Big Sky Announces 2026 Football Kickoff Weekend
The Big Sky Conference unveiled the complete list of student‑athlete participants who will attend the 2026 Football Kickoff Weekend, scheduled for July 25‑27 in Airway Heights, Washington. The gathering will bring together representatives from all 13 football programs, coaches and conference officials for three days of activities.
Live coverage of the event will be streamed on ESPN+ and through Scripps Sports, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, July 27. Meghan Robinson of the Big Sky Conference and Kyle Hansen of Scripps Sports will co‑host the broadcast, guiding viewers through interviews with each team and special guests.
Commissioner Tom Wistrcill highlighted the significance of the weekend, noting that it provides a platform for student‑athletes to showcase their talents and for the conference to celebrate its growing footprint. The schedule includes a series of panel discussions, behind‑the‑scenes tours and networking sessions designed to foster camaraderie among programs.
A centerpiece of the weekend will be the 2026 Big Sky Hall of Fame Gala, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, July 25. The gala will honor eight inductees, among them former coaches Dennis Erickson and Frank Hawkins, as well as a distinguished group of players and contributors.
Tickets for the gala are available through BigSkyConf.com/HOF, priced at $85 plus applicable fees. Proceeds from the event support scholarship programs and community outreach initiatives within the conference.
In addition to the gala, the weekend will feature a series of special guests and interactive sessions that spotlight the conference’s history and future ambitions. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation as the Big Sky looks ahead to the next era of collegiate football.