Fight Hunger Bowl officials hoping for sellout

Published Dec. 20, 2012 4:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

With the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl a little more than a week away, bowl officials are making a final push to sell out AT&T Park in San Francisco for the matchup between Arizona State and Navy.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl executive director Gary Cavalli said Thursday the Dec. 29 game is a little over 75 percent sold, about 31,000 of 40,000 seats.

"We anticipate having a good crowd," Cavalli said. "We've sold out four of the six games here, and we want to push it all the way to kickoff to see if we can fill the place up."

Cavalli made his pitch to fans who might still be on the fence about traveling to the game. The biggest draw, he said, is the matchup itself.

"We've got two teams that are totally contrasting styles of play," Cavalli said. "I think it's going to be a high-scoring game with a lot of excitement. And we've got some great pro prospects to look at, including (ASU defensive tackle) Will Sutton of course."

Navy finished the regular season 8-4, while ASU finished 7-5. The Sun Devils are favored in the matchup.

Cavalli also said the matchup presents unique opportunities for game-day pagentry, including pregame ceremonies from members of the Navy, a flyover and a 100-yard American flag. ASU's marching band will perform at halftime.

The bowl is hosting a pep rally with both teams, their bands and local dignitaries at San Francisco's famed Union Square the day before the game.

Cavalli mentioned attraction of San Francisco and pregame parties as further draws to the game, which is the only bowl tied to a specific cause. For each ticket sold, three meals are donated to Bay Area families in need.

"It's just a great opportunity for Sun Devil fans," Cavalli said. "I think they're building something special at ASU. I think the program coach Graham is putting together is laying the foundation for something pretty great in the future, and this is just another step along the way."

ASU fans still looking to purchase tickets to the game can do so at www.thesundevils.com.