The NCAA Bowl Game season, a highlight in the sports calendar, brings together winning college football teams from across the United States. Teams are invited to prestigious bowl games where they play against unfamiliar opponents in different cities, offering players a chance to showcase their skills to new scouts and personnel.

The University of Colorado Buffaloes football team participated in this tradition by playing against the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl held in San Antonio, Texas. The team, led by coach Deion Sanders and supported by NFL legends like Warren Sapp, traveled on a chartered Boeing 777-200ER for their journey.

This aircraft, registered as N865DA and operated by Gridiron Air, has an interesting history. Previously used by the Arizona Cardinals NFL team, its custom livery was replaced with the University of Colorado's logo and slogans for this occasion. Built by Boeing in December 1999 and initially delivered to Delta Air Lines, it was acquired by Gridiron Air in May 2023.