Looking Back at the 2026 CUSA Football Kickoff Event
7/22/2026 2:08:00 PM | Football
The event was held in Arlington, Texas, Sunday through Tuesday around the facilities at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.
During the event, head coach Jamey Chadwell, linebacker Derrell Farrar and tight end Caleb Ryan represented Liberty's football program.
The event got underway on Sunday night where the player representatives from each of the 10 schools within Conference USA had a chance to meet with CUSA commissioner Judy MacLeod.Off to the Lone Star State ?? pic.twitter.com/0ukuISGARR
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) July 20, 2026
The meeting allowed MacLeod to provide the players with insight on how they are supporting each member institution, while also giving the players a platform to provide their feedback on the league and the current landscape of college athletics.
Following the discussion, the league had the players participate in an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, showing support for former CUSA standout running back Chris Johnson. The East Carolina graduate was a two-time All-CUSA player (2006-07), who has recently been diagnosed with ALS, and was named the 2007 CUSA Special Teams Player of the Year.
Conference USA football student-athletes joined in on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge during the league's kickoff event, showing their support for former All-CUSA running back Chris Johnson and helping raise awareness in the fight against ALS.#NoLimitsOnUs #IceBucketChallenge pic.twitter.com/p008sosRDv
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) July 22, 2026
Monday morning, players and coaches were able to showcase their programs and the league at media events inside the Texas Live!, an entertainment and dining destination next to Globe Life Field.
During the event, players and coaches participated in a photos shoot for CUSA and were guests on the CUSA Insider Podcast. Additionally, all 10 schools took center stage inside Texas Live! for the live CUSA Football Kickoff show on ESPN+..@LUFlamesVoice reports from @ConferenceUSA kick-off with @LibertyFootball! pic.twitter.com/BvOopQj4lM
— Liberty Flames Sports Network from Van Wagner???? (@LFSNRadio) July 20, 2026
Business in Texas ?? pic.twitter.com/QFiWe97Z0w
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) July 20, 2026
Later that evening, head coaches and players were provided a private viewing area to enjoy a game at Globe Life Field between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox.Scenes from Arlington ?? pic.twitter.com/8q76izFPSC
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) July 20, 2026
The CUSA Football Kickoff event concluded on Tuesday by giving the local, regional and national media outlets access to the head coaches and players.Last night at Globe Life ?? pic.twitter.com/SPlx3HP7Gc
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) July 21, 2026
Each head coach held a press conference from the fourth floor of the Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, plus players and coaches were available for breakout media sessions.
The Liberty Flames Sports Network was on site and did a live show from the Media room, which included interviews with Coach Chadwell, both players and CUSA Commissioner Judy MacLeod.
With the media event behind them, the Flames will now turn their attention to the beginning of fall camp. Liberty will hold its first practice of the 2026 season on August 5.
Below is a social media look with sights and sounds from the 2026 CUSA Football Kickoff event.
Coach Chadwell on the culture ??? pic.twitter.com/cEm00bEBtY
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) July 21, 2026
All Access Pass ?? pic.twitter.com/6HQu9IEdHC
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) July 21, 2026
Things are all right for the Flames ??
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) July 20, 2026
??: ESPN+ (https://t.co/PNABPreYjq) #NoLimitsOnUs | @LibertyFootball pic.twitter.com/ikJF9NDmYQ
Flames ?? CUSA Kickoff#NoLimitsOnUs | @LibertyFootball pic.twitter.com/rl3NVDlCjh
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) July 21, 2026
.@JamieKarlHall visits with @LibertyFootball @CoachChadwell at @ConferenceUSA kick-off! pic.twitter.com/TgFE5M55jh
— Liberty Flames Sports Network from Van Wagner???? (@LFSNRadio) July 20, 2026
2026 Football Season Ticket Information
Season tickets are on sale now for the 2026 season! Buying season tickets remains the best cost-saving option to watch Flames Football at Williams Stadium in 2026.
Starting at just $90, fans can save up to 56 percent by purchasing season tickets. Purchase tickets by going to http://www.LUFootball.com or calling/texting the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-5015.
Limited premium seating inventory remains available for club seats as well as cabanas. If you are interested, please contact the Flames Club at (434) 582-2582.
