The first officially recorded Thanksgiving Day football game between Kirkwood High School (KHS) and neighboring Webster Groves High School (WGHS) was held in 1907. Since then, with only a few exceptions, the two schools have met each year on the football field to compete for the “Turkey Day Championship” and the coveted Frisco Bell trophy. More than just a football game, Turkey Day has become a celebration of spirit and pride for both communities.

In anticipation of the 2023 football game, KHS students and alumni will begin the “Turkey Day Game” countdown in November with special activities throughout the month and during Spirit Week, which begins the week of Thanksgiving. 

Leading up to the Turkey Day game, KSD schools host a variety of activities including turkey trots, theme days, and service projects including canned food collections for our community.

The week of Thanksgiving, our community is invited to show your Pioneer Pride by joining us in the following:

Monday, Nov. 20 – Tacky Day
Wear orange and black, Webster’s colors.

Tuesday, Nov. 21 – Spirit Day
Wear red and white to show “Pioneer Pride.” The traditional KHS hall decorations will be displayed at the start of the school day.

HISTORY OF TURKEY DAY

The first officially recorded Thanksgiving Day football game between Kirkwood High School (KHS) and neighboring Webster Groves High School (WGHS) was held in 1907. Since then, with only a few exceptions, the two schools have met each year on the football field to compete for the “Turkey Day Championship” and the coveted Frisco Bell trophy. More than just a football game, Turkey Day has become a celebration of spirit and pride for both communities.

In anticipation of the 2023 football game, KHS students and alumni will begin the “Turkey Day Game” countdown in November with special activities throughout the month and during Spirit Week, which begins the week of Thanksgiving.

Leading up to the Turkey Day game, KSD schools host a variety of activities including turkey trots, theme days, and service projects including canned food collections for our community.

The week of Thanksgiving, the community is invited to show their Pioneer Pride by joining us in the following:

Monday, Nov. 20 – Tacky Day
Wear orange and black, Webster’s colors.

Tuesday, Nov. 21 – Spirit Day
Wear red and white to show “Pioneer Pride.” The traditional KHS hall decorations will be displayed at the start of the school day. Visitors need to check into the Welcome Center off Dougherty Ferry to view the hallway decorations or attend the pep rally. 

KHS students will close out the school day with the KHS Turkey Day Pep Assembly in the David Holley Assembly Hall at 1:40 p.m. The pep rally will be live-streamed on the KHS Athletic YouTube page.

Wednesday, Nov. 22 - Chili Bowl
Kirkwood School District Foundation Turkey Day Chili Bowl Cook-Off. KSDF will host the 27th annual Turkey Day Chili Bowl Cook-Off in the KHS Walker Commons and Cafeteria. Community members are invited to sample chili prepared by area restaurants and vote for the best chili in town. Tickets can only be purchased online in advance until they are sold out. Please visit the KSDF Chili Bowl website to purchase tickets.

Wednesday, November 22 - Community Pep Rally
The Pep Rally in David Holley Assembly Hall will begin at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 23 - Turkey Day Game 
Kick-off for the main event - the Turkey Day Game - is at noon at E.L. Lyons Memorial Stadium
Tickets will be on sale starting Wednesday, November 1. To purchase tickets, visit the KHS athletics website. Be sure to select "Kirkwood Presale General Admission" online for proceeds to stay in Kirkwood. 

Tickets may be purchased in person via cash or check only at the KHS Athletic Office or the KHS Welcome Center from Monday, November 6 through Monday, November 20 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Cash or checks made payable to "KHS" only. No credit card purchases in person.

Proceeds from advanced tickets sold in Kirkwood (both online and at the athletic office) are contributed to KHS programs. Proceeds from tickets sold at the gate are divided between Kirkwood and Webster Groves.

Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate. Kids six and under are free. 

For additional information, please call the KHS Athletic Department at 314-213-6116.

Media Outlets for Football Game:

Big 550 with Jim Powers and Radio 63119 with Randy Mohlman
KWRH 92.9FM (Webster, Kirkwood and surrounding areas)
102.9FM KXOK
The game will be live-streamed on mshsaa.tv. Then, search for "Kirkwood."

Friday, November 24 - Varsity Hockey Game at 1:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Varsity and Webster Varsity
Webster Groves rink
33 E Glendale Rd, Webster Groves, MO
Please contact jennifer.meister@kirkwoodschools.org with questions.

Thursday, November 23

Wrestling and Cross Country Alumni
Run in annual Turkey Trot race
Alumni will meet at 7:10am at the Kirkwood Train Station
Race Begins at 7:30am
Register on the Turkey Day Run event signup website

KHS Football Breakfast
8 a.m. at KHS Cafeteria. 
Please contact Greg Godi, KHS '89 at 314-221-5000. 
Cost is $15. Purchase online in advance or using cash or check at the door. Donations will also be accepted to cover the cost of meals for the 2023 football team.