The longest-standing American football awards event is making a historic change this year. The annual Maxwell Football Club awards gala is returning to Pennsylvania this spring, after being held in Atlantic City for 20 years. The state’s oldest casino, Mohegan Pennsylvania, will play host.

Maxwell Football Club has presented the black tie event for 85 years, originally hosting it in Philadelphia. Following the first 65 years in Philly, the gala moved to NJ.

Guests will include some of the biggest names in NFL and collegiate football, the event’s biggest sponsors and donors and the media. Tickets are on sale for fans who want to attend as well. It all goes down on March 9, 2023.

For the Mohegan, the event is an opportunity to show off recent additions to the property.

Anthony Carlucci, President & GM of Mohegan Pennsylvania said:

“We’re really thrilled to partner with The Maxwell Football Club and to host what is an exceptional awards gala that honors football excellence at the Professional, Collegiate and High School levels. This is a historic event returning to Pennsylvania for the first time in 20 years, and we’re honored to be selected as the 2023 host venue, and we cannot wait to show off our property when it arrives March 9th.”

Maxwell Awards guests will rub elbows with the biggest names in the game

We don’t know exactly which PA stars will attend this year as of yet. However, several recognizable names stood out among last year’s awardees.

Eagles Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins won the MFC/Harrah’s Legends Award in 2022. That award, which this year will be presented by Tropicana, is given to a player for their memorable contributions to the game of football.

On the other end of the spectrum, Steelers’ rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett took home the Brian Westbrook Regional Player of the Year Award last year for his stellar performance at the University of Pittsburgh.

Pickett’s coach at Pittsburg, Pat Narduzzi also made the cut, receiving the Andy Talley Regional Coach of the Year Award.

The MFC also awarded up-and-comer Nicholas Singleton of Governor Mifflin High the MFC/ADIDAS National High School Player of the Year Award.

Maxwell Football Club Award winners 2023

So far this year, only the top couple of collegiate award winners are public.

  • USC quarterback Caleb Williams earned the Maxwell Award, which goes to the college player of the year.
  • The MFC also announced the Chuck Bednarik Award winner. Alabama Linebacker Will Anderson Jr. won that high honor for best defensive player in college football.

Other award winners will be announced in the weeks leading up to the gala.

PA’s oldest casino, Mohegan Pennsylvania, emerges anew

PA residents will recognize Mohegan Pennsylvania as the longest standing casino in the state. It opened in 2006 as Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The casino has come a long way over the years, with its recent rebrand and major expansions.

Most notably, the new Hive Taphouse features live music, large TV’s, full dining and over 20 beers on tap. The new space also houses Topgolf Swing Suites, a virtual golf game that simulates playing on real PGA courses.

Other additions to Mohegan include a new outdoor terrace bar, Embers Terrace, and a $10 million renovation to the 237-room hotel, which is slated to be completed by February.

Lead image credit: Mohegan Pennsylvania