A hidden gem: The Oak Bowl and Peru State College

By Corner Post

There was a time long ago when many aspects of life were simpler, though no less harsh. So it was in families, institutions and even sporting events. In general, there were fewer choices and less distractions, fewer conveniences and less dissatisfaction, fewer opportunities and less pressure. Is the loss of what was abandoned worth what has been gained? In some cases, it certainly was; in others, it certainly was not. But the change need not always be all one or all the other. We can, in some cases, weigh individual aspects by degree. We found a charming example of measured change in Peru — not the South American country, but the small town in Nemaha County, Nebraska.

One fixture that epitomizes this measured change is the Oak Bowl at Peru State College. If “sports” is akin to a universal language, the arenas in which participants compete and supporters cheer represent various dialects. As different as the English pronunciation by a Mainer is from a Texan to a Californian, so are the venues between schools. Eight universities in the U.S. have stadiums with capacities of more than 100,000. (That’s about 20,00 more than the largest NFL stadium!) In contrast, Peru State College seats about 2000.

And what about the atmosphere? Exciting action on the field, check. Enthusiasm in the seats, check. Beautiful, historic setting, you bet! Surrounded by hillsides of oak trees, the Oak Bowl has been the site of campus sporting events for almost 125 years. Spectators originally sat on blankets on a grassy slope. Later wooden bleachers were erected. Now modern facilities with amenities for convenience, comfort and commerce are in place, while preserving the original charm. There are few venues in collegiate football that compare to the natural beauty here, especially on a nice autumn afternoon or evening. (There are five home games on the Peru State Bobcats’ 2024 football schedule.)

In case you’re wondering, Peru State College, founded in 1865, making it the first institution of higher education in Nebraska. The main two disciplines the college is best known for are training teachers and leaders in business fields (management, accounting, marketing).

To learn more about the Oak Bowl and Peru State University, check out https://www.peru.edu/.