What
Nacho Average Tailgate Festival presented by Modelo Especial
When
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, December 30
Where
University of Arizona Mall
More Info
novaarizonabowl.com
Let’s be real here, the best part about Super Bowl parties is the nachos. And Tucson’s the right place to embrace that.
The NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl on Friday, December 30 will embrace the almighty nacho at the Desert Diamond Casino Tailgate Festival at the University of Arizona Mall. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., it will serve as the base for the “Nacho Average Tailgate Festival.”
Over 30 local nacho purveyors will face off for the title of Nacho King or Queen. Attendees will be able to sample nachos from each purveyor and vote for their favorite with the help of some cold beer samples.
The winner will be crowned at halftime of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl later that afternoon.
A ticket to the game is all that guests will need for entry to the tailgate, while an additional $15 fee for access to the Nacho Average Tailgate Festival.
To top it off, the Grammy-nominated Gin Blossoms will perform live.
Participating Nacho Purveyors
- Alejandro’s
- Armando Duarte
- Brushfire BBQ Co.
- El Charro Café
- El Gorrion Restaurant
- Ernesto Guzman
- Famous Sam’s
- Lindy’s on 4th
- Pub 1922
- Putney’s Pitstop Sports Bar & Grill
- Rigo’s Mexican Restaurant
- Sir Veza’s Taco Garage
- The Hideout
- The Neighborhood
- Union Public House
For more information, visit novaarizonabowl.com.
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Article written by:

Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.















