowl.

In a departure from tradition, the team flew into Atlantic Aviation rather than the main terminal at El Paso International Airport.

The decision to move venues for the reception came down to two factors, the holiday and the fact that both teams had a charter flight.

“First of all its Christmas day there are a lot less crew members at the airport, and each team decided to take a charter plane with airlines that don’t really fly to El Paso.” Dan Olivas, The Sun Bowl executive director said.

The game will be coach Todd Graham’s last at ASU. He was fired at the conclusion of the regular season, but is staying on to coach the bowl game.

This won’t be his first Sun Bowl, he has a 36-31 win over Duke University under his belt he came into this game anticipating that warm welcome.

“Nobody does it quite like the Sun Bowl in terms of hospitality, we’ve had nothing but great experiences here, our guys had a lot of fun.” Sun Devils head coach Todd Graham said.

N.C. State arrived this afternoon just before 4 p.m. While the flight from North Carolina may have been longer the players and coaches both enjoyed the mariachis.

“It’s great I expected the hospitality to be what it is beautiful weather some song it’s pretty nice.” Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren said.

Both teams will participate in a “gift suite” selection at the Larry K. Durham Center this evening.

There they will have the oportunity to take home flat screen t.v.’s sofa loungers as well as coolers and drones.

The Wolf Pack and The Sun Devils are slated to match up in the 84th Hyndai Sun Bowl on Friday at 1 p.m.