The 33rd Annual football preview, sponsored by The Cowart Group, will be held on Tuesday June 16, 2026, at the USA Mitchell Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. Ticket prices are $70 per person. Tables of eight are available for purchase at $560. Corporate sponsorship is available at the following levels: $1000, $2500 and $5000.

“It is a true honor to serve as the title sponsor for this event,” says Michael Cowart Sr. “Having been involved with First Light for over 20 years, we are thrilled to sponsor this event—one that celebrates excellence in athletics but also shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make up the First Light community. It’s going to be an impactful evening and we look forward to partnering with First Light in this way.”

“The First Light Community is excited to partner with the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame at the Mitchell Center to provide a preview of the upcoming college football season and to honor athletes from the Mobile area,” said Marty O’Malley, Director of First Light Community of Mobile. “We are grateful for the support of the Cowart Group as we present insights into the upcoming college football season.”

“We are excited to publicly recognition four outstanding athletes who made their mark in or are from the Mobile area. The Mobile Sports Hall of Fame is equally proud to join with the First Light Community of Mobile in sponsoring an outstanding evening, recognizing achievements of the past and hearing from current coaches and others about the future,” said Stephen Clements, Chairman of the Board of the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame.

Current speakers for the event include Alex Golesh, Head Football Coach at Auburn University, Ivan Maisel (College Football Selection Committee), Kalen DeBoer, Head Football Coach at the University of Alabama, Major Applewhite, Head Football Coach for the University of South Alabama and Phil Savage, Los Angeles Rams.

The 2026 Mobile Sports Hall of Fame inductees are Derrick Burroughs (Football), Derrick Coleman (Basketball), Eric Yelding (Baseball) Joe Niland (Basketball),

We will be recognizing top High School players for the 2025-26 season.

Tuesday June 16, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30PM

University of South Alabama Mitchell Center

$70 Single Tickets/$560 Table of 8

visit firstlightcommunity.org

For Sponsorship Inquiries or other questions, please contact First Light Community at Office@FirstLightCommunity.org or call 251-438-2094