Game Scores

If you have been part of the Sacramento community for at least some of the past 35 years you have probably heard of the Pig Bowl. This year, Sacramento area law enforcement and firefighters celebrate the 36th Anniversary of this CHARITY FOOTBALL GAME, which is always played in January. These good natured, fiercely competitive games have given more than $1.5 million dollars to local charities throughout the years.

The PIG BOWL is and always has been about giving to the community and those in need.  However, the game, the festivities and the celebrations also honor the lives and the memories of DECADES OF HEROES of local law enforcement officers and firefighters who have lost their lives or have been injured in the line of duty.

It all began as a friendly football game on a cold day in January 1974 and grew to an event attended by over 32,000 fans.  This game started a nationwide craze of pitting law enforcement and/or fire departments against each other on the gridiron. Credit for this unique event goes to a handful of officers back in the early 1970’s. Good-natured badgering resulted in a fun and a fundraising game that has survived to this day.

“PIG” was a derogatory name given to law enforcement back in the seventies, but was turned into a motto standing for Pride * Integrity * Guts … thus the PIG BOWL was born and the only game and organization of its kind to have stood the test of time.

An all-volunteer committee was formed and a community school contest was held to pick the team’s names. The Police Department’s team became the BACON BOMBERS and the Sheriff’s Department team became the RAZORBACKS. The game is a family oriented event featuring pre-game and half time entertainment. The Pig Bowl remains the single most popular charity competition in the history of Sacramento and the only law enforcement agencies to play 35 consecutive games.

Other traditions have evolved from the original game including tailgate parties, rib eating contests, player’s breakfasts, golf tournaments, a wine festival and canned food drives during the holidays and at the game to help families in need. The Kickoff Crab Feed is one of the most attended crab feeds in the area. The HOGS and DOGS Cheerleader (adult and junior) SQUADS give their time and energy and work at every function entertaining the crowds and to assure that all raffles and prize presentations run smoothly. 

Several years ago a NEW GAME IN TOWN was introduced!

PIG BOWL Presents: GUNS & HOSES. The game pits law enforcement *HOGS* against the fire service *DOGS*. These players, whose day jobs provide protection for the people of our community, practice in the cold mornings, put up with the aches and pains of getting into “football” shape in hopes that the public turns out for this fantastic event and raise money for local non profits.  We are very excited to host this game at a new location:  Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova. 

Proceeds are shared with many area charitable groups including VIVA-Volunteers In Victims Assistance, WIND Youth Services, Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project, Mustard Seed School, FEAT-Families in Early Autism Treatment, Firefighters Burn Institute, CSUS Football, Stingers Athletic Association, Project Linus, Sacramento Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Chaplaincy, Access TV, Rio Linda High School, Oakmont High School, Grant Joint Union High School District, McClatchy High School, Laguna Creek High School, Sacramento County Sheriff Explorer Program, Northern Cal Koyasan Taiko Group, Scottish Rite Language Center, UCD Marching Band, Del Campo High School , Cordova High School , Natomas High School Band, Foothill High School, and Laguna Creek Band.

In addition, donations have been given to the American River College Fire Science Scholarship, Bill Bean Scholarship ** Sacramento City College and California State University Scholarship.

This year we are asking everyone that attends our charity football game to bring items for care packages for our military troops.  The SACRAMENTO BLUE STAR MOMS will be at the gate to accept the items for the care packages.  Please see the military wish list of items for the care packages on our web site.

Come join the family fun and enjoy a great football game.   You can show your support for our Greater Sacramento Fire & Law and make a difference in our community.

NO LOSERS IN THIS GAME….
THE WINNER OF THIS GAME IS ALWAYS CHARITY

Sincerely,
The Pig Bowl/Guns & Hoses Committee