MADISON — Every college football team dreams of a postseason bowl game and this fall, the dream will be a reality for two small college powerhouses when the inaugural Culver’s Isthmus Bowl kicks-off in Madison on November 20, 2021 at the newly constructed, award-winning Verona Area High School Wildcat stadium. The bowl game will highlight two Midwest football conferences at the competitive NCAA Division III level. 

The Culver’s Isthmus Bowl will feature one team from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).  

“The Culver’s Isthmus Bowl was created to further showcase the two best conferences in NCAA Division III athletics nationwide,” said Mike Shaw, Founder and Bowl Game Director. “Putting together the first bowl game in Wisconsin state history is exciting, but bringing it to my hometown of Madison is a dream come true. When Culver’s agreed to become the major sponsor, everything started to come together. They have been tremendous to work with.” 

Jamie Patrick, Vice President of Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) said that the greater Madison area is passionate about college football. “After a year with few live sporting events, we are excited to bring the community this new fall bowl game and recognize a group of talented Division III athletes,” Patrick said. 

“We are extremely excited that our football student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete in the inaugural Culver’s Isthmus Bowl against the CCIW. Both conferences have storied histories on the football field and this game will showcase the competitive spirit of both conferences. We are thankful to Mike Shaw and all of the corporate partners for making this event possible,” said WIAC Commissioner Danielle Harris. 

“The members of the CCIW are thrilled to be part of the Culver’s Isthmus Bowl and for the opportunity to provide an additional post season experience for our student-athletes,” said Maureen Harty, Executive Director of the CCIW. “With the depth of football talent in the CCIW and the WIAC, fans will be treated to a very competitive contest. We appreciate the support of all the sponsors who are helping to make this happen.” 

Additional sponsors Kwik Trip, American Family Insurance, Uline, Hy Cite Enterprises, Eno Vino Restaurants, the Shaw Family, Madison Partners and the Special Olympics. 

Tickets for the bowl game are $10.00 and will go on sale starting October 1. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Special Olympics of Wisconsin. For ticketing and game information, visit 

isthmusbowl.com or contact isthmusbowl@gmail.com.