FirstNet, Built with AT&T Inks Agreements witH First Responder Bowl and Armed Forces Bowl

FORT WORTH, Texas (Aug. 12, 2025) – FirstNet®, Built with AT&T – the only nationwide network built with and for first responders and the extended public safety community – has extended its Chief-level partnership with the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl for four years, and has agreed to a new Medal of Honor sponsor level package with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

FirstNet has partnered with the First Responder Bowl since 2019, and its agreement includes the entitlement of the game’s FanZone outside Gerald J. Ford Stadium. FirstNet’s inaugural agreement with the Armed Forces Bowl entitles the bowl’s pregame concert stage outside Amon G. Carter Stadium. 

“We are excited to have FirstNet associated with both of our bowl games this year,” said Brant Ringler, executive director of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl and the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. “The company has been an outstanding partner for the First Responder Bowl for the past six years and is a welcome addition to the Armed Forces Bowl family.”

“As public safety’s partner, we are proud to spotlight America’s first responders and armed forces with these sponsorships,” said Scott Agnew, AT&T, President—FirstNet. “More first responders trust FirstNet than any other network, and it is an honor to keep them connected during everyday emergencies, large-scale disasters, and planned events.”

In December 2014, the First Responder Bowl began honoring first responders, including police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents and military personnel who have specialized training and are the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency. In 2018, the game was renamed to reflect the efforts to show appreciation to first responders.

Known as the “Bowl for the Brave,” the Armed Forces Bowl has featured the armed force’s theme since 2006 and was the first collegiate football bowl game to host all three U.S. Military Academy football teams. Played in honor of the Armed Forces of the United States, the 2024 game marked the 14th time in the past 18 years that the game featured an academy team. Air Force (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2022, 2023), Army (2010, 2017, 2018, 2021) and Navy (2013, 2016, 2024) have been frequent participants over the past nearly two decades.

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl will be played Friday, Dec. 26, at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Kickoff time for the 16th edition of the postseason college football game is set for 7 p.m. (CT) on ESPN.

The 23rd edition of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will be played on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Kickoff is set for noon (CT) on ESPN. 

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl and Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl are two of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events. For additional information about the bowls, please visit FirstResponderBowl.com and ArmedForcesBowl.com.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About FirstNet®, Built with AT&T

FirstNet was shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Built in an unprecedented public-private partnership, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. The FirstNet network provides first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity, unique benefits like mission-critical services, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum to help save lives and protect communities. The FirstNet Authority has a legislative mandate and self-sustaining business model that ensures public safety’s feedback guides the evolution of FirstNet and requires it to invest program-generated funds back into the network.

About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In the 2025-26 academic year, the 35-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, two college volleyball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

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