Kick off the College Football Season at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
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.
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The re-imagined event takes place on Thursday, August 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 happy hour hosted by the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee.
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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.
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Tables for this can't-miss celebration of the return of football may be purchased at FiestaBowl.org/FootballKickoff, by calling 480.350.0911 or via email at [email protected]. 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.
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. A 2003 unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up, Fitzgerald compiled 92 catches for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead the nation. Fitzgerald set or tied four NCAA records, eight in the Big East and 11 for the Pitt Panthers. 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). Following the 2016 season, Fitzgerald was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. 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.
Past speakers have included:
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.
