The American Conference has revealed that its annual football kickoff and media day will take place in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 23‑24, 2026, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. The two‑day event marks a key moment on the college football calendar, bringing together the league’s entire coaching staff and a select group of student‑athletes for a series of media engagements.
A Milestone Season for the American Conference
All 14 head coaches and 28 student‑athletes from the conference will participate in the event, providing a rare opportunity for journalists to interact directly with the people shaping the league’s future. Media availability begins on Thursday afternoon, July 23, and continues on Friday, July 24, allowing ample time for interviews and behind‑the‑scenes content.
Commissioner Tim Pernetti is scheduled to deliver opening remarks on Friday morning, followed by press conferences with each of the league’s 14 head coaches. The schedule is designed to give fans and media a comprehensive view of the conference’s preparations and ambitions for the upcoming season.
In addition to the formal sessions, the conference has planned a variety of fan‑friendly activities and behind‑the‑scenes features to make the event accessible to a broader audience. These initiatives aim to deepen engagement and showcase the conference’s growing community outreach.
Broadcast partners have also confirmed coverage plans; ESPN+ will stream the kickoff live on Friday, July 24, giving viewers a front‑row seat to the proceedings and highlighting the conference’s expanding digital footprint.
Conference’s Recent On‑Field Success
The announcement comes on the heels of a standout 2025 season in which the American Conference was one of only four leagues — alongside the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC — to see three of its teams finish with 11 wins. Moreover, the conference was the sole league to defeat opponents from the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC and ACC during non‑conference play, underscoring its rising competitiveness on the national stage.
With the momentum built from those achievements, the 2026 media day is positioned not just as a preview but as a celebration of the conference’s growing profile. As the league looks ahead, the combination of on‑field success, strategic media partnerships, and fan‑focused initiatives promises to keep the American Conference at the forefront of college football conversations.