The University of Missouri has hosted basketball championships for the last 25 years.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association is currently accepting proposals to serve as the official host of the MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown beginning with the 2017-18 school year. The proposals, which are due by March 21st, could
include a combination of the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 championships.
The MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown has been on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia since 1991. However, the history of the Show-Me Showdown includes every part of
the great state of Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, St. Joseph, Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City, Rolla, Maryville and Kirksville.
Jason West joins me to talk more about the “RFP” process and to update us on high school sports.
“We have been fortunate to have great relationships and support over the years from the
communities and facilities that have hosted each of our high school championships,” said
MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn. “We are excited through the proposal process
to invite all of our member school communities to consider their interest and capacity to host the
Show-Me Showdown. Ultimately, our goal is to arrive at a solution that makes the most sense
for all of our membership.”
The Show-Me Showdown brings together 40 boys and girls teams from five classifications, and
is conducted during a pair of three-day weekends every March. For the past seven years the
Class 1, 2 & 3 Championships have used two arenas for the Thursday semi-final games.
“Our format for the Class 1, 2 & 3 weekend is a cornucopia for the basketball enthusiast,
especially being able to move between twelve games in two arenas,” said Urhahn. “This
requires increased communication and cooperation for the communities and venues which host
the championships.”
Organized under IRS Code Section 501c3 as a not-for-profit association of Missouri high
schools and junior high schools, MSHSAA administers eligibility and competition standards for
its member schools, serving over 300,000 students and 5,000 contest officials annually.
“As a not-for-profit, our burden includes being as cost effective as possible as we attempt to
fulfill our obligations to our member schools,” said MSHSAA Chief Financial Officer, Craig
Long. “Employing a competitive proposal process to select championship venues speaks to
that burden, and provides the avenue for accumulating information and ideas as we make those
determinations. Fortunately, the tourism revenue spurred by the Show-Me Showdown can be of
great economic benefit to the hospitality and retail industries for the hosting communities. We
hope this encourages capable communities and facilities to participate in the proposal process”.
