The Gala
53rd Annual Lombardi Award® Gala
Wednesday, December 9, 2026 at the Hilton Americas–Houston. A formal seated dinner, the announcement of the 2026 winner, and an evening that funds cancer research in Coach Lombardi's name.
- Date
- Wed, Dec 9, 2026
- Doors
- 6:00 PM reception · 7:00 PM dinner
- Venue
- Hilton Americas–Houston
1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010 - Dress
- Black tie optional
Schedule
Timeline of events
Kickoff Reception
An exclusive evening of meet-and-greets with the finalists, craft brews, light bites and live entertainment, with sponsors, supporters and special guests before the main event.
Included with All-American and All-Conference tables and all sponsorships
Front Line Kids visit
Finalists and Lombardi Legends visit Texas Children's and MD Anderson pediatric cancer centers. Not a ticketed event; shared on social.
VIP Linemen's Reception
Cocktails, networking, photo opportunities including the group photo with finalists, and a preview of the silent auction.
Included with VIP tickets, All-American and All-Conference tables, and all sponsorships
Dinner & Award Ceremony
Formal seated dinner, the awards presentation, and appearances from past winners, finalists and distinguished guests. The 2026 winner is announced from the stage.
All tickets and tables
Raffle & Silent Auction
Exclusive memorabilia, experiences and prizes, all proceeds to cancer research. The raffle is open to anyone, attending or not.
Getting there
Venue, parking, hotel
Map & directions ↗Hilton Americas–Houston
1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010. Connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center and Avenida Houston.
Parking
Hotel self-park and valet; Avenida Houston garages at 1001 Avenida de las Americas. Rideshare drop at the Lamar St entrance.
Hotel
Rooms at the host hotel can be booked directly. Ask about a Lombardi Award rate when you call.
Contact
Questions about seating, sponsorship or accessibility: info@lombardiaward.org
Questions
Before you arrive
What is the dress code?
Black tie optional. Most guests wear tuxedos, dark suits, or cocktail and evening attire.
What does an Individual ticket include compared with a VIP ticket?
An Individual ticket ($300) admits one guest to the Dinner & Award Ceremony. A VIP ticket ($600) adds the VIP Linemen's Reception beforehand, where the finalists are present for photos.
Can I buy a table for my company?
Yes. Lettermen ($3,500), All-Conference ($6,000) and All-American ($10,000) tables seat ten and include program recognition. Sponsorships from $15,000 add signage, website and social recognition.
How are the finalists and the winner chosen?
The Lombardi Award Committee names a preseason watchlist of linemen and linebackers, updates it at midseason (Oct 14), then a national panel of voters selects semifinalists (voting Oct 21–31, announced Nov 4), four finalists (voting Nov 6–14, announced Nov 18) and the winner (voting Nov 19 – Dec 3). The winner is announced at the gala on December 9, 2026.
Where do the proceeds go?
Net proceeds from sponsorships and table sales fund cancer research, as stipulated by Marie Lombardi when the award was founded in 1970.
Who do I contact about accessibility needs?
Email info@lombardiaward.org before December 1 and we will arrange seating and access.