Who is fired up for fall and ready for Central Michigan Football? Since 1972, Kelly/Shorts stadium has welcomed thousands of fans through its gates for home football games. For many, attending a CMU game is a must do activity when visiting the Mt. Pleasant area! Headed to a game soon? Keep reading and discover the top tips for attending a CMU game!
1. Tailgating & Parking
Tailgating is a football staple, and Central Michigan is no different! Tailgate spots can be purchased through Ticket Central. Don’t forget to bring your favorite tailgate snack and wear your favorite piece of CMU gear!
Fan Tip: Grab a new piece of CMU gear from the Chippewas Varsity Shop at the northwest corner of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Don’t forget to purchase your game day parking ticket for $20 in advance through Ticket Central or at the gate on game day! All parking lots open four hours prior to kickoff. Make sure to always have your parking pass displayed during the game!
2. Get Fired Up (During the Game)
Watch the CMU Chippewas in the largest on-campus stadium in the Mid-American Conference! The fun doesn’t stop with football – wait till halftime and join in as the CMU Marching Band plays the university fight song, The Fighting Chippewa!
Fan Tip: Anytime CMU gets a first down, yell with the crowd ‘MOVE THOSE CHAINS!’
3. Accomodations
Book your hotel stay as early as possible – room nights tend to fill up fast on game days! Courtyard by Mariott Mt. Pleasant at Central Michigan University, Super 8, Comfort Inn & Suites, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Mariott are the closet to the Kelly/Shorts Stadium but all Mt. Pleasant hotels are within close proximity to the stadium!
4. Paint the Town Maroon
On game days, we wear our maroon & gold proud! Download the Meet Mt. Pleasant app, and in the fall, participate in the Fire Up and Find it Challenge to discover student and alumni favorites! Grab a round of drinks at an alumni hotspot, the Bird Bar & Grill, explore new favorites like Ponder Coffee Co., and so much more!
Fan tip: The challenge runs all football season long so plan to come back for multiple home football games!
5. Explore the Area
Make a weekend out of your trip to central Michigan by exploring all the activities the area has to offer. Check out local favorites like Papa’s Pumpkin Patch for cider, donuts, and your next jack-o-lantern. Or grab a bite to eat and sip on a fall flavored brew at Mountain Town Station downtown or on the Summit Smokehouse patio in front of their firepit.
