College Football Playoff National Championship Countdown Clock Debuts at America’s Friendliest Airport®

(Phoenix, Ariz.) – With 195 days and counting until the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Arizona Organizing Committee (AOC) and several Valley mayors and city leaders, unveiled a countdown clock at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This clock will mark the days, hours and minutes until Arizona shines on center stage with the kick-off of the big game.

“The countdown for the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship has officially begun. This marks another milestone for the AOC and the community as we prepare for one of the most exciting times in Arizona’s sports history,” said Brad Wright, co-chair of the Arizona Organizing Committee. “Everyone traveling through Phoenix Sky Harbor will see the clock and know that Arizona is the destination for the biggest celebration of college football.”

Located in Terminal 4, which serves 80 percent of Sky Harbor’s passengers, the digital clock is illuminated on a 55 inch high-definition LED screen at the west end of Baggage Claim. An additional countdown clock will soon be illuminated on east end of Baggage Claim.

“The first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship was a major success, and we expect an even bigger and better experience for fans when the Valley hosts the second National Championship in 2016,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “That phenomenal fan experience begins at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which serves as the gateway to the Valley for the thousands of fans traveling in to attend the game. This clock is our way of showing how much we look forward to welcoming them and providing a world-class experience.”

The second ever College Football Playoff National Championship will be played on January 11, 2016, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. This will be the Valley’s first time hosting the game which debuted in its new format last year in Arlington, Texas.

More than 85,000 people are expected to visit the Valley of the Sun for the game and surrounding festivities. Phoenix Sky Harbor will serve as the gateway to the events, and provide easy access to Valley-wide activities. The PHX Sky Train® connects with Valley Metro Rail to provide a quick, convenient, and seamless ride from the airport to downtown Phoenix, where a multi-day fan festival called Playoff Fan Central will be held, giving fans the opportunity to be a part of the national championship experience.

Valley leaders in attendance at the countdown clock unveiling included Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Mesa Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh, Tempe Vice Mayor Corey Woods, Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates, Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski, and Glendale City Councilman Sammy Chavira.