BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, his wife, Holly, and members of the BYU football team will participate in an hour-long devotional prior to seven football games this season.

These devotionals will be conducted the evening prior to all road games as well as home games against Utah and San Jose State. They are referred to as "firesides" and are intended to help players, coaches, and those who attend strengthen or gain a knowledge of our purpose here on earth.

"The firesides have been a way for us to make a very clear statement of what our priorities are, or should be," Mendenhall says. "Football is simply the vehicle we use to help others come to a knowledge of what really brings joy and happiness to our lives. Football is not the priority. Some people don't understand that. These firesides are a way for all of us to help consider our priorities through understanding the purpose of life."

The BYU football team has been holding weekly firesides throughout the football season since the Cougars' trip to New Mexico during the 2005 season.

With both players and coaches involved, speakers at the weekly firesides talk about the meaning of discipleship, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Special musical numbers are performed by players as well. Messages will focus on how we should seek to follow the Savior's example in all aspects of our life, and as we do so, we can come to a clear understanding of our purpose here on earth.

Following is a list of fireside dates and the locations for each fireside during the 2011 season. All firesides are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. local time.

2011 Fireside Schedule

Friday, Sept. 2 (Ole Miss)
Tupelo Stake Center
1085 South Thomas St.
Tupelo, MS 38801

Friday, Sept. 9 (Texas)
Austin Stake Center
1000 East Rutherford Lane
Austin, TX 78753

Friday, Sept. 16 (Utah)
Orem Windsor Stake
60 E 1600 N
Orem, UT 84057

Friday, Oct. 7 (San Jose State)
Springville West Stake
996 W Center St.
Springville, UT 84663

Friday, Oct. 14 (Oregon State)
Keizer Oregon Stake Center
1375 Lockhaven Drive
Keizer, OR 97303

Thursday, Oct. 27 (TCU)
Colleyville Stake Center
500 West McDonwell School Road
Colleyville, TX 76034

Friday, Dec. 2 (Hawai'i)
Makakilo Stake Center
92-900 Makakilo Drive
Makakilo, HI 96707