Organizers of the Nebraska Shrine Bowl have announced a new date for this summer’s all star high school football game. In a news release sent out today (4/29), organizers have announced that the game has been moved to Saturday, July 11.
According to the news release, the decision was made based on the three main considerations and in line with the principles established on March 23, 2020 and re-confirmed at its meeting April 28, 2020:
- To protect the health of the student-athletes and everyone involved, and to support the containment of the COVID-19 virus.
- To safeguard the collective interests of the student-athletes, their parents, and coaches.
- The statewide Nebraska sports and academic calendar.
Organizers believe that “these new dates provide health authorities and all involved in the coordination of the annual game the maximum time to deal with the evolving landscape and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Shrine Bowl of Nebraska is considered one of the state’s most prestigious high school all-star sports events. The 501(c)(3) non-profit produces annual events and related activities to raise funds and awareness to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The game is still scheduled to be played at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Sandhills/Thedford head football coach Josh Deines is to serve as one of the assistant coaches for the event.
The full news release is posted below
LINCOLN, NE – The Nebraska Shrine Bowl Executive Board (NSBEB) together with the City of Kearney and University of Nebraska – Kearney agreed upon the new date for the 62nd Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl. The Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game will be played Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium in Kearney.
The leadership of the key stakeholders came together via teleconference, joined by NSB Executive Director Dave MacDonald and agreed on the new schedule.
This decision was taken based on the three main considerations and in line with the principles established by the NSBEB on March 23, 2020 and re-confirmed at its meeting April 28, 2020:
- To protect the health of the student-athletes and everyone involved, and to support the containment of the COVID-19 virus.
- To safeguard the collective interests of the student-athletes, their parents, and coaches.
- The statewide Nebraska sports and academic calendar.
These new dates provide health authorities and all involved in the coordination of the annual game the maximum time to deal with the evolving landscape and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a call on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, based on information provided by the CDC and the State of Nebraska at the time, NSB Executive Director Dave MacDonald and the NSBEB Members concluded that the 2020 Nebraska Shrine Bowl would be played no later than July 31, 2020. NSB Executive Director Dave MacDonald stressed the full commitment of the NSB to a successful 62nd Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game.
Following yesterday’s decision, MacDonald said, “I want to thank the Nebraska Shrine Bowl Executive Board for their unanimous support, the City of Kearney and the University of Nebraska – Kearney for their great partnership and their support in the consultation process over the last few days. With this announcement, I am confident that, working together with the City of Kearney, the University of Nebraska – Kearney, and all our stakeholders, we can commandeer this unique challenge.”
Larry Jess, NSBEB President, commented, “It is wonderful news that we could commit to a new date so quickly for the 2020 Nebraska Shrine Bowl. The new date provides certainty for the student-athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the State of Nebraska.”
About the Nebraska Shrine Bowl
The Shrine Bowl of Nebraska is the state’s most prestigious high school all-star sports event. The 501(c)(3) non-profit produces annual events and related activities to raise funds and awareness to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a healthcare system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Shrine Bowl of Nebraska, please visit NEShrineBowl.org/Give.
