SCOTTSDALE, AZ – With high demand to see 2024 College Football Hall of Fame inductee and Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. as keynote speaker, Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is SOLD OUT!
 
The re-imagined event on Thursday, August 15, is at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the first time. The Football Kickoff experience begins with a VIP session at 11:30 a.m. that includes exclusive photo opportunities and a meet-and-greet with Fitzgerald. Pregame networking opens at 12:15 p.m. with the main program kicking off at 12:45 p.m., followed by a new, open-to-the-public happy hour hosted by the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee.
 
Fitzgerald will take the main stage for an in-depth conversation with Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses to discuss his Hall of Fame playing career at the University of Pittsburgh and the Arizona Cardinals, competing in one of the first Insight Bowl games played at Chase Field and his extensive off-the-field philanthropic work and business interests.
  
"This year's college football season will be filled with intriguing storylines as new teams compete in different conferences and fight to make it into an expanded postseason playoff. What better way to celebrate this new era of college football than to hear Arizona football and community icon Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. share his personal stories, perspectives and predictions in a revamped Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess," Moses said. "Collaborating with the exceptional team at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, we are transforming the annual business luncheon into an immersive experience and true celebration of football!"
 
This year's Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will be an immersive event that will mimic the experience fans have at the stadium, including the incorporation of iconic college traditions, photo opportunities with historic college football memorabilia, multiple seating options, interactive games, tailgate-style and gameday-themed décor. Attendees are encouraged to wear apparel featuring the colors or logos of their favorite college football teams.
 
Fitzgerald produced one of the most decorated careers for a wide receiver in college football history, becoming the first sophomore to win the Walter Camp Player of the Year, and will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December 2024. A 2003 unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up, Fitzgerald compiled 92 catches for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead the nation. Fitzgerald set or tied four NCAA records, eight in the Big East and 11 for the Pitt Panthers. The third overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-year pro career with the Arizona Cardinals, earning a position on the NFL 100 All-Time Team. He ranks second in NFL history in receiving yards (17,492) and receptions (1,432). Following the 2016 season, Fitzgerald was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Through his Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, he supports youth education and breast cancer awareness serving women, men and children in underrepresented communities.
 
"The Fiesta Sports Foundation and the Yellow Jacket Committee have done so much to make a huge impact within communities across the state. It means the world to me to be associated with such a prestigious organization, and I'm honored to be a part of the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess," Fitzgerald said. "I still remember playing in the Insight Bowl and relishing all the experiences and relationships, many of which I still enjoy today. It's going to be a fun day to participate and raise money and awareness for the causes that the Fiesta Sports Foundation supports."
 
"Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. is an Arizona legend and his appearance at the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will be a hot ticket and memorable experience for all in attendance," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Board Chair Judy Bernas. "Larry is an incredible community leader who has meant so much to the state of Arizona, aligning with the Fiesta Sports Foundation's commitment to service."
 
The event will highlight the Foundation's philanthropic activities and impact by recognizing community grant beneficiaries and Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers recipients.
 
As part of a growing partnership with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), the organizations will introduce the inaugural Fiesta Sports Foundation preseason All-State high school teams for boys tackle and girls flag football. Honorees will be highlighted during the program and are encouraged to attend along with coaches, teammates and families.
 
Serving as title partner for the Fiesta Bowl's signature kickoff event since 2019, Arizona Bank & Trust shares the Fiesta Sports Foundation's commitment to community involvement and corporate citizenship.
 
"The changes to the luncheon are exciting and innovative for our team to experience and will be just as compelling for those who attend. We are proud to sponsor the Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff and continue to be impressed with the organization and its contributions to Arizona's charities," said Arizona Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank President & CEO Bill Callahan. "Having Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. involved as the keynote speaker continues the history of having college football royalty participate year-in and year-out, and it's just one of many ways the Fiesta Sports Foundation team brings the community together for the betterment of Arizona."
 
Joining as presenting partner of the Football Kickoff, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is Arizona's largest and longest running AAA Five Diamond resort, celebrating 32 consecutive years of recognition. The property's renowned event creation – such as Christmas at the Princess and Fourth of July Freedom Fest – and world-class customer service will treat Football Kickoff guests to an unforgettable experience.
 
"We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff, as being part of the community has always been an important foundation of what the Princess was built on," said Jack Miller, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. "I've always loved football, as it reminds me so much of the hospitality business – they both require leadership, teamwork, cooperation and respect to be successful. Our team has hosted important people and events since we opened our doors, and our team will be ready to put on a great event for the Fiesta Sports Foundation. Anytime you can be associated with the Fiesta Bowl and Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., you are in good company, and we look forward to hosting a successful event."
 
Fitzgerald joins a decorated list of former Football Kickoff keynote speakers, including Michigan's Desmond Howard, Notre Dame's Lou Holtz and Rocket Ismail, Florida's Steve Spurrier, Ohio State's Urban Meyer, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, Nebraska's Tom Osborne and Tommie Frazier and Arizona State's Jake Plummer.
 
A new era of college football hits the field this season, as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl hosts the first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinal in the expanded 12-team playoff format. The CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will be played on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. MST in Glendale, Arizona. Prior to that, the Guaranteed Rate Bowl kicks off on Thursday, December 26, at 3:30 p.m. MST in downtown Phoenix with a postseason matchup featuring teams from the Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences. The schedule of events also includes the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe on Saturday, December 28.
 
ABOUT THE FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. 
 
ABOUT ARIZONA BANK & TRUST
Arizona Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank, through its parent company, Heartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name HTLF, (NASDAQ: HTLF), has offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe and Gilbert. Arizona Bank & Trust provides an array of products and services to fulfill the financial needs of businesses and individuals. The bank specializes in commercial lending and treasury management services and also provides a wide variety of private banking, retail lending and deposit services along with electronic banking support. Visit www.arizbank.com or call 602.381.2090 for more information. HTLF Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.
 
ABOUT FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
Set against the backdrop of Arizona's McDowell Mountains, the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess reflects its Southwestern setting with Spanish colonial-style architecture, expansive plazas and lush, flower-filled gardens. The resort features 750 oversized guest rooms, six heated swimming pools, the luxurious 44,000 square foot Well & Being Spa, championship golf at the adjacent TPC Scottsdale and the Trailblazers Kids Club. Dining options include Ironwood American Kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bourbon Steak, the AAA Four Diamond steakhouse by acclaimed chef Michael Mina; modern Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval and the new Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar by Richard Sandoval, serving Pan Latin fare with stunning views overlooking the 18th green at the TPC of Scottsdale Stadium Course. The Plaza Bar in Princess Plaza serves craft cocktails nightly with scenic outdoor fire pit patios.