Members of the 222nd unit of the Utah National Guard are expected to light the torch during the opening ceremony for the 40th anniversary of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games in Cedar City on Friday night.
Opening Ceremony Details
The ceremony, held at Southern Utah University's Eccles Coliseum Field, will feature an 80s-themed tribute performance by the band Shuffle and one of the largest fireworks displays in southern Utah. According to KSLTV, the event marks four decades of the games, which draw thousands of athletes from across the state.
Sports and Athlete Participation
The 2026 games include 36 different sports, including new additions such as outdoor volleyball and slow-pitch softball. The competition features approximately 11,000 athletes from across the western United States, with some participants as young as four years old.
America 250 Celebration Events
The games also serve as a component of the America 250 celebration events and include four state championships along with a cheer and dance camp.
Economic Impact on Cedar City
Economic data from the 2025 Utah Summer Games indicated an estimated $17 million economic impact on Cedar City. The executive director of Visit Cedar City & Brian Head noted that this financial impact benefits local hotels, restaurants, gasoline providers, and merchants.
