But missing the game wasn't an option, either, so the group of four will pile into Khong's hybrid car and drive the 1,788 miles to New Orleans.
By their estimation of $184 in gas each, the trip will be a virtual bargain. They might even spend a few extra days sightseeing along the way.
"Even with that, we figured driving down could get us food, lodging and game tickets for the price of just flying down, and a whole lot of stories for years to come," he said.
Khong is just one of the many Utah fans who are having to get creative in planning their Sugar Bowl trip. Ever since Sunday's announcement that Utah (12-0) will play Alabama (12-1) Jan. 2 in New Orleans, Ute fans have been searching for the cheapest ways to get to the game. In many cases, the search has been in vain.
Unlike 2004, when thousands of Utah fans road-tripped to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl, getting to New Orleans takes more effort and cash.
The smart fans who gambled on the projection Utah was destined for New Orleans and booked before the announcement was made were able to get flights for around $600 or less.
By the time the pairings were made official, prices had soared to more than $1,000 for nonstop flights. Still, the trip is worth a mortgage payment or two or the long drive to see Utah's most anticipated bowl matchup in school history, some followers say.
"I fall into the category of a Ute fan that missed the opportunity for the Fiesta Bowl four years ago," Khong said. "There was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to go to a BCS bowl again."
Adding to fans' excitement of seeing the Utes in a major bowl is the quality of the Utes' opponent.
Alabama is ranked No. 4 in the BCS and Utah is No. 6, giving the Sugar Bowl its first pairing of teams ranked in the top six in a nonchampionship contest.
The Utes boast the longest winning streak in the nation at 13, while Alabama was ranked No. 1 for five weeks until losing to Florida 31-20 in the SEC title game.
The Utes, 0-6 against teams from the SEC, are already 10-point underdogs. For now, fans aren't worrying about how the game will play out, they just want to be there.
"I spoke with my family in the stands after the BYU game and we all decided there was no way we could miss this," said fan Brandon Neff, who paid several hundred dollars more for airfare and accommodations than he thought he would. "I missed the Fiesta Bowl after the '04 season, but several members of my family were able to attend. They told me that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and shouldn't be missed. Well, here we are again with another such opportunity, and I'd kick myself forever if I didn't make the effort."
Utah assistant athletic director Doug Knuth said he has heard of fans who are reconfiguring vans so they can sleep in their vehicles and avoid hotel fees and others who are driving to Las Vegas where flights into New Orleans are cheaper. Others are flying into Baton Rouge, La., or Houston.
Travel agencies are offering packages to the game, but the school isn't.
"We decided to leave it up to the professionals," Knuth said. "We don't do very well in the travel business, but most fans seem to understand with the time of the year the game is, it's not going to be cheap. Airlines and hotels aren't dumb; it's about supply and demand."
Still, the demand has its limits. Fans Matt and Jenny Jensen had plans to attend and were saving up, but realized, like many followers, it was going to be above their budget.
"It's tough for newlyweds to swallow $1,500-$2,000 bucks by the time you add in hotel, game tickets, et cetera," Matt Jensen said. "It looks like we'll be watching it from home."
lwodraska@sltrib.com
Utah vs. teams from SEC
Season Opponent Result
1984 at Tennessee L, 27-21
1979 at Tennessee L, 51-18
1977 at Florida L, 38-29
1976 at LSU L, 35-7
1975 at Tennessee L, 40-7
1974 at LSU L, 35-10
Alabama vs. teams from MWC
Season Opponent Result
1998 BYU W, 38-31
1975 TCU W, 45-0
1974 TCU W, 41-3
1957 TCU L, 28-0
1956 TCU L, 23-6
1955 TCU L, 21-0
Sugar Bowl
Alabama (12-1) vs. Utah (12-0)
Jan. 2, New Orleans, 6 p.m., Ch. 13
Louisiana Superdome (72,000)
Bowl records: Utah 10-3; Alabama 31-21-3
Sugar Bowl appearances: Utah - 1st; Alabama - 13th
