Previewing a new era of college football, the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features 2024 College Football Hall of Fame inductee and Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. as keynote speaker.
The re-imagined event takes place on Thursday, Aug. 15, 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 Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Tailgate.
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 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. 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). Through his Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, he supports youth education and breast cancer awareness serving women, men and children in underrepresented communities.
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.
A portion of each sale goes toward the Send-A-Vet, Send-A-Kid, Send-A-Teacher Community Champions program dedicated to providing tickets to the Guaranteed Rate Bowl to veterans, kids, and teachers.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 E. Princess Dr., in Scottsdale. Tables for this celebration of the return of football may be purchased at fiestabowl.org/footballkickoff.
