SPOKANE, Wash. – On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends across the nation gather for food, family and football. In Spokane’s South Hill, a group of dedicated players continue their long-standing Turkey Bowl tradition.
The tradition, which began in the mid-80s, has seen players gathering each year to compete in a spirited football game. Originally played at Joe Albi Stadium, the game has since moved to South Hill, where it continues to draw participants of all ages.
Cliff Poffenroth, a dedicated player since 1999, shared his thoughts on the tradition.
“You know, the whole deal was just get out every year and keep playing and, you know, kind of keep the tradition alive. It’s kind of funny. Like we were saying, when you look back and you’re like started looking at like, and we’ve been playing for 26 years, so pretty fun,” said Poffenroth.
Each year, after the game, both teams vote on a Most Valuable Player (MVP). The MVP’s name is then written on their special football, a cherished trophy that the player keeps until the next Turkey Bowl.
The game has seen as many as 10 players on each team, though some years have had as few as six. It is a family affair, with three brothers each winning MVP titles about 20 years apart, and even a father and son duo earning their names on the football a decade apart.
This Thanksgiving morning, the teams will meet at 9:00 a.m. to compete for the honor of adding their name to the football, continuing a beloved Spokane tradition.
