Celebrating 70 years of the University of Arizona fight song
The original composition of "Bear Down, Arizona" by Jack Lee, 1952
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Seventy years after its first performance during a 1952 pep rally in downtown Tucson, "Bear Down, Arizona" remains a staple of nearly every Wildcats celebration.
In 1952, Jack K. Lee wrote the song on a paper bag─actually, an airsick bag you find on airplanes─during his flight home from Tucson after being interviewed for the University of Arizona's band director.
Special Collections' Bear Down, Arizona exhibit includes materials connecting to the university's fight song, Jack K. Lee, University of Arizona marching bands, and the annual Band Day event hosted at the university's stadium.
Read more about the song and watch a video detailing the history and legacy of "Bear Down, Arizona."
Stop by to see the free exhibit in the Special Collections Reading Room through November 3, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.