MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Playing under sunny blue skies and mid-60s temperatures, the Western Michigan University Broncos took advantage of South Carolina’s mild, mid-December weather to deliver a dominant performance at the 6th annual Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine on Dec. 19, 2025. Defeating Kennesaw State University 41–6, the Broncos capped their season with an impressive victory Friday at Brooks Stadium on the picturesque campus of Coastal Carolina University.
The game featured two conference champions, with Western Michigan entering as the Mid-American Conference champion and Kennesaw State representing Conference USA, adding postseason significance to the bowl contest. The event also delivered a win for the Myrtle Beach area, as a full week of bowl festivities welcomed teams, bands, cheer squads, coaching staff and fans to the Grand Strand for practices, pep rallies and game-week events.
The highly attended event also showcased the destination on a national stage with live ESPN coverage and pre-game attention spotlighting the matchup’s significance, including USA TODAY ranking it as the No. 3 Top Bowl Matchup, reinforcing Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a fan-friendly, holiday destination.
“We are very thankful to everyone who participated in and attended the Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine,” said Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach. “This event further establishes Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas as a premier host for high-profile sporting events while delivering meaningful economic and community impact during the slower winter season.”
More Sports Action Ahead at The Beach
The excitement continues beyond football, as Myrtle Beach hosts several upcoming sports events, including the 45th annual Beach Ball Classic high school basketball tournament (Dec. 19–22 and Dec. 27–30) and the American Cornhole League Collegiate & High School Cornhole Championships (Jan. 1–4, 2026) at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center.
“From bowl season to basketball and cornhole championships, Myrtle Beach continues to prove there’s no offseason for sports tourism at The Beach,” Butler said.
For more information on upcoming events, visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com.
# # #
Images: Media may download bowl game images HERE. Visit Myrtle Beach Media Contact: Marlane White, (843) 916-7295, Marlane.White@VisitMyrtleBeach.com
About Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach isn't just a beach. It's The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you'll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.