​​Who is Lori Piestewa?

Lori Ann Piestewa was the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military. A proud member of the Hopi tribe and of Mexican-American heritage, she was a mother, soldier, and symbol of courage. Lori’s life and sacrifice during the Iraq War in 2003 continue to inspire unity, service, and strength—values that the Piestewa Games are built on.

​

How Did the Piestewa Games Get Started?

In 2003, following Lori’s death, Erik Widmark—then Executive Director of the Grand Canyon State Games—approached the Piestewa family and received their blessing to create a sporting event in her honor. The first Piestewa Games took place in Tuba City in July 2004, bringing communities together through sport to celebrate Lori’s legacy.

​

Is this an all-Native tournament?

No. Lori Piestewa was Hopi and Mexican, and she lived her life to help as many people as possible. The Piestewa Games honor her legacy of bringing people together by welcoming all participants, regardless of race, creed, color, or gender orientation.

​

Do Members of the Piestewa Family Profit from the Games?

No. The Piestewa family has never profited from the event. They are a family rooted in service and have been instrumental in keeping the Games alive and true to Lori’s values.

​

Where Does the Money from the Event Go?

The Piestewa Games have operated at a deficit since the pandemic, but our mission remains unchanged: to give back and create meaningful opportunities for our participants.

​

The Games provide support to communtiies in varies way.  Some examples are: 

• During the pandemic the Games providing COVID-19 tests, bottled water and PPE to families in need.

• Helping a mother who lost both her husband and daughter while battling cancer and raising her grandchildren

​

Some significant yearly expenses include but not limited to: 

• Minimum of 32K on giveaway shirts

• Over 60K in Referees and Umpires.

• Over 10K in Scorekeepers & Timers

 

Our long-term goal is to grow the Games so we can offer even more givebacks, scholarships, and expanded opportunities for all who participate. Your involvement helps make that vision possible.

​

Why Are the Piestewa Games Held at AAG?

We chose Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG) to host all events at one location to simplify travel for families and teams.
We also work closely with AAG to:

• Keep gate fees low

• Keep the event as affordable as possible for participants

• This partnership helps create a better, more accessible experience for everyone.​

 

Check-In – Friday, July 11

Only your coach needs to check in—players do not need to be present.

Coaches must bring either proof of payment or the roster confirmation email to complete check-in.​

​

• Basketball: 11:00 AM – Performance Center (between Field House A & B)

• Baseball:

  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Performance Center

  • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM – Fields Ticket Trailer

• Wrestling: 5:00 PM – Players Lounge (next to Field House C)

• Slow-Pitch Softball: 

  • Check-in begins at 8:00 PM – 11PM at the Fields Ticket Trailer – Friday

  • Check-in begins at 8:00 PM – 11PM at the Fields Ticket Trailer - Saturday

• Fast-Pitch Softball: 6:00 AM – At the fields - SATURDAY

• 🕛 Please do not arrive early.

 

Schedule & Brackets

Available at www.PiestewaGames.com
Exposure Software is used for Baseball, Basketball, Fast-Pitch, and Slow-Pitch.

​

Tickets

• Daily and weekend passes available

• Field sport tickets sold on-site at the fields

• Kids 10 & under are FREE
  Purchase Tickets Here

 

Parking

• $5/day + fees (starting Friday at 3 PM)

• Free before 3 PM on Friday

• Cashless only – pay at stations or online

 

Food & Beverage

• No outside food or drink (exceptions for medical needs)

• Water/hydration drinks allowed

• Coolers allowed at outdoor venues only

• No water stations – bring your own water

 

Credentials & Wristbands

• All athletes receive non-transferable credentials (not replaceable)
  By Sport:

• Basketball: 12 player credentials + 2 coach wristbands

• Baseball, Fastpitch, Slowpitch: 15 player credentials + 2 coach wristbands

• Wrestling: 1 credential per wrestler (no coach wristbands)
  🛑 Lost wristbands will not be replaced; damaged bands may be exchanged if returned.

 

Shirts

• Shirt sizes are final after the deadline—no changes or additions

• Late/updated rosters will receive a shirt based on available group inventory
  🚫 No exchanges allowed

 

Trainers Area – Field House B

• Ice (non-injury): $2 per bag

• Ankle taping: $3

• Injury-related ice is free

 

Women’s Final Four Trophy

📍 On display in the corridor between Field House A & B
📸 Photo Opportunities:

• Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM