Zona Zoo

ZonaZoo is the name for the official student section and student ticketing program for intercollegiate athletic events at the University of Arizona (U of A). It is the official student-run student section and student ticketing program for the University of Arizona athletic program.

ZonaZoo Mission Statement: To ensure that University of Arizona students have the opportunity to easily attend collegiate athletic events, and to provide them with the best possible experience. Additionally, the ZonaZoo strives to have an active and positive impact on the campus and greater community.

ZonaZoo History

In the fall of 2002, ASUA (Associated Students of the University of Arizona) Student Body President Douglas J. Hartz, Senator Peter Wand, and Assistant Athletic Director Scott Mackenzie collaborated to create the first official student spirit shirt for the University of Arizona men's basketball team. To help design and create the shirt a campus-wide contest was held with the help of the Arizona Daily Wildcat to help give the shirt its name. After reviewing hundreds of entries, Senator Wand teamed up with fellow ASUA Senator Andy Hottovy and met with the 2003 U of A's men's basketball team to decide the winner. Through much deliberation, U of A guard, Jason Gardner ended all debate and convinced the group that the entry by Junior Jennie Won of, “The ZonaZoo,” was the winner.

With a name for the campus-wide spirit shirt, U of A was on the road to creating a spirit group that would rival the Cameron Crazies of Duke and the Izzone of Michigan State. With the help of Arizona Athletics, ASUA designed and produced 5,000 T-shirts emblazoned with the Zona Zoo logo. The shirts were given away, free of charge, to every U of A student who had won basketball tickets in that year’s lottery. After the huge success of the Zona Zoo T-shirt giveaway, Arizona Athletics and ASUA chose to grow the group and serve all of the University’s athletes and teams.

In the Fall of 2003, the ZonaZoo became the official student ticketing program for University of Arizona Athletics. Students who purchased season tickets for U of A football games were given a Zona Zoo card which gave the student access to every U of A sporting event, except for men’s basketball. The students were also provided with a Zona ZooT-Shirt, a weekly ZonaZoo newsletter, and special events, including pre-game tailgates and meet-the-team events.

Since its true birth as a student ticketing program in 2003, ZonaZoo has continued to grow and unite students across the University of Arizona campus. Since Senator Wand, ZonaZoo Directors Amber Harryman and Michael Huston lead the way for further success and growth of the ZonaZoo program. In 2006-2007 ZonaZoo continued its growth again and reached a membership of 12,000 students, nearly one out of every three students at the U of A is a ZonaZoo member.

ZonaZoo Membership

ZonaZoo Membership is available exclusively to U of A students.

ZonaZoo Crew

When Zona Zoo was introduced in the Fall of 2003 the Associated Students of the University of Arizona created 'ASUA Spirit', a department in the Presidential Cabinet in ASUA that runs the Zona Zoo Program. Originally run by one director the growth of the program created too much work for one director so an assistant position was created. As the Zona Zoo program has continued to grow, so has its leadership.

ZonaZoo Departments

Community Development

Rivalry Blood Drive- The purpose of the rivalry blood drive is to give back to the Arizona community by organizing and supporting bi-annual blood drives versus ASU. The blood drive takes place in the weeks leading up to U of A vs ASU athletic events.

JuniorCats- JuniorCats is a mentorship program that pairs at-risk youth with ZonaZoo members who guide them through the college experience as part of a structured program. During the program, the young participants are given: a tour of Arizona Stadium, a tour of the University of Arizona campus, an academic orientation, and taken to an Arizona Athletics Event. JuniorCats promotes higher education and its importance to a positive and successful future.

ZonaZoo Membership Award- This award represents ZonaZoo's commitment to ensuring that University of Arizona students have the opportunity to attend athletic events despite financial difficulties. This award provides 10 of the most spirited students with Red Membership Passes so they may attend all ZonaZoo affiliated events.

Erin A. Hertzog Award- Since 2008, this scholarship has rewarded two students each year that demonstrate a superior level of leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities. In honor of former ASUA president Erin A. Hertzog, this annual award is worth $1,000 and can be applied to all academic costs.

Marketing

Design and Production- This responsibility encompasses managing and maintaining the official ZonaZoo email address and website. The ZonaZoo website, http://zonazoo.asuaweb.org/wp/, is the official destination for all information and activities relating to the ZonaZoo. Furthermore, the ZonaZoo website is designed to be user friendly and interactive that contains updated information in the form of articles, blogs, sports schedules, game scores and analysis.

Atmosphere and Promotions Commissioner- Ensuring a high quality in-game atmosphere at all University of Arizona Athletic events is a high priority. Establishing and developing new traditions while expanding the use of promotional items such as card stunts, rally towels, and other merchandise leads to a high-energy atmosphere at ZonaZoo supported events.

Brand Representative

This commission works to establish and define the ZonaZoo brand and produce merchandise and apparel that represents the ZonaZoo, The University of Arizona, and the broader Tucson community. Brand Representatives are also responsible for designing apparel that drives profitable sales, great value, quality and style.

Media

CatNation TV- This program consists of online-based entertainment and sports shows that reach out to all Arizona fans. CatNation gets a unique student perspective on Arizona sports and provides accurate and entertaining analysis and sports highlights.

Media Relations- ZonaZoo media and communications works hand in hand with outlets across the Tucson community to keep the public informed about ZonaZoo's activities and relations.

Programming

Bear Down Fridays- These pep rally events are held every Friday before a home football game on University Boulevard. Bear Down Fridays consist of face painting, balloon art, featured speakers, dance performances, and the University of Arizona marching band and cheer teams.

Tailgates- The programming team hosts a tailgate the day of every home football game. These events are free for all ZonaZoo members and include food, drinks, music, and lots of Arizona spirit. Game-day tailgates create an energetic buzz leading up to the Wildcat Walk and football games.

Road Trips- Programming organizes two road trips during the football season to provide ZonaZoo members a chance to see other Pac-12 campuses and communities. In addition, one road trip to an away basketball game is also available. These trips include game tickets, transportation, and other limited edition ZonaZoo gear.

Olympic Sports Promotions- These programs typically include food, giveaways, or other spirit items. The purpose of Olympic Sports In-Game Promotion is to increase attendance and create a buzz on campus for less-known sporting events and teams.

University of Arizona Fight Songs

Fight Wildcats, Fight!

"Fight! Wildcats! Fight!” written in 1929 by Dugald Stanley Holsclaw, is the first fight song of the University of Arizona. The song was first played at the 1930 Homecoming game and was recognized on the NBC radio network that same year as one of the best compositions in the collegiate realm.

Lyrics

Hail! Arizona Wildcats!

Fighting for old U.A.

A raging team of Wildcats,

Growling for the fray.

There's not a team can stop them

When the ball goes into play

So fight! team!

Fight with all your might

And win today!

Fight! Wildcats! Fight for Arizona,

We're with you ever staunch and true,

This day we hail you and we cheer you,

They can't defeat the Red and Blue.

Circle the ends and crash thru center

Hit hard and gain on ev'ry play

Fight! Wildcats! Fight! Fight! Fight!

We'll win today!

Bear Down, Arizona!

In 1952, Jack K. Lee, an applicant for the UA’s band directorship, was leaving Tucson by air following an interview with university administration. From his airplane window, Lee observed the huge words Bear Down on the roof of Bear Down Gymnasium and became truly inspired by the legacy of those words. He began to scribble down the music and lyrics to an up-tempo song and by the time his plane landed, what was once a small brown lunch sack now had the finished version of our beloved fight song. A few weeks later, Lee was named the university’s band director and in September of that year, the UA band performed “Bear Down, Arizona!” in public for the first time.

Lyrics

Let's Cheer for Arizona

Let's raise our voices high

Let's Cheer for Arizona the Bear Down Battle Cry

Let's Cheer our team to victory

Let's Cheer our team to fame

Let's Cheer for Arizona for spirit wins the game

Bear Down Arizona

Bear Down Red and Blue

Bear Down Arizona

Hit 'em hard.

Let 'em know who's who!

Bear Down Arizona

Bear Down Red and Blue

Go! Go! Wildcats go!

Arizona Bear Down

During rivalry games against the in-state rival Arizona State, fans often replace "Hit 'em hard, Let 'em know who's who!" with "Kick the shit out of ASU!"

Pride of Arizona

The Pride of Arizona is the University of Arizona's marching and pep bands. Through the hard work and dedication of both staff and students alike, it has built a reputation as one of the finest athletic band organizations of its kind in the country. Our approach is always on the cutting edge, creating socially relevant artistic statements while performing challenging musical arrangements and contemporary, drum-corps style drill design.

With over 250 members, the "Pride" includes a battery-unit drumline and award-winning auxiliary units of baton twirlers, pom pon dancers and color guard. Filled with a sense of tradition and enthusiasm, the "Pride of Arizona" provides UA students with a place to make music, new friends, support the Wildcat spirit, and grow individually.

Related links

• Zona Zoo Homepage
• ASUA Homepage
• Arizona Athletics
• GoAZCats.com