Fight songs, rally chants and high-powered halftime shows will join football on the center stage during the 6th annual Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. The matchup at Coastal Carolina University’s Brooks Stadium pairs the Kennesaw State Owls of Georgia (Conference USA Champion) against the Western Michigan Broncos of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Mid-American Conference Champion), delivering not only top-tier football but also standout performances from two nationally recognized collegiate marching bands.
“In addition to the excitement on the field, the Myrtle Beach Bowl will showcase two powerhouse marching bands bringing hundreds of elite college musicians to Brooks Stadium for dynamic performances that highlight music, spirit and tradition,” said Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach. “Their energy, along with the cheer squads and mascots, will elevate the entire fan experience at this exciting bowl game.”
Leading into their big halftime performances during the Myrtle Beach Bowl, both marching bands will kick off the festivities at the pre-game pep rallies on Thursday, Dec. 18, at The Hangout in Broadway at the Beach. The free rallies welcome fans of the Western Michigan Broncos from 3 to 3:30 p.m., followed by Kennesaw State Owls from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Kennesaw State University Marching Owls
The Kennesaw State University Marching Owls, now in their 11th season, have rapidly emerged as one of the premier ensembles in the Southeast. Led by Dr. Brandon M. Meeks, the program was recently named one of the top five collegiate marching ensembles at the College Band Director National Association Conference for their 2024 field show. This year marks the band’s largest ensemble yet, with more than 370 members, most of whom will travel to the Myrtle Beach Bowl across eight buses. Known for their signature rallying cry, “You Don’t Wanna Go To War With The Owls,” the Marching Owls bring a bold and spirited presence. The band also includes South Carolina natives Landon Watkins of West Florence High School and Ana Camila Maldonado of Bluffton High School.
Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band
Western Michigan University’s Bronco Marching Band arrives with more than a century of tradition and a reputation as one of the largest marching bands in the Mid-American Conference. Under the leadership of Dr. Trey Harris, the 275-member ensemble will bring their Midwest spirit to Myrtle Beach among six buses. Along with their signature precision and energy, the Marching Broncos are known for their distinctive Western-influenced musical style, made popular in classic Western films. Fans can expect to hear their popular Bronco fight song composed by WMU alumnus Walter Gilbert and the Bronco War Chant composed by alumnus Chase Bethea. The band also proudly features a South Carolina native, Ava Tervulli of Summerville, S.C.
The Myrtle Beach Bowl also serves as an unexpected reunion, bringing together two band directors who were classmates at Florida State University and Dr. Harris once worked at Kennesaw State prior to joining the Broncos at WMU. This shared history between Dr. Meeks and Dr. Harris adds a compelling backstory to an already dynamic bowl experience.
More information about the Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine, including fan activities, parking and tickets, can be found at MyrtleBeachBowlGame.com.
