20,000+ Expected in Emporia for Three State Football Championships
Emporia, KS (11/25/2024) — Emporia State University is excited to host three State championship games and more than 20,000 visitors at Welch Stadium on Nov. 29 and 30. The 4A, 5A and 6A title games held over Thanksgiving weekend are anticipated to generate more than $1.5 million in economic impact for our community.
"We are proud to host these events on campus - there is no better way to showcase what our community has to offer," said David Spafford, ESU vice president and director of athletics. "Our central location and Welch Stadium venue make Emporia State an ideal host site for large events."
A total of six Kansas high schools will visit Emporia State for the three football games:
- Friday, Nov. 29
- 2 p.m. - 6A game between Gardner Edgerton and Manhattan
- Saturday, Nov. 30
- 1 p.m. - 4A game between Bishop Miege and Andover Central
- 7 p.m. - 5A game between St. Thomas Aquinas and Hays
Emporia State University is gearing up to welcome families and will host campus and residence hall tours for potential students. The Bookstore and Starbucks in the Memorial Union will be open for business for the event. The hours of operation are:
- Friday, Nov. 29
- MU Bookstore - 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. + 10% discount on all sales.
- Starbucks - 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30
- MU Bookstore - 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. + 10% discount on all sales
- Starbucks - 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunity
There are several volunteer opportunities to sell tickets, programs and merchandise; work concession stands and take tickets. With three games scheduled, Spafford said volunteer spots are still available.
"We have 40 volunteer spots to fill," he said. "The energy of a state championship game is an exciting experience."
Anyone interested in volunteering to work at the games should reach out to Ashley Foraker at (620) 341-5349 or by email at aforaker@emporia.edu.
Get Tickets
For ticket information: https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Football/State.cfm.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.