The 2026 Patriot Games Are Coming to the ESPN App and ABC
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, the Disney Celebrates America festivities are kicking into high gear.
Originally announced last year, Disney Celebrates America is a company-wide initiative dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Photo: Disney
“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, ‘Disney Celebrates America’ is our way of honoring this historic milestone by celebrating the people, places, and shared moments that define who we are,” Ken Potrock, president of major events integration for The Walt Disney Co., said in a statement.

“Through immersive and creative park experiences and unprecedented broadcast moments, Disney invites everyone to come together and celebrate America in a truly meaningful way by reflecting on where we’ve been and imagining the extraordinary future we can create together.”
The Festivities Begin
As Disney Celebrates America has unfolded before our eyes, we have seen Soarin’ Across America return on both coasts, the debut of the new Sam Eagle Bucket, and the company announce its Fourth of July plans.

(Mariah Wild, Photogrpher)
Now, we have another exciting update to share!
Here Comes the 2026 Patriot Games
Last weekend, Disney announced that the 2026 Patriot Games will be broadcast on both ABC and the ESPN App.

Photo: Disney
Taking place from August 9 through August 11, the event will bring together thousands of high school athletes for the ultimate competition.
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the event will bring together athletes from all 50 states to vie for $125,000 in scholarship funding.
“Our nation’s 250th birthday is more than a celebration of our past. It’s a call to inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and patriots,” said Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach. “The 2026 Patriot Games will showcase the character, talent, and determination that define the American spirit, and we are proud to bring that story to millions of families across the country.”

Photo: ESPN
The entirety of the 2026 Patriot Games will be streamed on the ESPN App, allowing fans to follow along.
“We’re excited to give millions of Americans the opportunity to cheer on and support some of the country’s most promising young athletes as they compete for a scholarship in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President, Content.

Photo: ESPN
Finally, the event will culminate in a one-hour primetime special on ABC on August 13.
See the Full Schedule
You can see the full 2026 Patriot Games schedule on the event website.

I, for one, can’t wait!
As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news coming out of Disney Celebrates America.

Photo: MickeyBlog


