For 25 years, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce has brought the business and community together to celebrate the start of Sun Devil football. This year’s 25th Annual Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon, proudly presented by San Tan Ford, continued that tradition with a celebration of ASU football, community partnerships and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
The event brought together business leaders, Chamber members, elected officials, ASU alumni, students and Sun Devil fans for an afternoon of football and connection. Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, Vice Mayor Arlene Chin and Councilmembers Brooke St. George, Bobby Nichols and Nikki Amberg joined the celebration, along with members of the Tempe Chamber Board of Directors.
The luncheon also highlighted the strong partnership between the Tempe Chamber, Arizona State University, ASU Athletics and the ASU Alumni Association. ASU Alumni Association President Morgan Harrison shared remarks about the university’s global Sun Devil community before the program turned its attention to the team and the upcoming season.
With Sun Devil football expanding its reach this year, attendees celebrated the excitement of ASU taking the football experience across the pond to London. The program also featured the return of postseason college football to Tempe with the Cactus Bowl, further highlighting the role major sporting events play in bringing visitors, fans and economic activity to the community.
The heart of the luncheon was, of course, Sun Devil football. Radio play-by-play voice Tim Healey, who has been part of the event since its beginning in 2001, introduced members of the 2026 team before leading a conversation with Sun Devil Athletics Director Graham Rossini, Head Coach Kenny Dillingham and student-athletes. The program gave attendees an inside look at the team, its preparation and what fans can look forward to throughout the season.
More than a football kickoff, the annual luncheon represents 25 years of bringing Tempe’s business community together around a shared tradition. As another season begins, the Tempe Chamber remains proud to celebrate the Sun Devils and the partnerships that connect Arizona State University, local businesses and the broader Tempe community.
