RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University will host the second annual Opportunity Bowl presented by Dinsmore & Shohl on Nov. 20, 2021. The game will matchup EKU and Jacksonville State University.
Kickoff of the second annual Opportunity Bowl is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET at Roy Kidd Stadium. The Opportunity Bowl will air live on ESPN+.
The Opportunity Bowl returns for a second season with another chance to highlight special and unique places and people surrounding EKU. The inaugural Opportunity Bowl in 2020 showcased Dr. Shelia Pressley and her legacy through the EKU Scholar House and highlighted the importance of eliminating barriers to education and advocating for early childhood education. Pressley, who passed away in January of 2020, was the dean of the College of Health Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University. She attended Western Carolina University for her undergraduate education, graduating in 1989. The Colonels won the inaugural bowl game against Western Carolina, 49-17.
The Opportunity Bowl name was a natural fit for EKU as the institution is known as The School of Opportunity. Access plus affordability equals opportunity at Eastern Kentucky University for students from diverse backgrounds and EKU is committed to making sure all students have access to a quality education, and strives to nurture their abilities and help them meet the challenges they face when returning to their communities to live and work after completing their degrees.
The Opportunity Bowl will provide a platform to highlight Madison County, as well as, opportunity-focused initiatives at EKU made possible through strategic partnerships with the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council. The Workforce Pathway at Kit Carson Commons provides education support with access to housing and workforce development support. This project gives priority to single parent military service members and veterans who are pursuing self-sufficiency goals through attending college. For more information regarding Kit Carson Commons, please visit this link.
EKU will also be hosting it's annual Military Appreciation game. All current and retired service members will be honored throughout the day and may receive two free tickets to the game at this link.
EKU Athletics intends to hold the Opportunity Bowl annually, further cementing the athletics department's goal to showcase the institution and its faculty, staff and students.
