‘Dirt Bowl’ to be played in Dunbar this year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The popular ‘Dirt Bowl’ basketball games will be played in the Dunbar Center this year due to safety concerns, according to the city.

After getting input from Dirt Bowl players, coaches, referees and neighbors, the city’s Division of Parks and Recreation decided to move the games from the event’s original location of Douglass Park.

On June 21, 2015, five people were shot in the park during games.  One of the five victims died as a result of his wounds.

"We’re respectful of the history of the Dirt Bowl in Douglass Park," said Geoff Reed, the city commissioner who oversees Parks and Recreation.  "But the June 21 shooting incident in the park left participants concerned about safety in the park, with many saying they would not return to Douglass this year, even for the July 19 Super Sunday event.  We must respect their concerns as well."

In future years, the city expects the Dirt Bowl to return to Douglass Park, according to Reed.  Police have said they can offer a greater level of security inside a gym rather than outdoors in a park.  Dunbar Center is located as 545 N. Upper Street.