EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas Shrine Bowl and Emporia State University announced Tuesday a multi-year partnership to host the annual East vs. West All-Star Game in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
According to the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Board of Directors, the annual East vs. West all-star football game, which began in 1974, is scheduled to be played on the fourth Saturday in June starting in 2026 at Welch Stadium.
Game dates will be Saturday, June 27, 2026, Saturday, June 26, 2027, and Saturday, June 24, 2028.
“We are thrilled and honored that Emporia has been selected to host the Kansas Shrine Bowl from 2026 to 2028. This is a testament to our community’s dedication to fostering excellence in sports and hospitality. We can’t wait to showcase Emporia’s vibrant community and provide an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and everyone involved.”
Emporia State has hosted the Kansas Shrine Bowl on six previous occasions, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2024. Only the three original host cities, Lawrence, Manhattan, and Wichita have hosted the Kansas Shrine Bowl on more occasions.
“The size of our event, along with the logistics for student housing and meals throughout camp, puts a significant strain on the local community and university to host the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Due to the growing size of our event and the accommodations it requires, it was the right time to find a location that was able to annually accommodate the scope of our event. Emporia and Emporia State have proven to be excellent hosts for our event, they met us with excitement and fully embraced the opportunity to make their community a home for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”
The 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl in Emporia resulted in a $150,000 donation to benefit Shriners Children’s, the second largest single-year contribution in the 51-year history of the organization.
The 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl is scheduled to be played on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City, Kansas.
Future Kansas Shrine Bowl DatesSaturday, June 21, 2025 – Memorial Stadium, Dodge City, KansasSaturday, June 27, 2026 – Welch Stadium, Emporia, KansasSaturday, June 26, 2027 – Welch Stadium, Emporia, Kansas
Saturday, June 24, 2028 – Welch Stadium, Emporia, Kansas
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