Cougar Nation gathers at 17th annual Cougar Kickoff

PROVO, Utah — Cougar nation gathered to celebrate the coming 2022-23 athletic season at the 17th annual Cougar Kickoff at the Student Athlete Building on Wednesday.

"The Cougar Kickoff has always been the first time each season where our fans get to come out and bump shoulders with the football players and many of our other student-athletes," said BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe. "We weren't able to do this the last two years due to COVID-19 and weather, so our fans are hungry for some Cougar Kickoff." 

After a two-year hiatus, the Kickoff provided fans the opportunity to mingle with student athletes from the football team, as well as a variety of other BYU teams. Fans were also treated to a close-up of BYU athletic facilities including the football weight room and year-old renovated locker room.

The event also included an assortment of activities, food vendors, prizes and giveaways.

"Our fan experience team did a great job putting together a Kickoff that was bigger, more efficient and more exciting than ever before," Holmoe said. "It was a great night." 

No. 3 women’s soccer ignites the BYU athletic season with its regular season opener at Cal State Fullerton on Thursday at 7 p.m. PDT. Fans can watch the matchup between the Cougars and Titans on ESPN+ or listen to live radio play-by-play from Greg Wrubell on BYURadio.org/BYU Radio App/BYU Radio 107.9 FM.

No. 10 women’s volleyball embarks on its new season as it hosts Rider at the Smith Fieldhouse on Friday, Aug. 26 at 12 p.m. MDT. The match is the first of three season-opening home contests for the Cougars as part of the BYU Invitational No. 1. The Cougars will also face Duke and Washington State, with all three matches available live on BYUtv and or the BYUtv App.

No. 25 BYU football begins its much-anticipated final season of Independence at South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. EDT on ESPNU. Fans can also listen live to the Cougars’ opener on BYU Radio SiriusXM 143/BYURadio.org/BYU Radio App/KSL 102.7 FM/1160 AM.