Kick off the College Football Season WITH INSIDE ACCESS TO KEY PLAYERS
Arizona's premier college football kickoff event returns to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Friday, August 21. The event will also highlight Fiesta Sports Foundation's philanthropic impact, including its signature Wishes for Teachers educational support program, and a portion of each sale helps provide Rate Bowl game tickets to veterans, kids and teachers through the Send-A-Vet, Send-A-Kid and Send-A-Teacher Community Champions program.
Former Oklahoma State University head football coach Mike Gundy, a two-time Fiesta Bowl winner and three-time Rate Bowl coach, and past Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick will take center stage to share decades worth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes with the audience at the 2026 UMB Bank Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess as keynote speakers.
Few names in modern college football carry the weight and legacy of Mike Gundy. Head coach at his alma mater Oklahoma State from 2005-25, Gundy built one of the most enduring programs in Big 12 history and on the national stage. Gundy posted a 170-90 record with 18 bowl appearances under his leadership, including two highly-memorable trips to the Fiesta Bowl and three appearances in Rate Bowl history. Under Gundy's direction, the Cowboys had the school's biggest comeback to win in a 37-35 victory over Notre Dame in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, erasing a 28-7 deficit. Oklahoma State also had a dramatic late game win over Stanford in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl.
Swarbrick is one of the most notable executives in the history of college athletics. As Athletic Director at Notre Dame from 2008-24, Swarbrick oversaw the success on and off the field for one of the nation's most storied athletic programs. He was also instrumental in the creation and evolution of the CFP. As a key architect and long-serving member of the CFP's management committee, Swarbrick helped design and negotiate the framework for the original four-team playoff format, and he was part of a select CFP sub-committee that explored and constructed the expansion to its current 12-team structure.
Reimagined last year, the UMB Bank Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess returns as the ultimate college football experience. Attendees will be immersed in all of college football's most iconic traditions and revered trophies with photo opportunities and interactive games for all to enjoy, all while dressed in their favorite college football team's apparel and colors.
The Fiesta Bowl boys tackle and girls flag football All-State high school teams will be recognized during the main program. The event will also highlight the Fiesta Sports Foundation's philanthropic impact, with all proceeds benefiting theÂ
Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers program. Â
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Table Pricing and Benefits
Table renewals will receive a reduced price if purchased by June 12. Non-renewed tables will be dropped on June 13 and replaced by those on the waitlist.
Each table includes 10 tickets. Tiers are based on location closest to the stage.
- VIP: $9,250
- Premium ballroom location
- Includes VIP Meet and Greet for 4 Attendees
- 1 signed item
- 10 valet parking passes
- Printed signage recognition
- 3 drink tickets per guest
- Tier 1: $3,650
- Premier seating location in ballroom
- 2 drink tickets per guest
- Tier 2: $3,400
- Mid-room seating with strong sight lines to the program
- Tier 3: $3,150
- Standard ballroom seating with full event access
Past speakers
2013 – Bob Bowlsby and Larry Scott
2014 – Jake Plummer and Coach Dick Tomey
2015 – Tommie Frazier and Coach Tom Osborne
2016 – Coach Lou Holtz and Mark MayÂ
2017 – Matt Barrie and Coach Jack Lengyl
2018 – Coach Bob Stoops
2019 – Coach Urban Meyer
2021 – Coach Steve Spurrier
2022 – Raghib "Rocket" Ismail and Alex Flanagan
2023 – Desmond Howard
2024 – Larry Fitzgerald, Jr.
2025 – Jim McMahon
2026 – Coach Mike Gundy and Jack Swarbrick
