An Evening With Mitch Holthus
September 12, 7 p.m.
Butler Community College Power Plant Gym (500 Building)
901 S. Haverhill Road, El Dorado, Kansas
FREE admission
The Harold Smith Cultural Series is thrilled to announce An Evening with Mitch Holthus, the legendary "Voice of the Chiefs," on September 12 at 7 p.m. at the Butler Community College Power Plant Gym.
During this special event, Holthus will delve into the theme of "Where Do I Fit into the Picture?” His talk promises to be a source of inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make a significant difference in their personal and professional lives.
Known for his dynamic play-by-play commentary and his inspiring presence, Holthus was recently named the 2024 Kansan of the Year by the Kansas Society of Washington, D.C. Holthus holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured and most decorated play-by-play voice in Kansas City Chiefs history. His iconic calls have been the soundtrack to some of the most memorable moments in Chiefs history, including their Super Bowl victories in 2020, 2023, and 2024. He also provided commentary for Super Bowl 55 in February 2021.
Beyond the stadium, Holthus is a multifaceted broadcaster. He hosts the Hy-Vee Chiefs Insider television show, the Chiefs Field Pass show, and the Chiefs Rewind post-game show. His "Minute with Mitch" radio and television series reaches audiences across five states, and his work is regularly highlighted on Chiefs.com.
Holthus’s exceptional contributions to broadcasting have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into both the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He is one of only three individuals to achieve this dual honor. Additionally, he is a member of the Kansas State University Athletics Hall of Fame and has received six Emmy awards for his outstanding video and online work.
As a past recipient of the Kansas City Sports Journalist of the Year award, Holthus's reputation as a top-tier broadcaster is well-established.
Holthus grew up on a farm near Smith Center, Kan. He began his broadcasting career working at local radio stations in northcentral Kansas before attending Kansas State University. While at K-State, he earned degrees in Journalism and Business Administration. Following college, he continued working for radio stations until 1983 when he landed in Topeka at WIBW radio & TV. There he began a 13-year run on the K-State Radio Network as the “Voice of the Wildcats” and began branching into other media outlets such as ESPN and FOX Regional Sports.
As he begins his 30th year calling the play-by-play for the Kansas City Chiefs, Butler is proud to host Mitch Holthus as the next Harold Smith Cultural Series presenter. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in sports. Join us on September 12 for an unforgettable evening with Mitch Holthus. Admission is FREE!
About the Harold Smith Cultural Series
The Harold Smith Cultural Series was established in 1998 through the estate of Harold Smith – a gift given to the Butler Foundation. Smith graduated from El Dorado High School in 1039 and then El Dorado Junior College (now Butler Community College) before attending Northwestern University in Chicago. Upon graduation, he returned to El Dorado and worked at the family business S&H Banking, located downtown on south Main Street where Walnut River Brewery is today. When they closed the business, Mr. Smith went to work as an accountant at Beech in Wichita. He lived most of his life in a house on the 300 block of north Washington Street in the house his parents built. Mr. Smith’s vision was to create free, unique cultural opportunities for Butler County residents they may not otherwise experience.
Past Harold Smith Cultural Series Presentations
2022 - David Grann: Journalist and author, "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI"
2022 - Mark McCormick :: Journalist and author, "Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings"
2020 - Galen Abdur-Razzaq :: Musical program "Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement"
2018 - Jeannette Walls :: Author of "The Glass Castle"
2016 - Fabien Cousteau :: Conservationist and grandson of Jacques Cousteau
2014 - Michael Uslan :: Producer of The Batman films
2012 - Warren Brown :: Entrepreneur and Founder of CakeLove
2008 - Alan Mulally :: Former CEO of Ford Motors
2001 - Barbara Bush :: Former First Lady
