City News

The inaugural NOVA® Home Loans Arizona Bowl is set for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Arizona Stadium, but the pre-game celebration begins Monday with the free Downtown Block Party.

From 3-8 p.m., 5th Avenue between Toole Avenue and Congress Street will be the party place. There will be an outdoor music stage, street performers, sand volleyball, games, food, and school bands representing the participating football teams from the University of Nevada and Colorado State. 

The Sun Link streetcar will transform into the Polar Express (or the Pueblo Express) tomorrow. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their jolly elves to sing some classic Christmas carols.

Ring in the holiday season starting at 5 p.m. at the Mercado stop on Avenida del Convento, where kids and parents can make paper snowflakes to decorate the inside of the streetcar. The Polar Express will be leaving the station at 6 p.m. sharp with limited space available.

If you have a fresh cut Christmas tree, or plan on buying one, the Tucson Fire Department is offering some tips on how to prevent a fire in your home. In the final edition No Bad Days with Barrett on KGUN9, Capt. Barrett Baker says almost half of all Christmas tree fires are related to electrical problems. A dry tree also can cause problems.

Watch the video linked below for more safety tips.

Visit El Rio Golf Course tomorrow for live Mariachi music, as well as food and drink specials in the El Rio Grill. The free party runs from 4-7 p.m. The golf shop will be open late to accommodate last minute shopping for that special golfer in your life.

For more information, please visit Tucson City Golf.

Reid Park Zoo's annual display of Christmas lights will help put you in the holiday spirit, with jingle bells, twinkling lights, falling snow, and Santa. Light displays, animal-themed light sculptures, and thousands of sparkling bulbs are part of the Zoo Lights holiday tradition.

Camel and carousel rides are open during the event for an additional fee. Free cookies are provided each night, and hot cocoa is available for $1.

Tickets still are available for the inaugural NOVA® Home Loans Arizona Bowl, Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Arizona Stadium, as the Colorado State Rams face the University of Nevada Wolf Pack.

The game is projected to bring $25 million to Tucson.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

City Manager Michael Ortega's proposed incentive to encourage employee retirements to save on labor costs won approval last night from the Mayor and Tucson City Council. The incentive offers three months pay for eligible employees who agree to retire no later than Feb. 5, 2016.