TOPEKA – The 47th Kansas Shrine Bowl Football Game will be played at Topeka’s Hummer Sports Complex July 18 rather than Washburn University.
Great Bend safety Dalton Miller and Hoisington linebacker Wyatt Pedigo are scheduled to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus May 5, due to health and safety concerns from the coronavirus, the fate of the 47th Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown.
“We’re excited to have a new venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July 18,” said B.J. Harris, Kansas Shrine Bowl director. “Hummer Sports Complex is an amazing facility. Their staff and support will be a tremendous asset.”
The new venue is a positive step, but the Kansas Shrine Bowl recognizes the challenges and changes that could affect the event.
“All activities are being coordinated with assistance from the Shawnee County COVID-19 Task Force,” said Harris. “The health of our players, participants and fans is the top priority. We’ll work with local officials to execute a safe event.”
The 47th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be anything but business as usual.
The biggest change will the cancellation of the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band.
“After discussions with multiple high school and collegiate band directors it became evident that a successful band camp would not be possible with the expected limitations,” said Harris. “We’re disappointed for our band kids, but we’re hopeful we can keep them engaged with our event and execute an alternative that could keep the band present at this year’s game.”
William Woodsworth, Emporia State band director, and A.J. Pence, Valley Falls band director, will working to put together a Kansas Masonic All-State “Virtual” Band.“
“It’s important to allow these fine students to share their talents and their passion, especially given these trying times,” said Woodsworth. “This summer’s performance of the 2020 Kansas Masonic All-State “Virtual” Band will still be for the kids.”
Cancellations include the Participant Appreciation Banquet, Strong Legs Run 5K and hospital screening clinic.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp has been shortened to a two-day, commuter camp at a Topeka school district facility. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade, high school football combine, and Junior All-Star Challenge are still being considered.
The West leads the East 28-17-1. The exhibition game benefits the Shriners Hospital for Children, which features 22 hospitals.
