Legends return

Kevin Sumlin said in his introductory press conference that it was important to mesh Arizona’s past with the current era. Dick Tomey was in the building Saturday — he popped on the Star’s Facebook Live video pre-game — and said he plans to return for at least two more games.

Former UA standout and ex-Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs served as an honorary captain during the coin toss.

Honoring McCain

The UA honored Sen. John McCain with a moment of silence before Saturday’s game. McCain was a rabid fan of all Arizona college and pro sports, and was a frequent visitor to Wildcats games. McCain last visited Arizona Stadium in 2016, where he handled the pre-game coin toss before the Wildcats beat Hawaii. The UA honored the 75th anniversary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor that night.

Among the UA figures to honor McCain, who died Aug. 25 after a year-long battle with brain cancer, was Lauri Markkanen. The former UA basketball standout, now entering his second season with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, credited McCain for helping him secure a student visa.

“We will never be able to thank Sen. McCain for everything he did for the state of Arizona and Arizona Athletics,” athletic director Dave Heeke wrote in this week’s “Wildcat Wednesday” email. “We will dearly miss one of our biggest fans.”

Starting a new tradition

🔊 | A tradition based in the rich mining history of our state returns to Arizona Stadium. The mining whistle will sound after every @ArizonaFBall touchdown this season #BearDown pic.twitter.com/4dJhlDeAmn

— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) August 31, 2018

The UA debuted two new ways to celebrate Saturday night. Red fireworks were launched from the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility in the north end zone after every UA score. Additionally, the stadium’s speaker system blared the sound of a copper mine whistle. Why? The UA said Friday that the whistle, which the program has used in the past, honors the history mining in the state. (The Cats sported copper helmets during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, but haven’t worn them since.)

Loosen the belt

We got to sample some of the new foods at Arizona Stadium! — Sonoran Hot Dogs— Sir Veza’s, El Charro— On Deck Deli — Chicken and Waffles in a cone— The Sweet Dough Co. donuts— Watermelon @eegees pic.twitter.com/oBPopouGl0

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 2, 2018

Saturday marked the first time beer and wine had been sold at a Wildcats game in Arizona Stadium. The UA also debuted a handful of new food vendors. We got to sample some of the bites: Eegee’s, chimichangas and nacho platters from El Charro and Sir Veza’s, sandwiches from the UA Student Union’s On Deck Deli, Sonoran hot dogs, Sweet Dough Company donuts and to top it all off, barbecue chicken tenders inside of a waffle cone.

The sweet and savory options add an interesting dynamic to the food menu. Did we mention there were Sonoran hot dogs?

Homecoming

BYU tight end Matt Bushman returned to Tucson on Saturday, and played at Arizona Stadium for the first time in his life. The Sabino High School product caught a go-ahead touchdown pass in the third quarter.

New personalities for home games

If you attended the game on Saturday night, you might’ve noticed a new public-address announcer at Arizona Stadium. Jeff Dean is taking over for Jimmy Zasa this season; Dean, a Phoenix resident, is also the voice of McKale Center. The UA also debuted a new in-game host: Sarah Kezele is a UA graduate who has previously worked for the Pac-12 Networks, West Coast Conference, Arizona Republic and Campus Insiders.

“Every time I step into the stadium, I still feel the same way — so getting to contribute to the experience and make it feel even more exciting for those in the stands is such an honor,” said Kezele, who was a journalism major at the UA. “It’s amazing to have loved this school and this program for so long, and now to have them ask me to help represent them, that is just the best feeling.”

Still the same

The name on the back of Khalil Tate’s jersey is still “K. Tate,” even though the Wildcats’ other Tate — Donavan — quit the team following the 2017 season. Donavan Tate, you might remember, was a former first-round MLB Draft pick who turned to football after his career in the San Diego Padres organization was derailed by drugs and injuries.

The Big Number

🍺 on tap at Arizona Stadium: — Coors— Miller Lite — Coors Light— Barrio Blonde— Michelob Ultra— Bud Light pic.twitter.com/N1RbQEuVW2

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 1, 2018

$8

The cost of a 24-ounce beer at Arizona Stadium.

The Bigger Number

51,002

Announced attendance for Saturday night’s game — 6,000 shy of capacity but 8,500 more than its per-game average one season ago.