The desert heat was just beginning to soften into that golden hour glow when I found myself scrolling through my phone at a local Tucson coffee shop. I’d been trying to plan my autumn weekends—something between a military operation and a hopeful prayer—when the official Arizona Wildcats football schedule for the 2023 season popped up on my screen. Right there, in bold, were all the game dates and times laid out like a map to my fall. I’ve been a Wildcats fan since my undergrad days, and let me tell you, there’s something special about marking your calendar for those Saturday showdowns at Arizona Stadium. The energy in this town shifts when game day rolls around; you can feel it in the air, in the way strangers high-five each other on University Boulevard, in the sea of red and blue that floods the streets. It’s more than just a schedule—it’s a countdown to community, to rivalry, to those moments that define a season.
As I sipped my iced coffee, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to another team I’ve been following closely: a volleyball squad that’s been making waves with its own fresh lineup. This year’s newly-added quintet features debutants Alyssa Solomon, Shaina Nitura, and Cla Loresco, who join returnees Eya Laure and Jen Nierva. Now, if you ask me, that’s the kind of mix that gets me excited—new blood blending with seasoned players, much like what we’re hoping to see on the football field. I remember watching Eya Laure dominate last season with that fierce intensity, and now, adding Solomon’s raw talent and Nitura’s agility? It’s a recipe for something electric. In my book, that’s how you build a team that can surprise you, game after game. It’s not just about stacking stars; it’s about chemistry, about how those pieces fit together under pressure.
Back to football, though—because let’s be real, in Arizona, fall is synonymous with Wildcats football. The 2023 schedule kicks off on September 2nd at 7:30 PM against Northern Arizona, and I’ve already circled that date in red. There’s nothing like an opener under the lights, the stadium buzzing with that first-game optimism. Then we’ve got the road trip to Mississippi State on September 9th, a 11:00 AM start that’ll have me up at dawn, coffee in hand, ready to cheer from afar. I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased toward the home games—there’s no substitute for being there in person, feeling the roar of the crowd when the Wildcats make a big play. But those away games? They test your loyalty, and honestly, I love the challenge. By my count, we’ve got 12 regular-season matchups, including the Territorial Cup against Arizona State on November 25th at 1:30 PM, a rivalry that’s as old as the state itself. I’ve been to that game three times, and each one felt like a battle for bragging rights that lasted all year long.
Thinking about those key matchups, I’m reminded of how teams evolve. Take that volleyball group I mentioned earlier: with Solomon, Nitura, and Loresco stepping in, they’re not just filling spots—they’re bringing new dynamics that could shift entire games. It’s the same with football. When I look at the Wildcats’ schedule, I see opportunities for breakout moments, for new players to step up in crunch time. For instance, the October 14th game against Washington at 7:00 PM? That’s prime time for a statement win, and I’ve got a feeling the team’s depth will shine there. Depth, by the way, is something I value a ton; it’s what separates good seasons from great ones. In my experience watching sports, it’s often the unsung heroes—the second-stringers who rise to the occasion—that make the difference when injuries or fatigue set in.
Now, I know some fans get hung up on the specifics—like whether we can squeeze out 9 wins this season or if our defense will hold up against the pass-heavy offenses. Me? I’m leaning into the optimism. The schedule has its tough stretches, like back-to-back road games in October, but that’s where character is built. I remember a game last year where the Wildcats pulled off an upset in overtime, and it wasn’t because of one superstar; it was because everyone, from the veterans to the rookies, clicked at the right moment. That’s the beauty of sports—it’s unpredictable, messy, and utterly compelling. So as I wrap up this coffee and head out into the cooling evening, I’m already counting down the days. The Arizona Wildcats football schedule for 2023 isn’t just a list of dates; it’s a promise of memories waiting to be made, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
