The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that Hays has been selected as the site for the 50th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl on July 15, 2023.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a non-profit charity that works to raise funds and awareness for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Since 1974 these prestigious high school football all-star games have raised over $3 million.
The event routinely brings 6,000 – 8,000 visitors to the host community. It is expected that the 50th could draw even more of a crowd.
“We are excited our event will be returning to the Hays community for this very special game,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Executive Director B.J. Harris. “Hays has proven to be a great host for us in the past and we’re confident it will be the perfect backdrop for our 50th game.”
Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau staff prepared a bid for the 50th event, which included a lengthy application, pledges for partnerships, and, in the final selection round, an in-person pitch, which was presented by Janet Kuhn, Hays CVB Convention and Sales Manager. Kuhn helped bring the Kansas Shrine Bowl to Hays in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
“Our community partners – from Fort Hays State University, local law enforcement, and our lodging properties, to the Ellis County Fair Board and local Shriners – all work together to make Hays a welcoming destination time and time again,” Kuhn said.
As the host community, Hays will partner to coordinate other events that accompany the Kansas Shrine Bowl, including a parade, band camp, cheerleading clinic, golf tournament, and banquet for 1,200 Shriners, participants, and fans.
The 49th annual game will be held July 23, 2022 in Pittsburg, Kansas. For additional information on the Kansas Shrine Bowl, visit www.kansasshrinebowl.com.