Fiesta Bowl activation at Sky Harbor kicks off countdown to 2026 women’s Final Four
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Summary
Fiesta Sports Foundation, Phoenix Sky Harbor and Visit Phoenix marked the activation of a countdown clock and airport display, promoting the April 2026 women’s Final Four and highlighting an estimated $200 million economic impact for the Valley and community giving through the foundation.
Phoenix — Officials from the Fiesta Sports Foundation, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Visit Phoenix unveiled an airport activation and countdown clock on Feb. 11 to promote the 2026 women’s Final Four, saying the event will draw visitors and generate significant local spending.
“Look, the road to the national championship runs through the Valley,” said Eric Moses, who the event host introduced as the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s executive director and CEO, noting the surrounding activities and the game’s impact “is about $200,000,000,” which he said benefits hotel partners, hospitality businesses and the airport.
Judy Bernas, introduced as chair of the Fiesta Sports Foundation board of directors, described the activation as a community celebration and called the Fiesta Bowl “a crown jewel of this community,” thanking volunteers and foundation supporters for their work at Sky Harbor.
Roxanne Favors, identified as Phoenix’s assistant aviation director and chief revenue officer, said the airport welcomes activations that surprise passengers and staff and praised the partnership between the airport, the Fiesta Bowl and Visit Phoenix to welcome thousands of visitors. Ron Price, introduced as president and CEO of Visit Phoenix, added that hosting the semifinal elevates Phoenix’s profile as a championship host.
Organizers reminded travelers that the activation is family-friendly, includes free community events across downtown Phoenix during the holiday weekend in April and that tickets were moving quickly. The event’s on-site countdown clock was set to 226 days until tip-off.
The activation included acknowledgments of airport operations and volunteer support; presenters encouraged local businesses to prepare for the visitor influx and emphasized the foundation’s charitable programs that reinvest sponsorship and ticket revenue into Arizona communities.
The partners said they will continue local outreach and operational coordination as the event approaches.