Soul Bowl At Blue Wahoos Stadium Continues Growing Its Community Impact
From its origin decades ago on a community park field, the Soul Bowl has gone grand. It has transcended its place as a defining finish to a youth football season between two ultra-competitive leagues in Pensacola into something much bigger in scope. And the growth continues. “I think it seems
From its origin decades ago on a community park field, the Soul Bowl has gone grand.
It has transcended its place as a defining finish to a youth football season between two ultra-competitive leagues in Pensacola into something much bigger in scope.
And the growth continues.
“I think it seems to get bigger every year. It’s become a real event. And I’d say it’s a strong as ever,” said Lumon May, the long-time executive director of the Southern Youth Sports Association.
On Saturday, the SYSA Tigers and East Pensacola Rattlers will stage the 32nd annual Soul Bowl at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which has hosted the event since 2012 when the bayfront stadium first opened.
There will be five age-division games beginning at 9 a.m. There is a “Unity Circle” ceremony scheduled after the third game to celebrate the community gathering together with elected officials and law enforcement leaders.
Thursday, final preparations at Blue Wahoos Stadium included installation of goal posts and lining the field as it converts into a football setting.
“The Soul Bowl within the inner city of Pensacola is like a holiday,” said May, who is also part of the Escambia County board of county commissioners. “But you could not have experienced this if you did not have the facility like Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“There’s a direct correlation our growth and playing at Blue Wahoos Stadium. People buy their shirts, plan their outfits to wear for this game. It’s almost like going to a historically black college football game.
“Like, say, Hampton vs. Howard. I go the Grambling-Southern game almost every year …we barely watch football…we socialize and have fellowship and that’s what this has event has become.”
When Blue Wahoos Stadium was into its first season 12 years ago, May meant with team owner Quint Studer. The two had known each other since in 1996 when Studer was president/CEO of Baptist Hospital and they had a chance meeting in a elevator one day.
Since that point, Quint and Rishy Studer, along with the Blue Wahoos front office staff have helped organize and host the Soul Bowl.
The event had been held throughout various football venues in the city, including Legion Field – home of the SYSA Tigers and Magee Field, the East Pensacola Rattlers home field.
Pensacola Catholic High’s Goreck-LeBeau stadium and Jim Scoggins Stadium at Pensacola High also were past host sites.
“I give Quint the credit, he had a vision of making this a big event. He saw what this could do,” May said. “It may have just been a football game without Blue Wahoos Stadium and the Community Maritime Park. Now, it’s an event for the African American community throughout Pensacola.
“It is huge with the ‘Covenant for the Community’ that Quint helped create. We have drawn local and statewide politicians to this event, along with many business owners.
“We probably would not of had that kind of fellowship if we had it at Magee or Legion Field. It would have been way too small and we had outgrown those two places anyway.”
One of the other reasons the Soul Bowl has prospered is participation among the youth players continues to be strong. May said the number of players at SYSA has grown enough to expand its league.
There has been a generational support for the Soul Bowl with former players now fathers coaching their sons or grandsons. In several cases there are three generations of a family involved in the Soul Bowl like Reggie Smith Sr. and Reggie Smith Jr. and their families all involved.
“We couldn’t pay for the man hours for all these volunteer coaches and what they do,” May said. “These coaches give back, because they remember that someone gave back to them when they were a kid. So now, they are out coaching and it’s amazing to see.”
The Soul Bowl is now more than just one day, one event. It is a week-long celebration that began last Sunday with “Soul Bowl Sunday” at the Greater Little Rock Baptist Church in Pensacola that included a church service and kickball game among adults from the two teams’ organizations.
There have been other activities this week. On Saturday, there will be tables and information areas outside Blue Wahoos Stadium to help bring awareness of various services that fans attending the game might not be aware of within the community.
“This has been a true collaborative effort,” May said. “And it has done so much for our community.”
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: 32st Annual Soul Bowl Youth Football Event
WHO: Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Tigers vs. East Pensacola-Magee Field Rattlers.
WHEN: Saturday. Five age-division games: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
ADMISSION: $11 per-person in advance, $14 on Saturday before 4 p.m., $19 after 4 p.m. General admission seating (no reserved seats). Children 3-under are free.
PARKING: $10.
INFO: www.bluewahoos.com/soulbowl.
IMPORTANT NOTES: The stadium is a cashless venue. Also, no chairs, no beverage coolers, no outside food or beverages are permitted inside the stadium.
Blue Wahoos Celebrate Majority Women Impacting Organization Success
A recent photo gathering of women working in the Blue Wahoos front office created a poignant moment. With this month highlighting the 39th celebration of National Girls and Women In Sports Day, officially recognized February 5, the Blue Wahoos have become a leader in the sports business world for women
Blue Wahoos Announce 2025 Coaching Staff Led by Manager Nelson Prada
The Miami Marlins announced the 2025 coaching staff for the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Tuesday, led by new manager Nelson Prada. Prada will be joined by pitching coach Jerad Eickhoff, hitting coach Jason Krizan, defensive coaches Jay Weaver and Ruben Someillan, athletic trainer Adam Sparks, strength and conditioning coach
Blue Wahoos To Make Up Half Of Miami Marlins Spring Training Roster
When the Miami Marlins assemble for the official start of spring training in two weeks, exactly half of the 64 players in camp will be former Blue Wahoos players. The Marlins on Monday released their non-roster invitees, which include 16 former Blue Wahoos, led by last season’s top player, catcher
Blue Wahoos Stadium sets the stage for the start of the Double Bridge Run
Runners for the 2025 Publix Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k presented by aDoor Real Estate will get an added bonus this year — shelter from the cool coastal breeze while they are inside Blue Wahoos Stadium. Runners have typically had to brave the chilly temps outside the stadium while waiting
Win a Trip for Four to Miami Marlins FanFest in Blue Wahoos Social Media Contest
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are offering four fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive a VIP experience at Miami Marlins FanFest, held at loanDepot Park on Saturday, February 8. The winning entrant will receive round-trip airfare from Pensacola International Airport to Miami International Airport, hotel accommodations in Miami,
Blue Wahoos' Advocate Roger Mayo, Decorated Prep Coach, Gets Hall of Fame Honor
Roger Mayo was once a pitchman for Blue Wahoos Stadium, pushing the return of affiliated baseball in Pensacola and the groundbreaking in 2009 for the now-acclaimed bayfront ballpark. He was then a fixture as Escambia High baseball coach, a role he held for 32 years. “Everywhere I went, everyone I
Blue Wahoos Return An Early New Year’s Eve Party To Ballpark
The Blue Wahoos are providing a New Year’s Eve experience, family style. For the first time in six years, Blue Wahoos Stadium will host “Kazoo’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party,” an event on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. that will feature renowned country music artist Jessie Ritter, inflatable
Blue Wahoos Leadership Team Reconnects, Gains Insight at MLB Winter Meetings
The Blue Wahoos had an increased presence at the annual Major League Baseball Winter Meetings, which concluded on Wednesday in Dallas. The three-day event began Monday at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, located in an upscale suburb of Dallas. This event, which brings together MLB and Minor League Baseball executives, has
Blue Wahoos Stadium to Host "Kazoo's Rockin' New Year's Eve Party"
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are ringing in the new year in festive fashion, hosting “Kazoo’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party” at Blue Wahoos Stadium on December 31. The family-friendly event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and feature inflatables, playing field access, ballpark concessions, a photo booth
Blue Wahoos Celebrate Holiday Season By Hosting, Participating In Variety Of Events
In ways which have utilized both the stadium and front office staff, the Blue Wahoos have spread Christmas spirit and created holiday season cheer. Being part of Saturday’s annual Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade, presented by Cox Communications, will complete a two- weekend stretch of four private stadium events and two
Quint and Rishy Studer Provide Holiday Surprise to SFOC Employees
Quint and Rishy Studer have provided each full-time and part-time employee of the Studer Family of Companies, Center for Civic Engagement and Studer Community Institute a gift of $1,000 in advance of the holiday season. “Rishy and I see how inflation impacts individuals and families,” said Quint Studer in an
Blue Wahoos Announce Front Office Promotions
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced on Tuesday a series of promotions and additions to their full-time front office staff. After five years in the organization, Tyler “TJ” Johnson has been promoted to assistant general manager. Born and raised in Pensacola before attending Troy University, TJ joined the
Blue Wahoos Hosting Yard Sale Party At Ballpark On Saturday
The Blue Wahoos on Saturday are having a yard sale at their ballyard. In a first-time event, dubbed “Thrift And Sip At Blue Wahoos Stadium,” there will be a variety of items dating from the first season in 2012 to the past season on display throughout the infield and playing
Joe Mack Wins 2024 Minor League Rawlings Gold Glove Award
PENSACOLA, FL – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., today announced the nine recipients of the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence, including the recognition of Pensacola Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Mack as one of the best defensive players in Minor League Baseball. The winners
Blue Wahoos Partnership With Local HS Soccer Team Provides New Uniforms
An opportunity for the West Florida High boys soccer team to work as volunteer parking attendants at Blue Wahoos baseball games this past summer brought dividends. Taking part in a work-fund project, the team of 34 student-athletes worked 12 games and 205 volunteer hours, enabling them the ability to purchase
Former Soul Bowl Player Leads PHS To Memorable First City Bowl Win At Blue Wahoos Stadium
Pensacola High’s Jarmacuz Fountain was enveloped in celebration, as he reflected upon his star role in the second First City Bowl game, sponsored by Cox Mobile, at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The junior quarterback led the Tigers on a dramatic, 98-yard go-ahead TD drive, capped by Fountain’s 42 yard touchdown run
Remember When? Former Blue Wahoos Players Rojas, Graterol Now Part Of Marquee World Series
Miguel Rojas has distinction of being part of the Blue Wahoos’ player introductions on April 5, 2012 when Pensacola had its historic, inaugural opening night at the bayfront ballpark. Twelve years later, now in the twilight of his career, Rojas is trying to attain the rarest feat as part of
Blue Wahoos Stage Friday Night Fright With Halloween-Themed Football Event
The Blue Wahoos are blending Halloween, football and fireworks into a unique night with their latest themed event on Friday at Blue Wahoos Stadium. It’s a combination centering around the second First City Bowl/Halloween Spectacular, presented by Cox Mobile, featuring Pensacola High against West Florida High with its kickoff at
Blue Wahoos Stadium Provides 'Really Cool Day' In Historic FSU-Auburn Fall Ball Clash
The weather was spectacular. The ballpark was jam-packed. The crowd vibe was unique. Pensacola’s Chris Rembert helped make it even grander for the Auburn Tigers. Only five months past his high school graduation, the former Pensacola Catholic star had a memorable collegiate debut by collecting three hits, driving home four
Blue Wahoos To Stage Free Pregame FanFest Prior To FSU-Auburn Baseball Game
The game itself was sold out two months ago in record time, but people can still enjoy a pregame experience before Saturday’s Auburn-Florida State special fall baseball event. The Blue Wahoos are hosting a fanfest style, free pregame party, beginning at 9 a.m. in the grass lawn area fronting Blue
Soul Bowl At Blue Wahoos Stadium, Presented By Cox Mobile, Saluted Generational Coaching Ties
Reggie Smith Sr. clutched the special award plaque, overcome with gratitude and pride. Every year the Soul Bowl has been staged, in part as a celebration of youth football and Pensacola’ two cross-town leagues that have thrived in competition, Smith has played a role. His turn in the spotlight occurred
Blue Wahoos, Pensacola Connections Abound In MLB Postseason
The special legacy Joe Espada and Carlos Mendoz carved 20 years ago as Pensacola Pelicans teammates has reached a new mantle. They are now part of Major League Baseball history. Espada, the Houston Astros manager and Mendoza with the New York Mets – once a double-play turning tandem and roommates
Blue Wahoos Stadium Provides Positive Vibe For Florida JUCO Teams After Hurricane Affected Lives
His players were scattered across the state, having sought shelter, when Brian Henry, head baseball coach at Tallahassee State College, sent a welcome message. Hurricane Helene had sideswiped Tallahassee on Sept. 25. There was no catastrophic damage as feared. The campus was intact and the baseball facilities were fine. Henry
Blue Wahoos Stadium To Host Junior College Baseball Showcase Event
The baseball coaches in the Panhandle Conference opted two years ago to avoid hefty travel costs to Lakeland and host their own junior college, fall showcase event, in closer proximity. It has found a home at Blue Wahoos Stadium. For the second year, the Panhandle Conference Baseball Sophomore Showcase will