Temple University

IRVING, Texas – Some of the nation’s top college football players and coaches will gather in Arlington, Texas, for the kickoff of the 2024 American Athletic Conference, which will be held Monday and Tuesday July 22 and 23 at Loews Arlington.

And for the first time, The American is inviting fans to participate in the annual event to kick off the college football season.

Temple will be represented by head coach Stan Draytonas well as two graduate students – defensive tackle Demerick Morris and wide receiver Dante WrightMorris will enter his fifth season as an Owl and played in 23 games in 2021-22 before missing most of 2023 with an injury. His return to the lineup should bolster the team’s run defense. Wright transferred to Temple in 2023 and was the Owls’ leading receiver a year ago with 39 receptions for 507 yards and four touchdowns. His accomplishments earned him preseason All-AAC recognition from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.

A total of 28 student-athletes are expected to attend this year’s Kickoff, which will be held in Arlington for the second consecutive year. Media sessions will begin at 2 p.m. CT Monday and continue Tuesday morning with press conferences with all 14 head coaches. The results of The American’s preseason media poll will be announced at 8 a.m. CT (9 a.m. ET), and Commissioner Tim Pernetti will deliver his remarks Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. CT (9:15 a.m. ET).

A limited number of fans will be able to attend the 2024 Kickoff in person to gain unprecedented access to players and coaches. Fans will have the opportunity to attend press conferences, take part in photo opportunities and enjoy meet-and-greets with student-athletes and coaches.

Fans wishing to attend the 2024 kick-off can register at www.TheAmerican.org/AACKickoff

Eight of the 28 student-athletes in this year’s Kickoff earned all-conference honors last season, including Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin, Navy linebacker Colin Ramos and Tulane defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins, who were first-team all-conference selections in 2023.

The American Kickoff live stream will air on Tuesday, July 22 at 9 a.m. ET. Morgan Uber, Rene Ingoglia, Taylor McHargue and Brooke Kirchhofer will interview coaches and student-athletes from all 14 teams. ESPN+ will carry this broadcast, along with a second stream that will feature the head coaches’ full press conferences.

Loews Arlington is conveniently located approximately 20 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, at Texas Live!, between Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium, across from AT&T Stadium.