The National Veterans Tournament Football Association, known as NVT-USA FA, has issued an official statement addressing concerns about the heat players and fans can expect at NVT2026 in Tucson, Arizona. The statement comes from the association’s Directorate of Operations and confirms that concerns raised by participating clubs and the wider NVT community are being taken seriously.
Working With Local Partners
According to the statement, the Directorate of Operations is working directly with the Kino Sports Complex and local authorities in Tucson to put safety measures in place. The goal is to protect everyone connected to the tournament, including players, officials, supporters, vendors, and anyone else taking part, for the full length of the event.
The Plan to Beat the Heat
The association outlined several steps it is putting in place, or already has in motion, to keep people safe and comfortable through the tournament:
- Games will be scheduled strategically so less play happens during the hottest parts of the day.
- Designated spots around the complex will give players and fans a place to cool down.
- Sprinklers will be used periodically to bring down field temperatures.
- Tents and shaded areas will be set up for players, supporters, and officials.
- Games will include built in breaks for cooling off, and locker rooms will be air conditioned.
- Multiple stations will be placed around the complex to keep water flowing to clubs and supporters throughout the event.
The association was clear that this is not the full list of what is being planned, and that more measures are being developed as the tournament date gets closer.
More Room on the Roster
The statement also pointed out that clubs are allowed to register up to 40 players for NVT2026. That gives coaches more flexibility to rotate players through games, which matters even more when heat affects how long players can safely stay on the field.
A Message of Reassurance
The Directorate of Operations closed its statement by reassuring clubs and the broader NVT community that their concerns are being heard, and that the Operations Team is committed to acting in the best interest of every participating club. The statement emphasized that the NVT community, including its Arizona members, is meant to face challenges together, as one group working toward the continued success of the tournament.
The statement was signed by Dr. Pride Abongwa, Vice President and Director of Operations for the National Executive Committee, and dated May 28, 2026.
TVFC will continue to share updates as more details on NVT2026 become available. Members and families planning to attend or take part in Tucson this year can expect more information on heat safety measures as the tournament gets closer.