2026 Centurions Americana Extravaganza
Landmark Event Marks 56 Years of Fundraising
By Loni Nannini
America is turning 250 and the Centurions will celebrate the semi-quincentennial with a larger-than-life themed event that seeks to raise more than $500,000 for local charities at Kino Sports Complex.
The Centurions Americana Extravaganza-Red, White & Boots, on Apr. 25, will be headlined by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The evening marks 56 years of fundraising—and a continued foray into major concerts—by the service group comprising business owners, professionals and community leaders.
“When we were trying to figure out the essence of 2026, we knew we wanted it to be based on Americana—a throwback, if you will—and Lynyrd Skynyrd really fit that mold. With it being the 250th anniversary of the United States, songs like Free Bird come to mind,” said Kevin Bedient, chair of the event.
He said the Centurions are eager to expand on the music genres highlighted over the past several years through 38 Special, Smash Mouth and Bare Naked Ladies.
“Someone told me that Lynyrd Skynyrd hasn’t been to Tucson since their inception and we are fortunate to have them. We went through a lot of turmoil trying to get a band this year and they were actually my first choice,” said Bedient.
Billy Shaw Jr. and Drew Cooper will open for Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the open-air venue will also offer casino games for prizes, numerous lounges for themed meals and drinks, a DJ, a Super Raffle with $25,000 in cash prizes, adult-sized tricycle races, arcade games and much more. Highlights also include a spectacular drone show sponsored by local businesses and the legendary annual costume contest featuring cash prizes. Themed “Red, White & Boots,” Bedient said the competition will also introduce a boots contest this year.
“People really get into our costume contest. They come from all over, even from out of state, and it really kind of takes on a mind of its own.”
The entire evening has become an annual tradition for many Tucsonans.
“I think there is a level of expectation when it comes to Centurion events. This is one of the only events in Tucson where you can pay a flat price of $125 for a concert, a meal and five drink tickets, and great fun and entertainment,” said Bedient.
Bedient credits 100 active Centurions and 150 legacy members for working throughout the year to produce the evening.
“The importance of what we do is really about how the Centurions can come together to put on this event. It is a group of business leaders and professionals in town that care about the community.”
That caring has significant consequences. Over the past 55 years, Centurions have raised more than $9.6 million to support charities that serve at-risk children and their families through health, education and mentorship. The 2026 beneficiaries include TMC for Children; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona; Children’s Advocacy Center for Southern Arizona; Children’s Museum Tucson; and Therapeutic Ranch for Animals & Kids.
“We are one of the original philanthropy groups in the hospital networks. We supported St. Mary’s Hospital and now partner with TMC. It is an important facet of the community to do the fundraising we do and to raise money for the charities we support,” said Bedient.
Centurion support has a huge impact on TMC for Children and the community at large, according to Deborah Dale, VP and Chief Development Officer for TMC Health Foundation.
“TMC Health is so proud of our partnership with the Centurions. What an amazing group of volunteer philanthropists. Over the last decade they have raised and donated an astounding $1,315,884.66 for TMC for Children projects,” said Dale.
That funding has facilitated renovation of the Pediatric Emergency Department; created the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Small Baby Unit to care for the tiniest patients; and built the Pediatric Simulation Lab to provide high-fidelity, hands-on training for care teams.
“Their next endeavor is creating a NICU Transitional Unit to care for our NICU ‘graduates’ who aren’t quite ready for independence. We cannot say enough how grateful we are for their care of the community through their hard work and generosity,” said Dale.
Photo courtesy The Centurions
Tickets, Field Suites, sponsorship packages and Annual Super Raffle tickets are now available at:
TheCenturionsEvent.com.
Early Ticker purchase is encouraged as The Centurions’ annual event is one of the region’s most celebrated and widely attended fundraising experiences.
