Southern Utah University Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence with Utah Summer Games Opening Ceremony
Published: June 02, 2026 | Read Time: 2 minutes
CEDAR CITY, Utah — This year, Southern Utah University (SUU) and the Cedar City community will mark a historic milestone as the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games celebrates its 40th anniversary. To honor this legacy, the 40th season kicks off with a star-studded Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 5, at Eccles Coliseum, featuring a vibrant lineup of community events, live entertainment, and athletic tradition.
What began in 1986 as a visionary effort to showcase a growing regional college has evolved into a premier statewide pillar, generating nearly $17 million in annual economic impact and welcoming athletes from across the nation to experience the spirit of competition in the heart of Southern Utah. For four decades, the Utah Summer Games has served as the official state games of Utah, providing a unique, Olympic-style experience that remains accessible to everyone.
"The relationship between the Games, Cedar City, and SUU has always been a love story,” explains Jon Oglesby, Executive Director of the Utah Summer Games. “It’s a story of individuals pushing themselves to the highest possible heights and, in the process, lifting an entire community. Whether you are on the court, in the stands, or working behind the scenes, there is a sense of joy that permeates this event. We are eager to welcome a new generation of athletes and families to campus to write their own chapters in this beautiful story."
Festivities will begin on Friday, June 5 at 5 p.m. with the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games Block Party, presented by KSL 5 TV . Held in the stadium's west parking lot, the block party will feature local vendors, appearances from Utah Summer Games partners such as the Las Vegas Raiders, and live media coverage by KSL TV and KONY Country. Following the block party, doors will open at 8 p.m. for the highly anticipated Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games 40th Anniversary Opening Ceremony, presented by State Bank of Southern Utah . The evening’s main event will feature Southern Utah’s largest fireworks show, live music, the traditional Parade of Athletes, and appearances by prominent political and sports dignitaries. Tickets for the show are available at TBirdTickets.com
In addition to the Opening Ceremony celebration, the 40th anniversary season, presented by Leavitt Group and Auto-Owners Insurance, features an expanded calendar of events designed to bring the community together including:
- America 250 Summer Street Fest (June 13): A celebration of American values, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
- Community Events: Including the State Bank of Southern Utah Pancake Breakfast and a specialized "Utah Summer Games Day" at Brian Head Resort.
The Utah Summer Games invites athletes of all ages and abilities to find their place in the competition and experience the hospitality of Festival City, USA.
For more information on events, registration, and the 40th-anniversary schedule, visit the official UtahSummerGames.org.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu