The celebration of America's 250th birthday continues with the 2026 Patriot Games, and they are happening right here in Ohio.
The games started Sunday, Aug. 9, and will last through Tuesday, Aug. 11. Some of the top 14-to 17-year-old student-athletes are competing in the games, which are part of President Donald Trump’s vision to celebrate the country's birthday.
Student-athletes have the chance to play for scholarship money.
Here's what you need to know about the 2026 Patriot Games, including how to watch and what events the student-athletes will compete in:
What are the 2026 Patriot Games
Patriot Games — organized by Freedom 250 — are President Donald Trump's vision for America's 250th Anniversary. Details of what
competitions the student athletes — ages 14-17 — will compete in have been sparse, though details are beginning to emerge.
“The 2026 Patriot Games are a national athletic competition celebrating America’s next generation of leaders, competitors and champions as part of our nation’s historic 250th birthday. Student athletes from across the country will compete on a national stage, reaching millions of Americans through ABC and ESPN and competing for $250,000 in scholarships," Freedom 250 Spokesperson Danielle Alvarez told USA TODAY Sports.
"Freedom 250 is proud to bring Americans together through unforgettable signature events — from the Freedom Trucks and July 4 celebrations to the 2026 Patriot Games — that celebrate our country and inspire the next generation.”
Where will the competition be taking place?
The competition will take place at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio.
President Donald Trump to visit Ohio for Patriot Games
President Donald Trump will be in Geneva on Tuesday, Aug. 11, to attend the 2026 Patriot Games at SPIRE Academy.
"President Trump looks forward to attending the Patriot Games in Ohio on Tuesday as we continue to celebrate 250 years of American greatness!" White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X.
When are the 2026 Patriot Games
- Dates: Sunday, Aug. 9, to Tuesday, Aug. 11
The 2026 Patriot Games are scheduled Sunday, Aug. 9 to Tuesday, Aug. 11. Across the three days, 120 student-athletes will compete in various competitions with a chance to win from a scholarship pool.
Events on August 10 include girls and boys varsity circuit/operation endurance, while August 11 include tug of war and victory hoops.
Can I get tickets to the 2026 Patriot Games?
You can request tickets to the games through the Freedom 250 website.
How to watch the 2026 Patriot Games
- Streaming: ESPN App
The 2026 Patriot Games can be streamed live on the ESPN App from Aug. 9-11. An additional post-event special will air on Thursday, Aug. 13, on ABC.
ESPN has announced a lineup of Laura Rutledge, Matt Barrie, Beth Mowins and Tom Hart for coverage of the games.
ABC and ESPN will air a Patriot Games primetime special at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 13.
What events are in the 2026 Patriot Games
Boys and girls will participate in various activities, including track-and-field events (100-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles and the broad jump), obstacle course challenges, tug-of-war, kickball, dodgeball, Pop-A-Shot (basketball shooting) and other skills drawn from baseball, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
Patriot Games schedule, how to watch
Here is the lineup, via the ESPN app, of what the schedule will look like for the three days of competition. All times are ET and subject to change.
Monday, Aug. 10:
- 11 a.m. - Girls Varsity Circuit
- 11 a.m. - Boys Operation Endurance
- 2:45 p.m. - Boys Varsity Circuit
- 2:45 p.m. - Girls Operation Endurance
Tuesday, Aug. 11:
- 10:30 a.m. - Tug-of-War (Boys & Girls)
- 11:30 a.m. - Victory Hoops (Boys & Girls)
- 7 p.m. - Semifinal, Final & Closing
Who is participating in the 2026 Patriot Games
The 2026 Patriot Games is aimed to aid 120 student athletes, ages 14-17, from across the United States, its territories, US military bases and tribal nations. These 120 athletes will compete on the national stage while competing for a $250,000 scholarship pool, awarded to winners.
Patriot Games criticized for similarity to 'The Hunger Games'
When Trump announced the games in December, Democrats mocked Trump on social media, comparing the athletic event to "The Hunger Games," a dystopian book and movie series where two children from every district must fight to the death in a competition held by their government.
Some on social media defended the games, arguing that they promoted youth athleticism and compared the event to the Olympics.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's 2026 Patriot Games are in Ohio. Here's everything we know
