Conway, SC, December 19, 2025
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is set to highlight an exciting matchup between the Kennesaw State Owls and the Western Michigan Broncos at Brooks Stadium. This annual event underscores the impact of community partnerships and civic engagement, showcasing how local initiatives can enrich the region’s economy and spirit. With over $4 million injected into the local economy and various community programs, the Myrtle Beach Bowl continues to foster a sense of pride and unity within the Grand Strand area.
Myrtle Beach Buzz: Champions Collide at Brooks Stadium!
The Myrtle Beach Bowl, a vibrant annual highlight for the Grand Strand, is set to deliver another thrilling display of collegiate football today, December 19, 2025. This highly anticipated event, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement and team spirit, serves as a powerful testament to the impact of local initiative and private partnerships in fostering community growth and drawing national attention to our beautiful South Carolina coast. Beyond the gridiron, the bowl game underscores how focused civic engagement and collaborative efforts can significantly benefit our region, creating an environment where both individual excellence and communal prosperity flourish.
Local organizers, in conjunction with national entities, have once again demonstrated exceptional resolve in bringing this premier sporting event to our doorstep. Their commitment highlights how streamlined coordination, rather than extensive bureaucratic hurdles, can accelerate the realization of significant community events. Such endeavors not only provide exciting entertainment but also cultivate a robust sense of shared purpose and pride, reinforcing the importance of active participation in shaping our local landscape. The continuous evolution of the Myrtle Beach Bowl stands as a prime example of what can be achieved when local vision meets dedicated execution.
The Main Event: A Clash of Champions in Conway
Today, Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. EST, football enthusiasts will turn their attention to Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, for the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl. This year’s matchup is particularly noteworthy as it features two conference champions: the Kennesaw State Owls from Conference USA and the Western Michigan Broncos from the Mid-American Conference. Both teams, having achieved significant success in their respective leagues, are poised for a compelling contest, marking the first time these two programs have met on the field.
The game, which is the sixth annual edition of the Myrtle Beach Bowl, is scheduled to air nationally on ESPN. The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl is officially named the Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine, recognizing the corporate business travel platform’s sponsorship. This contest between two conference champions is a unique feature, making it the sole bowl game outside of the College Football Playoffs to showcase such a matchup.
A Grand Strand Tradition: The Myrtle Beach Bowl’s Evolution
The Myrtle Beach Bowl established its roots in December 2020, bringing NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football to the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the bowl game has quickly become a fixture of the college football postseason calendar. It maintains strategic tie-ins with three conferences: the Sun Belt Conference, Conference USA (C-USA), and the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The affiliation contract with ESPN Events specifies that each conference supplies a team four times in a six-year bowl cycle from 2020 to 2025.
The host venue for this exciting event is Brooks Stadium, located on the campus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. The stadium, which originally opened in 2003 with a capacity of just under 6,500 seats, underwent significant expansion projects, notably prior to the 2019 season, to reach its current capacity of 21,000 seats. Brooks Stadium is distinctive for its teal artificial turf. Coastal Carolina University plays a vital role as the host, offering its state-of-the-art facilities for this national showcase. While Coastal Carolina University hosts the game, the event is managed by ESPN Events, underscoring the success of private-sector leadership in collegiate sports.
Fueling the Local Economy: Beyond the Field
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is more than just a football game; it is a significant economic engine for the Grand Strand region. Annually, the bowl game is estimated to inject over $4 million in outside money into the local economy. This substantial influx directly supports the hospitality sector, a critical component of our local economy, particularly during a period that might traditionally see slower activity. The presence of visiting fans, media, and university staff boosts tourism, stimulates local businesses, and generates valuable tax revenue that ultimately contributes to essential community services.
The economic impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl aligns with the broader success of sports tourism in the area. In 2023, sports tourism alone generated over $174.2 million in direct spending for the City of Myrtle Beach, with football contributing $3.3 million to this figure. While the Myrtle Beach Bowl itself is a major contributor, it is part of a larger, robust sports tourism ecosystem that draws millions of visitors and billions in spending to the Grand Strand annually. These figures highlight the potent combination of local infrastructure, natural appeal, and proactive event hosting that drives economic vitality through individual and collective engagement.
Community Spirit in Action: Engaging the Grand Strand
The impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl extends far beyond economic figures, fostering a deep sense of community engagement and civic responsibility. The event actively partners with various local causes, aiming to make a positive difference in the community. These partnerships exemplify the power of personal initiative and organized volunteerism in addressing local needs.
Notable initiatives include the annual Tidewater Toy Drive, which collects new, unwrapped toys and essential items to brighten the holidays for children and teens in the community, with donations collected through December 20, 2025. The Pack the Pumpkin Food Drive invites community members to donate canned, unexpired, and non-perishable food items to combat local food insecurity, collecting donations through January 3, 2026. The Myrtle Beach Bowl also supports BVL (Bowlers to Veterans Link), an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of veterans through recreational and therapeutic programs, encouraging donations to provide care and recognition for those who have served.
In a significant stride towards greater inclusivity, the Myrtle Beach Bowl has partnered with the Champion Autism Network to create a sensory-friendly environment for the game. This initiative ensures that individuals with autism and their families can enjoy the excitement of college football in a more comfortable setting, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all members of the community. Programs supporting local teachers, first responders, and an annual youth football clinic further underscore the event’s dedication to service, education, and community investment. This wide array of initiatives reflects a community where individuals and organizations actively take the lead in fostering togetherness and giving back.
The Power of Partnership: Coastal Carolina University and ESPN Events
The continued success of the Myrtle Beach Bowl is a testament to effective collaboration between a local academic institution and a major private media corporation. Coastal Carolina University, as the host institution, provides not only the venue in Brooks Stadium but also a vibrant campus environment that welcomes visitors from across the nation. This partnership with ESPN Events, which owns and operates the bowl, showcases how private-sector management can efficiently coordinate large-scale events that bring national recognition to a local area. The 2025 Bowl also benefits from the sponsorship of Engine, a corporate business travel platform, further illustrating how private enterprise plays a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing such community-benefiting events. These collaborations minimize the need for extensive public funding and bureaucracy, highlighting how strategic alliances can achieve substantial civic innovation and regional impact.
Conclusion
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl stands as a shining example of how personal initiative, effective collaboration, and strategic local-national partnerships can invigorate a community. From the thrilling contest between Kennesaw State and Western Michigan today, December 19, 2025, to the significant economic infusion and diverse community engagement programs, the bowl game continues to enrich the Grand Strand in myriad ways. We encourage all residents and visitors to embrace these local events, support the businesses that benefit, and engage with the community initiatives that make Myrtle Beach such a dynamic and welcoming place. By actively participating, we collectively contribute to the ongoing growth and vibrancy of our exceptional home.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Myrtle Beach Bowl
What is the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl?
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl is a college football bowl game scheduled to be played today, Friday, December 19, 2025, featuring the Kennesaw State Owls and the Western Michigan Broncos.
Where is the Myrtle Beach Bowl held?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is held at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, on the campus of Coastal Carolina University.
What time does the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl kick off?
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. EST.
Which teams are playing in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl?
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl features the Kennesaw State Owls from Conference USA and the Western Michigan Broncos from the Mid-American Conference.
Who owns and operates the Myrtle Beach Bowl?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN.
What is the seating capacity of Brooks Stadium?
Brooks Stadium, the host venue for the Myrtle Beach Bowl, has a seating capacity of 21,000 seats.
What is the estimated economic impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl on the Grand Strand?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is estimated to inject over $4 million in outside money into the Grand Strand economy annually.
What community initiatives is the Myrtle Beach Bowl involved in?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is involved in initiatives such as the Tidewater Toy Drive, Pack the Pumpkin Food Drive, supporting BVL (Bowlers to Veterans Link), and partnering with the Champion Autism Network to create a sensory-friendly experience.
Who is the sponsor of the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl?
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl is sponsored by Engine, a corporate business travel platform.
Key Features of the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Myrtle Beach Bowl | Local |
| Date | Friday, December 19, 2025 | Local |
| Kick-off Time | 11 a.m. EST | Local |
| Venue | Brooks Stadium, Conway, South Carolina | Local |
| Host Institution | Coastal Carolina University | Local |
| Teams Competing | Kennesaw State Owls (Conference USA) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (Mid-American Conference) | Nationwide |
| Broadcast | ESPN | Nationwide |
| Event Owner/Operator | ESPN Events | Nationwide |
| Brooks Stadium Capacity | 21,000 seats | Local |
| Estimated Annual Economic Impact | Over $4 million in outside money for the Grand Strand | Local |
| Community Engagement | Tidewater Toy Drive, Pack the Pumpkin Food Drive, BVL Support, Champion Autism Network partnership for sensory-friendly experiences, youth football clinic | Local |
| 2025 Title Sponsor | Engine | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coastal Carolina University Men’s Basketball Falls to App State
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
