Bob Burns Dakota Bowl returns with celebration of tradition, community

This paid event listing is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

The 46th annual Bob Burns Dakota Bowl, the largest high school bowl game in South Dakota, will take place Saturday, Aug. 31, at O’Gorman High School’s McEneaney Field.

This cherished event continues to serve as a vital community-building fundraiser, supporting all eight schools within Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

Bob Burns dreamed up the idea of opening the 1978 football season with a festive daylong event centered around one thing – a football game against North Dakota’s Fargo Shanley High School.

The event, he hoped, would provide family entertainment while drawing in enough corporate support to fund the entire O’Gorman athletic department for a year. It was to be held at Howard Wood Field to accommodate the almost certain huge crowd.

Today, the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl stands as a testament to Burns’ vision, raising more than $140,000 annually. The event brings together the Sioux Falls community, showcasing the incredible talents of high school athletes while celebrating the spirit of football.

The Dakota Bowl is the original and largest high school bowl game in the state, inspiring other schools and communities to replicate its success.

Families attending the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl can look forward to a variety of exciting activities. The event kicks off Friday, Aug. 30, with the Knight Out event featuring live music from The Crabgrass Crew, food, and football and cheerleading camps for kids in grades K-6. Participants in the camps will have the chance to learn from O’Gorman’s football players and cheerleaders, receive exclusive camp merchandise and enjoy free entrance to the Dakota Bowl.

The fun continues Saturday with tailgating and the Kids Zone featuring inflatables and face painting starting at 1 p.m. The pre-game festivities include a parade, followed by the much-anticipated football game.

At halftime, spectators will be treated to a performance by the Marching Knights, a fireworks display and the captivating Knight Vision video.

It’s a celebration of 46 years of football, community and family fun. The Bob Burns Dakota Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a legacy.

For information, a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, please visit the ogknights.org website.