Colors, music, culture greet Sun Bowl teams Hurricanes greeted warmly at airport in anticiapation of Saturday's game

Felix F. Chávez | El Paso Times

One of the most unique details of the Hyundai Sun Bowl is the traditional colorful and musical airport reception that greets both teams.

"We're excited to be here," Miami Hurricanes interim coach Larry Scott said when his team arrived in the Sun City Monday afternoon. "This reception is great for our kids, our program. The Sun Bowl and the city go all out to make you feel appreciated."

The Hurricanes, of the Atlantic Coast Conference, were the first to be greeted by mariachis and folklorico dancers at the El Paso International Airport. The Pac-12's Washington State Cougars landed a few hours later after a slight delay in their flight.

Before hitting the grid iron at the Sun Bowl at noon Saturday, the players and coaches showed off their dance moves alongside the folklorico performers Monday. With a U.S. flag hanging overhead, some donned the traditional black and white mariachi sombrero.

"I wasn't expecting to dance," Scott said, smiling as he moved to the beat of the Mexican folkloric dance. "But we want to embrace the culture, it's important. We talked with the players about coming here and they got to see first hand what this bowl experience is about."

Scott is no stranger to the Sun Bowl. He was an assistant coach at South Florida in the 2007 match-up with Oregon.

"It's great to be back. Preparation has gone well for the game. We practiced before we left for El Paso and had a good workout," he said.

Fans greeted players with cheers and applause, taking pictures and asking for autographs.

Miami fan and 2001 alumnus Luis Granillo greeted the Hurricanes with a smile on his face. He attended the 2010 Sun Bowl game when Miami faced Notre Dame, which the Fighting Irish won.

"I'm confident we'll do better," Granillo said. "When I found out Miami was coming again, I was really happy. I thought the team did well this year and comes into the game with momentum. There is so much history at Miami with its football program. I'm excited about the future."

Miami is 8-4 on the season and went 4-1 under Scott, including a regular-season ending win against Pittsburgh.

Jesse Tovar grew up in El Paso and is a longtime Hurricanes fan. He was at the airport with his family to welcome Miami to El Paso.

"I started following Miami as a youngster in El Paso, I used to watch all the games I could," Tovar said. "I've been to games in Miami. I was here at the Sun Bowl in 2010. I love this program. There have been so many great players, great wins and great coaches. I'm excited about the match-up."

This year's game will mark the 82nd anniversary of the Sun Bowl game, which will be broadcast on CBS for the 48th consecutive time.

Addressing Miami and the crowd at the airport, Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas said excitement is building for Saturday's bowl game — one of the oldest traditions in college football history

"Ticket sales have been brisk," Olivas said. "We had a good line of people getting tickets on Monday and we expect another good crowd. This is an exciting match-up between two good teams. Washington State ticket sales have been good and Miami has a big national following. We feel good about the two teams here."

Felix F. Chávez may be reached at 546-6167; fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter.

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Game day

What: Hyundal Sun Bowl

When: Noon on Saturday

Who: Miami vs. Washington

Where: Sun Bowl Stadium

Ticket prices: $22-652

On TV: CBS at noon

Fan Fiesta

What: 19th annual Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta featuring various mariachis, bands and dance performances, inflatable and interactive games, balloon animals, face painting, magic tricks and more.

When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, with battle of the two Sun Bowl university bands at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Judson F. Williams Convention Center

Admission is free.

Information: sunbowl.org