Tucson University of Arizona Tour

Service Description

On our University of Arizona Tour plus Main Gate Square by Strolls and Stories Tours, we chat about how Tucson residents first reacted when they learned Tucson had been awarded the University of Arizona way back in 1885. We see Old Main, the original building on campus and learn how the University first operated with everything under one roof! We also learn where the rocks originate form that make up the main gate wall at the entrance to the University of Arizona. We stroll past a historic theatre and the historic building that once served as the library. We see one of two surviving USS Arizona Bells, from the tragedy at Pearl Harbor, and learn the fascinating tale of how this bell ends up at the University of Arizona! Plus, we uncover the significance of the design of the Student Union Memorial Center! Next, we view a mid-century sculpted art piece by Charles Clement and then stroll past the historic Steward Observatory and learn how it comes to be. We see Bear Down Gym and learn what famous movie this gymnasium was featured in! Then we visit the Jim Click Hall of Champions at the McKale Center to see the many trophies Arizona Athletics has won, including the 1997 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Trophy! We walk past Arizona Stadium and see the statue of John Byrd “Button” Salmon and learn the fascinating tale of how Bear Down becomes the rallying cry at the University of Arizona! We discuss the University of Arizona’s renowned Optical Sciences program, and the significance astronomy and NASA programs at the University of Arizona. We stroll past several historic Residence Halls and learn of the locally distinguished architect that designed these buildings nearly a century ago, plus learn the history of several historic educational buildings on campus. All of this and so much more, on our University of Arizona Tour by Strolls and Stories Tours!