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East-West Shrine Bowl moving from Tropicana Field to Las Vegas

The annual college all-star game spent the past decade in St. Petersburg.
 
USF tight end Mitchell Wilcox is one of the hundreds of players who participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl at Tropicana Field. It's moving to Las Vegas for 2022.
USF tight end Mitchell Wilcox is one of the hundreds of players who participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl at Tropicana Field. It's moving to Las Vegas for 2022. [ DIRK SHADD | Times (2020) ]
Published July 6, 2021

The East-West Shrine Bowl will be moving away from Tropicana Field.

The annual college all-star game and pro scouting event is heading to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and will be a part of Pro Bowl week, the game announced Tuesday.

The 97-year-old event has been played in St. Petersburg for the past decade. It drew pro scouts and front-office personnel from the NFL and other leagues downtown for a week in January to evaluate prospects who ranging from Day 2 picks to free-agent hopefuls. Bucs star outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett is one of the notable players who appeared in the game at Tropicana Field.

Former Florida Gators receiver Freddie Swain participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl in 2020. He's with the Seahawks now.
Former Florida Gators receiver Freddie Swain participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl in 2020. He's with the Seahawks now. [ DIRK SHADD | Tampa Bay Times ]

“The East-West Shrine Bowl is exemplary of the values of football, as all involved have the opportunity to inspire and encourage the children and families at Shriners Hospitals,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. “In addition to community service and engagement, student athletes get an early start on the evaluation of their skills and coaches also showcase their talent, develop professionally, and network with colleagues, which is invaluable to the future of football.”

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Other East-West Shrine alumni over the years include Tom Brady, John Elway, Lawrence Taylor and Brett Favre.

The game is scheduled for Feb. 3 and will be shown on the NFL Network.

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