A New Era of College Football Begins in Scottsdale
The Fiesta Sports Foundation will host its annual Football Kickoff on August 21, 2026, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, gathering fans, sponsors and industry leaders to mark the launch of the 2026‑27 college football season.
Two prominent figures in the sport have been confirmed as keynote speakers. Former Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and Jack Swarbrick, who retired as Notre Dame’s athletic director in 2024, will share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of college athletics.
Gundy, who steered the Cowboys from 2005 through the 2025 season, leaves behind a legacy of 18 bowl appearances, including trips to the Fiesta Bowl and the Rate Bowl. His teams famously upset Notre Dame 37‑35 in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, a game that remains a touchstone for fans of both programs.
Swarbrick’s tenure at Notre Dame was marked by consistent postseason success, highlighted by a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance in 2025. He also played a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s future, championing the recent expansion of the playoff to a 12‑team format.
The kickoff event will begin with a VIP session at 11 a.m., followed by general networking at 11:30 a.m. and a main program at 12:15 p.m. Attendees can expect a mix of panel discussions, sponsor activations and opportunities to connect with peers across the collegiate sports ecosystem.
Both speakers expressed enthusiasm for the gathering, with Gundy noting his honor in participating and praising the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s commitment to community and student‑athlete experience. Swarbrick echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the foundation’s role in supporting the broader collegiate sports community.
Sponsorship and table packages remain available, offering businesses a platform to engage with a national audience as the new season approaches. The event underscores the foundation’s ongoing dedication to fostering connections between athletics, industry and fans.