Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 2025
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach Bowl showcases collegiate athletics, uniting student-athletes and fans for a celebration of discipline, achievement, and competition. Scheduled for December 19, this year’s event features Kennesaw State University and Western Michigan University, emphasizing community engagement and economic benefits to the Grand Strand region. With an estimated $4 million impact on the local economy, the bowl game has become a cherished tradition that reinforces the significance of sports and education in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach, SC — The Myrtle Beach Bowl is set to once again spotlight the Grand Strand as a hub for collegiate athletics, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, and fans for a celebration of discipline, academic achievement, and spirited competition. This annual postseason event not only provides a national stage for emerging talent but also significantly contributes to the local economy and fosters a sense of community engagement, reinforcing the profound impact of higher education and sports on regional development.
Hosted at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, the bowl game offers a prime example of how major collegiate events can unite academic rigor with athletic excellence. The participation of institutions like Kennesaw State University and Western Michigan University highlights the dedication and hard work of student-athletes who balance demanding academic schedules with rigorous training and competition, embodying the values of personal responsibility and leadership. The event serves as a testament to the robust collegiate athletic landscape that enriches both the universities involved and the host community.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: A Premier Collegiate Showcase
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is a significant fixture in the college football postseason calendar, taking place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Brooks Stadium. This event is a collaboration with ESPN Events and features tie-ins with Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and the Sun Belt Conference. Brooks Stadium, located on the campus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, offers a seating capacity of 20,000, providing an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for the competition. Since its inception in December 2020, the bowl game has established itself as a tradition on the Grand Strand, offering an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy high-caliber college football. In November 2025, Engine, a business and group travel platform, officially became a sponsor of the game, which is now known as the Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine.
Kennesaw State University: Owls Soar to New Heights
Representing Conference USA, the Kennesaw State University Owls are making their first appearance in an NCAA bowl game, marking a significant milestone for the program. Kennesaw State’s football program has achieved remarkable success, posting 10 wins, which is only the fifth time a team has won 10 or more games in its second year. Known for its innovative approach to teaching and learning in Georgia, Kennesaw State University proudly sponsors 18 intercollegiate sports with nearly 400 student-athletes. The institution emphasizes comprehensive academic support for its student-athletes through services like the Student-Athlete Success Services (SASS) center, ensuring they balance their athletic commitments with their academic pursuits. This commitment to student success is further highlighted by the recent graduation of 23 student-athletes from the Department of Athletics. The Owls’ participation underscores the culmination of sustained effort and strategic program development, bringing national attention to their athletic and academic achievements.
Western Michigan University: Broncos’ Championship Season
From the Mid-American Conference, the Western Michigan University Broncos enter the Myrtle Beach Bowl as the reigning MAC Champions. The Broncos’ journey to the bowl game is a testament to their competitive spirit and dedication throughout the season. Beyond the field, Western Michigan University’s athletic department has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement, ranking fifth nationally and first in the Mid-American Conference for community service. Bronco student-athletes achieved 100 percent participation, engaging in 129 community service events and supporting 61 organizations, accumulating 6,699 hours of service. Programs such as “Care About Kids” provide unique opportunities for underprivileged and at-risk youth to attend Bronco athletic events and interact with the teams. This focus on service exemplifies how collegiate athletics extends beyond competition, fostering leadership and a sense of civic responsibility among students.
The Student-Athlete Experience: More Than a Game
For the student-athletes, participating in a bowl game like the Myrtle Beach Bowl is a reward for their year-long discipline and hard work. The experience extends beyond the game itself, encompassing practices at local facilities and engaging in hospitality events. Kennesaw State football players, for instance, had the opportunity to visit Dave & Busters during their first full day in Myrtle Beach, providing a chance for team bonding and enjoyment. Bowl games offer unique travel opportunities, allowing student-athletes to experience new cities and gain national television exposure. Research indicates that the opportunity to compete in postseason games can serve as a motivator for student-athletes to maintain academic eligibility, highlighting the positive interplay between athletic pursuit and academic performance. These experiences are pivotal in shaping well-rounded individuals, equipping them with leadership skills and a broader perspective.
Economic and Community Impact on the Grand Strand
The Myrtle Beach Bowl delivers substantial economic benefits to the Grand Strand region. Annually, college football bowl games collectively generate approximately $1.5 billion in economic impact nationwide. For Myrtle Beach, the bowl game is estimated to bring in over $4 million in outside money, directly supporting the hospitality sector during a traditionally slower period. This influx of visitors, including fans, media, and university staff, boosts tourism, supports local businesses, and generates tax revenue that contributes to community services. The event also enhances the city’s image and fosters community pride, establishing the Myrtle Beach Bowl as a cherished holiday tradition and a model of successful partnership between collegiate sports and local communities.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Excellence in Collegiate Athletics
The Myrtle Beach Bowl represents more than a single football game; it is a vital component of the broader South Carolina higher education landscape and a testament to the enduring values of collegiate athletics. It showcases the dedication of student-athletes, the strategic vision of universities like Kennesaw State and Western Michigan, and the significant positive impact these events have on host cities such as Myrtle Beach. As the event continues to grow, it reaffirms the power of education and sports in building leadership, character, and community impact.
We encourage readers to explore the diverse programs offered by universities across the region, attend campus events, and continue to support the vibrant Myrtle Beach SC college news and athletic scene. Your engagement helps ensure that these opportunities for growth and excellence continue to thrive.
Keywords: Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, collegiate athletics, student-athlete development, Kennesaw State University, Western Michigan University, USC research (general keyword for higher education research focus).
Myrtle Beach Bowl 2025: Key Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine |
| Date | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Kickoff Time | 11:00 AM |
| Venue | Brooks Stadium, Conway, South Carolina |
| Host Institution | Coastal Carolina University |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
| Participating Teams | Kennesaw State University (Conference USA) vs. Western Michigan University (MAC) |
| Economic Impact (Local) | Over $4 million in outside money |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Myrtle Beach Bowl
What is the Myrtle Beach Bowl?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl is an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football bowl game first played in December 2020 in the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. It is owned by ESPN Events and features tie-ins with Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, and the Sun Belt Conference.
When and where is the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl being held?
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. It will be held at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, which is the regular-season home of Coastal Carolina University.
Which teams are playing in the 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl?
The 2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl will feature the Kennesaw State University Owls, representing Conference USA, and the Western Michigan University Broncos, representing the Mid-American Conference.
What is the economic impact of the Myrtle Beach Bowl on the local community?
The Myrtle Beach Bowl brings significant economic impact to the area, estimated to be over $4 million in outside money. This includes increased tourism and spending by fans, media, and university staff, which benefits the local hospitality industry, supports local businesses, and generates tax revenue.
How do student-athletes benefit from participating in bowl games?
Student-athletes benefit from bowl games through unique travel experiences, national television exposure, team bonding activities, and the opportunity to cap off a successful season. Research also suggests that participating in bowl games can motivate student-athletes to maintain academic eligibility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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.
