The game was televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, and broadcast on ESPN Radio and XM Satellite Radio, with the kickoff set for 4:00p.m. ET (2 p.m. MT). The game's title sponsor was Sony Interactive Entertainment via its PlayStation brand as part of a multi-year deal with broadcasting and marketing rightsholder ESPN, which includes branded content and making PlayStation the official video gaming and virtual reality sponsor of the College Football Playoff; the game is officially known as the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
The Nittany Lions had appeared in six previous Fiesta Bowls: 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1997, winning all six. This was the Huskies' first Fiesta Bowl appearance.
The Nittany Lions entered the game with a 10–2 record, with their two losses coming in conference play in consecutive weeks by a combined four points at #6 Ohio State and at #24 Michigan State.