Cindy McCain, state officials, and sports icons gather in Tempe to honor the late senator’s legacy and vision for civic dialogue.
TEMPE, Ariz. — Under a bright Arizona sky, some of the state’s most recognizable names gathered Thursday near Arizona State University for a moment steeped in history and remembrance: the groundbreaking of the John McCain Library and Museum.
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The ceremony brought together an A-list crowd of civic leaders, politicians, and longtime friends of the late U.S. senator, all united by McCain’s enduring legacy.
At the center of it all was Cindy McCain, the senator’s wife, who joined current and former governors, ASU President Michael Crow, Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, and Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald.
As shovels broke ground, the mood was both celebratory and reflective.
Former Gov. Doug Ducey and current Gov. Katie Hobbs were among the many political and community leaders in attendance, each there to honor a man whose influence stretched far beyond Arizona’s borders.
Renderings of the future library and museum show an 80,000-square-foot facility spread across 22 acres near ASU’s Tempe campus. Scheduled to open in 2028, the site is envisioned as a hub for civic dialogue, public programs, and research centered on McCain’s life, leadership, and service.
Jack McCain, one of the senator’s sons, spoke about his father’s commitment to country and conversation, emphasizing the importance of creating a place where ideas could be debated openly and respectfully—something John McCain believed was essential to democracy.
Cardinals owner Bidwill reflected on that connection, noting how deeply McCain cared about Arizona and its people. He joked that McCain would be peppering him to know who would be the new coach of the Cardinals.
Following the groundbreaking, guests were invited to a private VIP reception.
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