(PUEBLO, Colo.) — High school football is in full swing, and that means it is time to reignite the oldest American football rivalry this side of the Mississippi: The Bell Game! Almost every year since 1892, Pueblo’s Centennial and Central High Schools have a gridiron grapple for Southern Colorado supremacy. 2025’s Bell Game is not only the 124th iteration of this sports skirmish, but also the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the bell handoff.
Starting in 1950, a railroad bell fixed to a wheeled cart became the prize to be handed off to the victor of the yearly game, marking 75 years since the induction of this titular tradition.
According to Pueblo School District 60’s (D60) web page dedicated to the Bell Game, this event boasts the highest annual attendance for high school sports across Colorado, typically drawing in around 15,000 in-person visitors to Dutch Clark Stadium every year. Last year, over 105,000 viewers tuned in via Pueblo Community College’s (PCC) broadcast. PCC is partnering with D60 and the radio station KDZA to air the game on multiple platforms.
Pregame for the Bell Game will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, with the kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. PCC, D60, and KDZA will all broadcast the game live on their respective Facebook pages, as well as Xfinity Channel 19. The game will also be simulcast on 101.9 FM.
Just like every Friday night during football season, FOX21’s Overtime coverage will bring you highlights and up-to-date scores of the week’s featured games, especially the Bell Game.
“We’re so glad we can partner with D60 and KDZA to offer this broadcast for the community,” said PCC President Chato Hazelbaker. “It’s great to see how many people tune in locally and throughout the world to support these Pueblo traditions.”
Photo courtesy of Pueblo County
Pueblo Centennial High School and Pueblo Central High School’s cheerleader and dance teams will also be performing at the Rally at the Rotunda, in the historic Pueblo County Courthouse, decked out in school colors to celebrate the big game this Friday, Sept. 26, at 11:30 a.m.
