Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Fiesta Sports Foundation will introduce a national collegiate flag football tournament featuring Division I programs, marking a first‑of‑its‑kind event for the sport.
The inaugural Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic presented by Oakley will be held Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, and will feature eight women’s collegiate flag football programs competing in a two‑day, 7‑on‑7 format, according to a press release.
Games will be played at the Fields at Dorsey on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.
“For more than 50 years, Fiesta Sports Foundation has been focused on innovation, hospitality and creating unforgettable experiences,” said Erik Moses, executive director and CEO of Fiesta Sports Foundation.
“Creating the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic presented by Oakley is the next step of that mission. As flag football continues its rapid ascent nationwide, bringing forth the first‑ever national college event for the ever‑growing Division I community helps to elevate the collegiate game, celebrate these student‑athletes and shape the future of the sport on a national stage.”
Participating teams will include Alabama State, Arizona State, Charlotte, Florida, Georgia, Grand Canyon, Central Florida and Southern California.
The tournament will feature a multi‑day championship format, with pool‑play games on the first day followed by a playoff bracket and championship game on the second day. An awards celebration will conclude the event.
Participating teams will receive accommodations and hospitality experiences associated with Fiesta Bowl events, including a formal welcome for student‑athletes.
Oakley is the presenting sponsor of the tournament. The company has supported flag football initiatives at multiple levels, including youth and collegiate competition.
“At Oakley, we believe in the power of sport to unlock confidence and opportunity for every athlete,” said Corey Hill, vice president and head of global sports marketing at Oakley. “Flag football is one of the most exciting growth stories in sports, and we are here to support players from their time at an introductory clinic to local leagues and however far their careers take them,” Mr. Hill said. “Oakley’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and elevating the athlete experience at every level aligns perfectly with the mission of the Fiesta Sports Foundation.”
