 "Photo: Collegian file photo")
Kite’s Grille and Bar has advanced to the championship for the title of Ultimate College Sports Bar.
The contest started June 2 on The Redshirt Files with an open call for nominations. After votes were submitted, the list of nominated sports bars was condensed to 16.
“I didn't even know that our name was in the contest until I received news that our bar was one of the top 16 in the nation,” said Rusty Wilson, owner of Kite’s.
The “Ultimate College Sports Bar Showdown” has been picked up by several media sources including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, WIBW and several radio stations.
Kite’s workers said they are excited to be part of one of the top two college sports bars in the nation.
“It is so cool that our bar has been selected for this [contest]. My sister that just moved up from Texas said that people were talking about the championship down there — everyone knows about it,” said Christi Nelson, assistant manager of Kite’s in Aggieville.
Kite's has been part of Manhattan for more than 55 years and has been a favorite for thousands of K-State students and Manhattan residents.
“When put into perspective, it's awesome to see that Kite’s is one of the top two college sports bars in the nation,” Wilson said. “We are very honored that K-Staters and the people of Kansas consider Kite’s to be the very best.”
To support Kite's as the Ultimate College Sports Bar, interested persons can visit www.redshirtfiles.com and cast votes before midnight Sunday.
To show thanks for all of the support, Kite’s plans to have a celebration later, win or lose, that will include a pig roast and T-shirts.
