Prior to each football game during the season, including both home and road game, Coach Mendenhall, his wife, Holly, and members of the BYU football team participate in an hour-long devotional. These devotionals 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.
"Through the messages, as well as the musical numbers that are performed, it's a way to bring peace and happiness to our lives -- it's a way for us to give back by sharing with others the real meaning, or 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.
"Prior to holding these firesides, I never felt settled about our regular Friday-night routine," Mendenhall says. "I always felt like we should be doing something more -- something that would allow us to give back to the community. It was an unsettled feeling that didn't ever go away until I came to a clear knowledge of what it was that we were supposed to be doing. It has been rewarding to see how the players, as well as others have embraced it."
Speakers at the weekly firesides talk about the meaning of discipleship, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. 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.
"Discipleship is a lifelong journey," Mendenhall explains. "Being a disciple of Christ should influence every aspect of our life, every day, month and year of our life."
Following is a list of fireside dates and the locations for each fireside. In an effort to maintain a reverent and spiritual environment within the chapels, we respectfully ask that those attending the firesides not ask players or coaches for photographs or autographs prior to, during or following the fireside.
2008 BYU FOOTBALL FIRESIDES
Friday, Aug. 29
American Fork Tabernacle; 7 p.m. (MT)
110 E. Main Street
American Fork, Utah
Friday, Sept. 5
Kent Stake Center; 7 p.m. (PT)
12817 SE 256th St.
Kent, Washington
Friday, Sept. 12
Payson West Stake; 7 p.m. (MT)
800 W. 450 S.
Payson, Utah
Friday, Sept. 19
American Fork Tabernacle; 7 p.m. (MT)
110 E. Main Street
American Fork, Utah
Thursday, Oct. 2
Ogden Tabernacle; 7 p.m. (MT)
2133 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, Utah
Friday, Oct. 10
BYU 14th Singles Stake; 7 p.m. (MT)
735 E. 800 S.
Orem, Utah
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Carrollton Stake Center; 7:30 p.m. (CT)
4000 Nazarene Dr.
Carrollton, TX
Friday, Oct. 24
Colonial Stake Center; 7 p.m. (MT)
1625 South Slate Canyon Dr.
Provo, Utah
Friday, Oct. 31
Fort Collins Stake Center; 7 p.m. (MT)
600 E. Swallow Rd.
Fort Collins, CO
Friday, Nov. 7
Springville West Stake; 7 p.m. (MT)
996 W. Center Street
Springville, UT
Friday, Nov. 14
Colorado Springs Stake Center; 7 p.m. (MT)
155 Pine Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Friday, Nov. 21
Assembly Hall on Temple Square; 7 p.m.
Temple Square
Salt Lake City, Utah
Friday, Dec. 19
Henderson Green Valley Stake Center; 7 p.m.
410 Valle Verde Drive
Henderson, Nevada