Utah and its fans find out Sunday where the Utes are headed when the BCS pairings are announced, but we know you can't wait until then. Where will they land and who will they face? With the host cities being New Orleans, Glendale, Ariz., and Miami, about the only assumption you can make is it will be a warmer destination than Salt Lake City will be in a month.

The Fiesta Bowl gets the first pick, which likely would pair the Utes with Texas, assuming Oklahoma beats Missouri in the Big 12 title game and goes to the BCS championship game.

If the Fiesta Bowl passes on Utah and takes Ohio State, Sugar Bowl reps have said they'll take the Utes and pair them with either Florida or Alabama. The opponent is expected to be the loser of the SEC title game between those two teams, because the general assumption is the winner will play in the BCS championship game.

In our overview and travel plan guide of the three cities, we're including Miami, which is expected to be stuck with the winner of the ACC title game between Boston College and Virginia Tech and Big East champion Cincinnati. The only way Utah lands in Miami is if both the Fiesta and Sugar Bowl pass on the Utes. It's a highly unlikely scenario, but hey, the thought of tripping to Miami isn't too bad.

So here you go, get your whens and wheres here.

SUGAR BOWL

Jan. 2, New Orleans

Louisiana Superdome (72,000)

Expected opponent: Loser of Alabama/Florida SEC title game.

Tickets: Sold out, but teams get 17,500 to distribute to their fans.

What makes game fun: Playing Alabama or Florida would give the Utes either a matchup of a team that has held the No. 1 spot for much of the season in Alabama or would give Utah fans a chance to root for their former coach, Urban Meyer, and his high-powered Gators led by Heisman winner Tim Tebow.

What makes location fun: Whether it's Mardi Gras, New Year's or a big-time college football game, folks in New Orleans love to party. Arguably, there is no better destination for a college football fan than the Sugar Bowl. New Orleans is in the heart of SEC country, and with an SEC team expected to play in the game, Utah fans will get a taste of what SEC football and the rabidness of its fans is all about. The Rose Bowl might be the granddaddy of them all because of its tradition and pageantry, but the Sugar Bowl is the best when it comes to passionate fans.

Besides the game: The fun of Bourbon Street and its debauchery to the local Cajun food can make this a fun bowl trip. The food offerings range from the expensive Brennan's to the traditional Cafe Beignet to the hole-in-the-wall Acme Oyster House. Attractions include Steamboat cruises, swamp and bayou sightseeing tours, haunted history tours, and for those with brave senses of adventures, you can take a vampire tour or a cemetery tour.

Travel packages: The DMI/Bigeasy.com is offering travel and ticket packages to the game, with final payment due Dec. 8. Hotel and ticket packages range from $775 for a single person, two-night stay to $1,349 for a single-person, four-night stay. Visit the Web site at www.allstatesugar

bowl.org or call 888-299-1997 for more info.

Getting there: If you fly in Dec. 31, flights are slightly lower than flying Jan. 1. Flights range from $689 nonstop on Delta, to $624 one-stop on Delta and $501 one-stop on Continental. Southwest isn't a bargain, with flights over $600.

FIESTA BOWL

Jan. 5, Glendale, Ariz.

University of Phoenix Stadium (73,000)

Expected opponent: Texas, or Missouri if it beats Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game and earns the automatic berth.

Tickets: Sold out, but teams get 17,500 to distribute to their fans.

What makes game fun: Playing a Big 12 opponent would pit Utah's highly regarded defense against one of the nation's best offenses.

What makes location fun: Glendale is a drivable distance from Salt Lake City (649 miles), which means Utah fans should be well represented and will have plenty of tailgate parties to attend. Since this game is several days after Jan. 1, attending the area's local New Year celebrations might be out of budget for some, but there is still plenty to do. An average temperature of 66 degrees in December and January means your chances of enjoying a pleasant golf outing are much better than they'll be in Salt Lake City in the winter.

Besides the game: You can take a stroll through Scottsdale's well-known art galleries, visit the Desert Botanical Gardens or stay in the sports-mode with a trip to Chase Field for lunch or a hike up Camelback Mountain. Kids can be entertained and worn out at the amusement park Enchanted Island.

Get your fill of southwestern grub at Barrio Cafe, or stick with the bar food and club atmosphere at Majerle's Sports and Grill.

Travel packages: None are offered by the Fiesta Bowl, so you are on your own to find accommodations. You could go the expensive route and stay at a resort, such as the Arizona Biltmore ($325 a night or $699 for a villa).

The Marriott resorts in the area tend to be more reasonable. If you want to go cheaper, Glendale offers several chain options such as Holiday Inn ($169) and Best Western ($139).

Getting there: This is one of the easiest bowl destinations for Utah fans. Pack your buddies into a minivan and enjoy some quality time during an 11-hour drive, or opt for Southwest Airlines, which can get you there for $333.50. Even better, nonstop on Delta is $275.

ORANGE BOWL

Jan. 1, Miami

Dolphin Stadium (72,230)

Expected opponent: ACC champion, either Boston College or Virginia Tech.

Tickets: Still available at www.orangebowl.org or 305-341-4701.

What makes game fun: This would be the only BCS game in which the Utes would be favored to win. It would be a good way to end an undefeated season by whipping up on the ACC champion.

What makes location fun: With an average January temperature of 75 degrees, Utah fans can work on their tans or people watch on the beach. For people watching, it doesn't get any better than South Beach.

Besides the game: You can help the economy by shopping in the expensive shops of Coconut Grove or spend a day driving through the Keys listening to Jimmy Buffett tunes. For food and fun, check out the bars on South Beach or venture into Little Havana for some Cuban fare.

Travel packages: The Web site www.orangebowl.org offers 24 hotel options ranging from $115 a night to $289. If you want to live in luxury, book the presidential suite at the Setai in South Beach, said to be more than $20,000 a night.

Getting there: Expect to spend a lot for airfare. Southwest can get you into Ft. Lauderdale for $634 with a couple of stops. Delta is $497 with one stop, while most others are more than $800 with one stop.