http://www.monett-times.com/story/2268489.html
MSHSAA exploring football championship options
Saturday, January 16, 2016
By Jared Lankford sports@monett-times.com
Organization could move host site with Rams leaving St. Louis
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is putting together a request for proposals for the Show-Me Bowl state championship football games, according to Jason West, media director.
The request became necessary after the NFL stripped St. Louis of the Rams, throwing the future of the Edwards Jones Dome into limbo.
"We are moving quickly to get a [request] out to any site interested in hosting the state championships," West said. "Certainly, St. Louis will be in the mix to keep the games, but as an organization, we have to do our due diligence to ensure a site or sites for the 2016-2017 championship games."
West said he understands any one outdoor facility may have difficulty hosting all seven championship games, including 8-man and Class 1 through Class 6. MSHSAA is prepared to entertain multiple sites in this regard.
"Another option we are considering is splitting the games up on different weekends," West said. "Currently, 8-man and Class 6 have an extra week to prepare for the state championship. We could play those games a week earlier and then only need a site to host five games, instead of seven."
While the Dome provided an indoor venue to ensure a controlled, pleasant weather environment for the teams and fans, it also came with a hefty annual price tag of $180,000 for MSHSAA.
In October, a Missouri House committee questioned MSHSAA leaders about facility rental agreements. Committee members specifically questioned the amount spent to secure the Edward Jones Dome and another $60,000 to $100,000 paid to the University of Missouri to use its facilities for state wrestling and basketball championships.
"We are doing our best to find a location," West said. "I feel confident we will settle on a location quickly."
MSHSAA exploring football championship options
Saturday, January 16, 2016
By Jared Lankford sports@monett-times.com
Organization could move host site with Rams leaving St. Louis
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is putting together a request for proposals for the Show-Me Bowl state championship football games, according to Jason West, media director.
The request became necessary after the NFL stripped St. Louis of the Rams, throwing the future of the Edwards Jones Dome into limbo.
"We are moving quickly to get a [request] out to any site interested in hosting the state championships," West said. "Certainly, St. Louis will be in the mix to keep the games, but as an organization, we have to do our due diligence to ensure a site or sites for the 2016-2017 championship games."
West said he understands any one outdoor facility may have difficulty hosting all seven championship games, including 8-man and Class 1 through Class 6. MSHSAA is prepared to entertain multiple sites in this regard.
"Another option we are considering is splitting the games up on different weekends," West said. "Currently, 8-man and Class 6 have an extra week to prepare for the state championship. We could play those games a week earlier and then only need a site to host five games, instead of seven."
While the Dome provided an indoor venue to ensure a controlled, pleasant weather environment for the teams and fans, it also came with a hefty annual price tag of $180,000 for MSHSAA.
In October, a Missouri House committee questioned MSHSAA leaders about facility rental agreements. Committee members specifically questioned the amount spent to secure the Edward Jones Dome and another $60,000 to $100,000 paid to the University of Missouri to use its facilities for state wrestling and basketball championships.
"We are doing our best to find a location," West said. "I feel confident we will settle on a location quickly."
