Former University of Arizona kicker Max Zendejas is expecting a crowd for his tailgate party.
Hundreds of people could pack into the parking lot of his namesake restaurant, Zendejas 13, in the hours before kickoff for Saturday's 7:30 p.m. matchup against Oklahoma State.
"This is the place to come to tailgate. We have a DJ in the front. We get not only Arizona, but (opposing team) fans, too," said Zendejas, whose Wildcat accomplishments include kicking the decisive or winning field goals against rival Arizona State University three years in a row - 1984, 1985 and 1986. "We have a DJ and we have tents set up outside. And we take it inside during game time."
Since he opened in 2010, his Mexican restaurant and sports bar has been a magnet for UA sports fans. His name recognition is one draw, but his location -Â at 1628 E. Sixth St., across the street from Arizona Stadium - almost guarantees him a game day crowd.
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Max Zendejas
• Tailgate strategy: Zendejas puts up tents and fires up the grill for fresh carne asada marinated in cilantro, Hatch Valley chiles and onions, and grilled chicken and peppers dressed in his Max Special Secret Sauce. He won't give out the recipe, but does allow that its nickname is "red sauce with a kick" - a play on his football career and the chiles added to give it heat.
• The menu: In addition to chicken and carne asada, Zendejas rolls out house-made miniburritos, minichimis, quesadillas, taquitos, chicken fingers and house-made salsa. Entrees are in the $10 range.
• His football career: After leaving the UA, Zendejas played three seasons in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers.
• Post-football: The 49-year-old has dabbled in various family businesses, including restaurants, mostly in the Phoenix area. He returned to Tucson nearly three years ago and opened his restaurant, using recipes handed down from his parents. "We came from Mexico from nothing, but our parents and grandparents knew how to cook and to run businesses," he said.
• Season prediction: "(Quarterback) Matt Scott has experience under (former QB Nick) Foles, and it's a perfect offense for him. And I like that Rich (Rodriguez) doesn't believe in holding hands, so the hurry-up offense is going to work for them. You've got the perfect quarterback in Matt Scott. They've got good receivers. I think they are going to have a great season."
