The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, coupled with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s push back to the start of the high school football season, has resulted in the 36th annual Pike County Bowl being canceled.
It will mark the first time the annual bowl will not be played since it began in 1984 with Pikeville and Belfry participating.
The delayed start of games in West Virginia had already put a wrinkle in this year’s bowl lineup, forcing officials to scramble and try to find a replacement for Mingo Central. The Miners were scheduled to face Belfry for the first time in history.
Community Trust Bank released an official press release stating their concerns for the well-being of students, teachers, volunteers, fans and local communities.
More than 50 schools, including all six of Pike County’s football programs, have taken part in the bowl. Donations from ticket sales have put nearly $1 million back into county schools.
Event organizers are looking forward to resuming the bowl in 2021.