Mohegan Sun Reaches 3-Year Deal With Miss America

UNCASVILLE, CT — Mohegan Sun has struck a 3-year deal to continue holding Miss America events and finals at Mohegan Sun Arena, according to a statement from the company. The 100th anniversary Miss America competition will be broadcast live in December.

The pageant began in Atlantic City in 1921, then moved to Las Vegas in 2005 before returning to Atlantic City in 2013. In 2019, Miss America announced it would be moving from Atlantic City to Mohegan Sun, according to The Associated Press.

"Following the success of the Miss America 2020 competition at Mohegan Sun, we knew we had created something very special here in Connecticut and we’re thrilled to be able to host Miss America events and competitions for the next three years at our destination," Jeff Hamilton, President and General Manager of Mohegan Sun, said in a statement. "Miss America will now become one of Mohegan Sun’s largest annual events in terms of size, scope and reach, allowing us to continue to deliver world-class, unique experiences to all those who step through our doors."

This year marks a milestone for the Miss America Organization as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this fall. The competition will "continue to highlight a diverse group of young students and professionals who are advancing the message of female strength, independence, and empowerment through their efforts in the areas of scholarship, talent and social impact," according to the statement.

In addition to the one-night finale, other events and preliminary competitions will take place in Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center, which includes the 125,000 square foot Earth Expo center. To commemorate the Miss America Organization's centennial anniversary in September, the organization and Mohegan Sun intend to host celebrations and community events, as well as bring back the "Show Us Your Shoes" parade, in its new home state of Connecticut this year.

"For 100 years Miss America has been an icon, a champion for social causes, and one of the leading providers of scholarships to women in the country," Shantel Krebs, Miss America Organization President & CEO, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to have Mohegan Sun join us in this mission. As a leading integrated entertainment resort with a state-of-the-art venue and innovative vision for hosting events, Mohegan is the ideal partner as we enter into our second century of service to America’s outstanding young women."

Mohegan Sun and the Miss America Organization will rely on guidance from the Mohegan Tribal Health Department as well as local and state COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Further details on ticket sales, scheduling and broadcast partners will be announced in the coming months.