The East-West Shrine Game is an annual college football all-star game that showcases top college football players and benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children. The contest has been played annually since 1925 after the college bowl game season.http://www.shrinegame.com/About/History.aspx Currently, the game is hosted at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.http://www.shrinegame.com/News/EastWestShrineGameJan22.aspx
The 86th Annual East-West Shrine Game takes place on January 22, 2011, starting at 4:00 p.m. EST. Dozens of players were invited to participate in the contest from various college football teams across the country. Former National Football League coaches Wade Phillips and Dan Reeves will lead the teams.http://www.shrinegame.com/News/Thirtytwoplayersacceptinvitations.aspx For the first time, the game will air on the NFL Network.http://www.shrinegame.com/News/NFLNetwork.aspx
Notable Alumni
Throughout the years, several players have participated in the East-West Shrine Game before beginning their professional careers in the National Football League. Among those who appeared in the game in the past include Tom Brady, Brett Favre, John Elway, Larry Csonka and Gale Sayers.http://www.shrinegame.com/News/EastWestShrineGameJan22.aspx
Several former players have gone on to be inducted into the East-West Shrine Game Hall of Fame such as Dick Butkus, President Gerald Ford, Merlin Olsen, Pat Tillman and Kellen Winslow.http://www.shrinegame.com/About/HallOfFame.aspx
Charity Connection
In addition to showcasing college football talent to representatives from all 32 National Football League teams, the game benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children each year. Shriners Hospitals specialize in treating children under the age of 18 regardless of the financial circumstances. Participating players and coaches tour the hospitals prior to the game and proceeds from the event benefit the charity.http://www.shrinegame.com/About.aspx
East-West Shrine Game Players Visit Shriners Hospitals for Children
In addition to the game itself, players and coaches invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Game get the opportunity to meet many of the children the game helps with visits to Shriners Hospitals for Children. In footage from one visit before the Shrine Game, players can be seen meeting the patients, signing autographs and attending special events.
References
Fast Facts
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First played
1925
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Benefits
Shriners Hospitals for Children
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Played
Annually after college bowl games
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Teams
Players divided based on the geographical location of their home schools
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Also known as
Shrine Bowl
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Equivalent of
NCAA Football all-star game
