Strong partnerships are built on honest communication, shared values, earned trust and measurable results. For Fiesta Sports Foundation, Arizona has always been an ideal home, a state whose pioneering spirit, collaborative mindset and commitment to excellence make big ideas and partnerships come to life.
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This Valentine’s Day, the day we also celebrate Arizona’s statehood, I’d like to take a moment to express my appreciation and gratitude to the many Arizonans – corporate and community partners, key stakeholders and fans – who help us deliver world-class events while generating meaningful economic impact for our great state. And, of course, I am sincerely thankful for the thousands of Fiesta Sports Foundation volunteers who give their time, resources and expertise to fuel an organization that is proud to contribute to Arizona’s growth and national reputation.
Since moving to Arizona in January 2023, I have fallen in love with our state. I knew about the warm weather, beautiful sunsets, picturesque mountains and palm trees, but what I learned is how Arizona’s pioneering spirit is uniquely embedded in everything we do.
From the earliest days of the Fiesta Sports Foundation, innovation and forward-thinking have been part of our DNA. Inspired by the mindset of everyday Arizonans, we continually seek new ways to elevate our events, expand our reach and create experiences that reflect Arizona’s bold, can-do culture.
Our events are exciting experiences that are also strategic economic drivers. Each year, Fiesta Sports Foundation events generate more than $200 million in direct and indirect economic impact. These events support local jobs, fill hotel rooms, drive restaurant traffic and create opportunities for small and large businesses alike. They also deliver invaluable national exposure, positioning Arizona as a premier destination for major sporting and cultural events.
People love to enjoy Arizona’s unmatched world-class hospitality. Our volunteers and community partners set the standard for professionalism coupled with an openness to make others feel at home. Their dedication ensures that athletes, fans and stakeholders all experience Arizona at its best. That experience matters, because it influences future investment decisions, repeat visitation and long-term relationships with the state.
What I love about Arizona is that it is both a destination and a community. From desert landscapes to mountain backdrops, from big city energy to small-town charm, our state offers something for everyone. When visitors experience Arizona through our events, they see more than a venue; they see a place worth returning to, investing in and calling home. In my first year in Arizona, I met at least four people who tied their living in Arizona to attending a Fiesta Bowl. Once you come to this incredible state, you quickly realize it is a place where people want to visit, live and do business.
While the spotlight on the Foundation often shines brightest during game time, our season never ends. Our commitment to community extends well beyond the field. At our core is an ongoing philanthropic spirit showcased through significant charitable giving, robust statewide education initiatives and nonprofit partnerships that strengthen the fabric of our state. The community partners in Arizona are exceptional when it comes to improving the lives of Arizonans in the areas where the need is the greatest.
So, Arizona, on Valentine’s Day and beyond, we love being your partner. Thank you to the leaders who believe in the power of partnership to make Arizona a great place. Thank you to the volunteers whose generosity defines hospitality. And thank you to the communities across this great state that remind us every day why the work matters.
Author: Erik Moses is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Fiesta Sports Foundation, which works year-round to create and host live events, experiences and charitable initiatives on and off the field, generating more than $3.5 billion in impact on the Arizona economy since 2011. Fiesta Sports Foundation reinvests in each of Arizona’s 15 counties and 22 Tribal nations through initiatives, partnerships and charitable giving that support nonprofits that align with its core pillars of youth, sports and education. For more information, visit www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org.
