The 73rd annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl is set to return to Vermont State University Castleton on August 1, 2026, bringing together the best recently graduated senior football players from New Hampshire and Vermont in a showcase of talent and rivalry.
Vermont enters the game with momentum after a narrow 19‑14 victory over New Hampshire in the 2025 edition, a win that secured the Green Mountain State’s third straight championship and set its sights on a historic fourth consecutive title.
A Tradition Renewed
The annual bowl, organized by the Shriners, has become a staple of New England high school football, drawing fans, alumni and community supporters who gather to celebrate the sport while contributing to a charitable cause.
Introductions of the players and coaches are scheduled for 11 a.m., followed by kickoff at 11:30 a.m., giving spectators a full morning of festivities before the game begins.
Key Players and Coaches
Vermont’s roster features standout athletes from schools such as Bellows Falls, BFA‑Fairfax, Burlington/South Burlington and other programs across the state, while the team will be guided by Essex head coach Ethan Curtis, who brings a proven track record of leadership and strategy.
New Hampshire, despite trailing in the all‑time series 50‑19‑2, fields a competitive squad that continues to challenge the Green Mountain State’s dominance, promising another tightly contested matchup.
Fundraising for a Cause
Beyond the competition, the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl serves a vital purpose: all proceeds from ticket sales are donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children, supporting medical care for children in need across the region.
Fans can purchase tickets online, and the event’s organizers emphasize that each purchase directly contributes to the hospital network’s mission, reinforcing the bowl’s dual focus on sport and service.
As the 2026 game approaches, anticipation builds among players, coaches, families and supporters who look forward to adding another chapter to the storied rivalry while making a tangible impact on the community.