Before the Arizona Cardinals take on the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 16, gamers will battle in a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament at State Farm Stadium to raise funds for children in foster care.
Arizona’s Children Association, Grand Canyon University and the Cardinals partnered to set up a two-day tournament, with Day 1 at the GCU Esports Arena and 16 finalists making it to Day 2 at State Farm Stadium.
When players sign up to register, they will get the choice of a Cardinals ticket. Game tickets are included in the package. Tournament competitors will receive postgame photo opportunities on the field, while $20 from each ticket will go toward Arizona’s Children Association.
“As someone who was adopted at 13, I understand the importance of finding a place where you belong,” Jay DeShong, director of GCU Esports, said in a release. “Esports gave me that outlet in a way to compete, connect and grow without financial barriers. Hosting this tournament allows us to celebrate gaming while supporting a cause that changes lives.”
Tournament rules include three stocks, a seven-minutes time limit and hazards off. After each game, the winner gets to choose a character, the loser chooses a character, the winner bans three stages and the loser picks from remaining options.
The tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. MST on Nov. 15 with doors opening at noon.
Doors open at State Farm Stadium for the finals at 9 a.m. MST on Nov. 16. The tournament will run until 11 a.m. MST before the Cardinals and 49ers kick off their divisional matchup at 2:05 p.m. MST.
Registration closes on Nov. 14, and space is limited.
Arizona’s Children Association provides programs in child welfare, including foster care and adoption services along with parent education.