Columbia officials expect 3,000 to 3,500 people downtown for Shakespeare’s Pizza’s 50th anniversary bash

Downtown Columbia’s Shakespeare’s Pizza was once voted as America’ best college hangout by ABC’s “Good Morning America”, and it’s been a favorite pizza spot for legendary college football broadcaster Brent Musberger and numerous college football and basketball coaches.

Shakespeare’s is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, and at least 3,000 people are expected to be in downtown Columbia for Saturday’s 50^th anniversary celebration and outdoor concert. Columbia’s city council approved Shakespeare’s May two-page request to close South ninth from Locust through the Elm street intersection for the event.

Shakespeare’s general manager Kurt Mirtsching tells 939 the Eagle that the event is all about thanking Columbia for its support over the years. He says a number of nonprofits will be selling raffle tickets tomorrow and that there will also be food trucks. Mr. Mirtsching also remembers numerous coaches eating at Shakespeare’s over the years, dating back to the Warren Powers era. The late Warren Powers coached at Mizzou from 1978-1984.