Utz Quality Foods, LLC, a subsidiary of Utz Brands, Inc. and the company behind the iconic Utz® Cheese Balls, played a major role at Beer Bowl 2026 as an official sponsor of the annual charity event hosted by Jason and Kylie Kelce. Held in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, the highly anticipated fundraising event once again brought together professional athletes, celebrities, fans and corporate partners in support of the Eagles Autism Foundation, helping generate vital funding for autism research, advocacy and care programs.
Known for blending entertainment, sports and philanthropy, Beer Bowl has become one of the most recognizable summer charity events associated with the Philadelphia Eagles community. The 2026 edition continued that tradition, offering an exciting mix of competitive games, celebrity appearances, interactive fan experiences and community engagement. Utz added a unique flavor to the festivities by introducing one of the event’s most memorable attractions while reinforcing its commitment to giving back through meaningful community partnerships.
Beer Bowl 2026 Brings Fans Together for a Worthy Cause
Beer Bowl 2026 took place on June 25, 2026, at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City. Hosted by former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce, the event attracted thousands of attendees eager to participate in a day of friendly competition and charitable giving.
The annual fundraiser supports the Eagles Autism Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding innovative autism research while improving access to educational resources, healthcare and support services for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
Throughout the day, celebrity teams and fans competed in a variety of entertaining challenges designed to raise money for the foundation. Every competition combined lighthearted fun with a larger purpose—helping improve the lives of individuals living with autism.
The Million Cheese Ball Challenge Becomes an Instant Favorite
One of Beer Bowl 2026’s biggest highlights came through the collaboration between Utz, Garage Beer, New Heights Productions and Jason and Kylie Kelce.
The partnership introduced the Utz x Garage Beer Million Cheese Ball Challenge™, an oversized interactive game that quickly became one of the event’s signature attractions.
The challenge featured an enormous pool containing more than one million Utz Cheese Balls. Participants jumped into the mountain of cheese balls searching for specially marked orange Garage Beer-branded ping pong balls hidden throughout the pit.
The concept perfectly matched the playful personality of Utz Cheese Balls while providing attendees with an unforgettable experience. Spectators gathered throughout the day to watch participants dive into the massive cheese ball-filled arena, creating one of the event’s most photographed and widely shared moments.
The challenge demonstrated how creative brand activations can successfully entertain audiences while supporting charitable fundraising efforts.
Creating Interactive Experiences Beyond the Main Competition
In addition to the Million Cheese Ball Challenge, Utz maintained a strong presence throughout Beer Bowl 2026 with multiple fan engagement activities.
Visitors were welcomed at the Utz fan tent, where the company distributed a wide selection of its popular snack products. Guests had opportunities to sample various Utz favorites while learning more about the brand.
The fan area also featured several interactive experiences, including:
- Custom drink holder decorating stations.
- Personalized Utz Pretzel Necklace creation.
- Product giveaways and snack sampling.
- Family-friendly activities throughout the day.
A distinctive Utz-branded boat also became part of the event landscape, serving as another eye-catching attraction that reinforced the company’s playful identity while encouraging attendees to visit its activation areas.
These experiences helped create a festival atmosphere, ensuring attendees of all ages could participate in activities even when they were not competing in Beer Bowl events.
Team 62 Event Extends the Fundraising Effort
Utz’s support for the Eagles Autism Foundation extended beyond Beer Bowl itself.
One day earlier, on June 24, the company participated in the Team 62 event held at The Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City. Like Beer Bowl, Team 62 was organized to benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation and featured a variety of fundraising activities.
At the event, Utz operated a dedicated branded bar where celebrity bartenders served guests throughout the evening. Fans also enjoyed complimentary Utz snack sampling and received the company’s signature Utz Pretzel Necklaces, which have become a recognizable part of many Philadelphia-area sporting celebrations.
The relaxed atmosphere gave attendees additional opportunities to interact with celebrities while supporting the foundation’s mission.
Live Auction Raises Significant Contributions
One of the evening’s major fundraising components was a live auction featuring exclusive memorabilia and donated items.
Among the most talked-about auction pieces was a custom Utz cheese ball dispenser that had been displayed at the branded bar during the event.
The dispenser became especially valuable because it was autographed by several Philadelphia Eagles players, franchise legends and numerous celebrity guests attending the fundraiser.
Sports memorabilia collectors and Eagles fans eagerly participated in the bidding, helping generate additional proceeds for the Eagles Autism Foundation.
The auction highlighted how branded experiences can be transformed into meaningful fundraising opportunities when companies collaborate closely with nonprofit organizations and community leaders.
Record-Breaking Results for the Eagles Autism Foundation
The 2026 Team 62 event achieved an important milestone by surpassing its previous fundraising record.
Organizers announced that the event raised $1.26 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation, exceeding the 2025 total of $1 million.
The record-breaking performance reflects growing community support for autism initiatives as well as the increasing popularity of fundraising events hosted by Jason and Kylie Kelce.
Corporate partners such as Utz played an important role in helping create memorable guest experiences that encouraged participation and charitable giving.
The additional funding will help the Eagles Autism Foundation continue investing in autism research while expanding access to education, treatment and support services for individuals and families.
Corporate Partnerships Drive Community Impact
Beer Bowl 2026 illustrated how partnerships between consumer brands, nonprofit organizations and public figures can amplify charitable impact.
Rather than simply displaying logos or sponsoring event signage, Utz integrated its products directly into entertaining experiences that encouraged participation and conversation.
By transforming its well-known Cheese Balls into the centerpiece of an interactive competition, the company created a memorable attraction that aligned naturally with the event’s festive atmosphere while keeping attention focused on fundraising.
Collaborations with Garage Beer and New Heights Productions further strengthened the experience, demonstrating how multiple organizations can combine their audiences and resources to maximize charitable outcomes.
A Brand Built Around Fun
According to Liza Darnell, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Utz Quality Foods, the partnership reflected the company’s playful personality and commitment to community engagement.
She noted that few combinations fit together better than Utz Cheese Balls, Garage Beer and supporting an important charitable cause. She added that because Utz Cheese Balls have always embraced a lighthearted image, participating in one of Beer Bowl’s most entertaining fundraising activities felt like a natural fit for the brand.
Her comments underscored Utz’s strategy of connecting consumers with memorable experiences while supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in local communities.
Supporting Autism Research Through Community Engagement
Beer Bowl has grown beyond a celebrity sporting event into an influential fundraising platform that mobilizes fans, athletes, businesses and volunteers around a shared mission. The continued success of the event highlights increasing public awareness of autism research and the importance of providing comprehensive resources for individuals and families affected by autism.
For Utz Quality Foods, Beer Bowl 2026 represented more than a sponsorship opportunity. Through immersive fan experiences, product sampling, creative competitions and participation in multiple fundraising events, the company demonstrated how consumer brands can contribute to meaningful social causes while creating memorable experiences for thousands of attendees.
As Beer Bowl continues to expand its reach each year, partnerships like the one between Utz, Garage Beer, New Heights Productions and the Kelce family are helping transform community celebrations into powerful fundraising initiatives. The record-setting donations generated during the 2026 events will support the Eagles Autism Foundation’s ongoing efforts to advance autism research, improve care programs and strengthen resources for individuals and families across the autism community.
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