Whether you went to Arizona State University in Tempe or the University of Arizona in Tucson, there's a good chance you're a fan of your alma mater's sports teams even well past graduation. For both Division 1 schools, football is a big deal. ASU and U of A are also rivals. However, a little rivalry is all in good fun, right? Did you go to either one of these Arizona schools? Here are some signs you attended college in Arizona. See if any of them resonate with you.
Did you graduate from ASU? Whether or not you have season tickets, chances are, you spend some time each year at the Mountain America Stadium.
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Take a look at the fresh ASU apparel from Wear Your Roots!
It's no secret that Mill Ave. is where all the ASU students hang out on weekends, and sometimes during the week. The college nightlife is huge along this stretch of road.
University of Arizona Wildcats are rivals with the ASU Sun Devils. But if you went to school at either college, you knew that, right?
Only three countries on Earth - Liberia, Myanmar, and the United States - use the customary unit system of measurement. In the 1980s, there was a nationwide push toward the metric system here in America, and Arizona is still feeling its effects. I-19 is a metric highway in the US that runs between Nogales and Tucson, Arizona, and it's the only one of its kind in the country. What a quirky claim to fame!
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If you frequently spend time in Tucson, chances are you've driven on Interstate 19 , a metric highway in Arizona, at least a handful of times.
The 63-mile highway is located entirely within Arizona, traveling from Nogales to Tucson. Fun fact: it's one of the shortest highways in the country!
Another fun fact about the highway - and what truly makes it stand out from all others - is that its distance signs are measured in meters rather than miles.
The speed limit signs, however, are in miles per hour.
This is a result of the push towards the metric system during the 1980s, when the highway was originally constructed.
Unsurprisingly, the signs caused immense confusion among motorist upon their installation, especially if you're like me and have trouble trying to convert metric to imperial.
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As a remedy, the Tucson district of ADOT decided that all new signs would instead use Customary units, and renovations began in 2002.
So if you've never seen the metric distance signs on the I-19, keep an eye out the next time you find yourself on the Arizona metric highway.
They're some of the quirkiest Arizona claims to fame!
Did you know that the only metric highway in the US is in Arizona? If so, have you ever driven on it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for another quirky find in Arizona.
Taking a road trip in Arizona? Make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need for a comfortable car ride.
What time is it in Arizona? It is a common question among people all over the U.S. And if you've lived in Arizona for more than a couple of months, you're obviously aware that our state doesn't observe Daylight Savings Time - but do you know the answer to the question: "Why doesn't Arizona do daylight savings time?" We'll give you a hint: the answer has to do with the weather. Read on to learn the details plus why the rest of the U.S. should follow our lead.
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It all starts with springing forward.
Although the date changes slightly every year, this generally takes place in March. And March in Arizona is spectacular--right before it starts moving into the warm months of the year--and there are plenty of things to see and do.
When November rolls around, it's time to "fall back."
Daylight Savings Time is observed by 48 of the 50 states across the U.S. And despite the fact that most Americans change their clocks twice per year, it's safe to say that few get overly excited about it. Luckily, we Arizonans don't have to worry about that! We're too busy getting out on the trails, for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature!
For the past 40 years, Arizona has not observed Daylight Savings Time, but not everyone - even lifelong Grand Canyon State residents - knows why.
So just what time is it in Arizona? The answer lies in the weather. You see, Daylight Savings Time was enacted in an attempt to conserve energy. Setting clocks forward ahead of summertime provides an extra hour of sunlight in the evening, so homes and businesses don't have to use as much electricity.
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Arizona was granted an exception to Daylight Savings Time in the late 1900s due to the extreme heat our state experiences.
If the Grand Canyon State were to "spring forward," the sun wouldn't set until 9 p.m. during the summer. This would impede nighttime activities as well as push back bedtime for children.
The Navajo Nation, which extends into three other states besides Arizona, does set its clocks forward or back.
This allows everyone on the expansive reservation in the Navajo Nation community to live by the same clock schedule.
Our state might be on to something. According to an opinion piece published on CNN several years ago, the U.S. Department of Energy stated in a 2008 report that sticking with one consistent time could save enough electricity to power 100,000 households per year.
Additionally, switching the clocks results in a 25% increase in heart attacks in the first few days of the time change. Lives could be spared if the rest of the nation took after us! So instead of worrying about the Arizona time zone, you could redirect your efforts to finding your favorite coffee shop and getting something to go to enjoy along with a spectacular morning sunrise.
How do you feel about Arizona not participating in Daylight Savings Time? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
And while you’re out and about, at any time of the year, you can always enjoy some of our absolutely stunning Grand Canyon State sunsets! We’d love to have you share your sunset photos as well. Feeling state pride for the Grand Canyon State? Check out this unique apparel from Wear Your Roots!
For more Arizona fun, check out this stunning footage of Sedona: