Know Before You Go: Football Home Opener vs. Wagner on Saturday (1 p.m.)
9/19/2025 9:07:00 AM | Football, General
Kelly/Shorts Stadium is now a cashless venue in all areas including parking, concessions, and tickets; Central Michigan to celebrate Traditions Day and Educator Appreciation Day; Members First Credit Union is Saturday’s game sponsor.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Central Michigan hosts Wagner on Saturday, Sept. 20 for its football home opener at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET. Members First Credit Union serves as the game sponsor.
As part of Traditions Day, members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will participate in a pre-game drum ceremony. As part of Educator Appreciation Day on Saturday, professors and teachers with a school ID can receive one free general admission ticket with the purchase of a ticket. This offer is only available at the ticket booth on game day.
Here are a few things that you need to know before you attend Saturday's game:
CASHLESS VENUE
Central Michigan Athletics has transitioned to cashless payment on game days for all events. Central Michigan has initiated a new digital parking system. Payment by credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay is accepted at all stadium concessions stands, and day-of tickets can be purchased using the same services. Apple pay and Google pay is available with the new parking system as well as credit and debit cards.
PRE-GAME TIMELINE
9:00 a.m.—Parking and tailgate lots open (4 hours prior to kickoff)
10:00 a.m.—All ticket windows and public will call windows open (3 hours prior to kickoff)
10:55 a.m.—Spirit Walk (team walks from Marriott West entrance to the Chippewa Champions Center)
11:30 a.m.—Stadium gates open to the public (90 minutes prior to kickoff)
12:39 p.m.—CMU Marching Band pre-game show
12:46 p.m.—National Anthem
12:52 p.m.—Central Michigan runs onto field
12:52:30 p.m.—Wagner runs onto field
12:54 p.m.—Tribal Drum Ceremony
12:59:30 p.m.—Team Captains
1:00 p.m.—Coin Toss
1:02 p.m.—KICKOFF: Wagner at Central Michigan
STUDENT ACCESS PASSES
Central Michigan Athletics has transitioned to using digital tickets for student admission to all ticketed athletic events beginning with the current 2025-26 academic year. Admission remains free for all Central Michigan students, but students will now be required to present a digital pass upon entrance to ticketed events instead of using a CMU-issued ID. Students are encouraged to have this pass downloaded ahead of the home football opener vs. Wagner on Saturday, Sept. 20 (1 p.m.). Student Access Passes went live on Tuesday, Sept. 9. An e-mail was sent to all students to ensure seamless entry into all events.
Student Access Passes will be required for ticketed event entry beginning with the 2025-26 winter sports season (men's basketball, women's basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and track & field).
DIGITAL PARKING
Central Michigan is utilizing a digital parking system. Fans need to download their apple wallet or google wallet to allow for seamless entry into the lots. The digital parking system will only accept debit card, credit card, apple pay and google pay. Game day lots are located on the south side (scoreboard side of the stadium) in lots 63E, 63W, and 73. All parking lots open four hours prior to kickoff.
CONCESSIONS
Concessions stands are located throughout the entire main (west) and east concourses, at club level and the south entrance. From traditional stadium flare to local flavors, concession stands are located throughout the East and West concourses, at Club Level, and at the South entrance. All points of sale are cashless; FLEX dollars, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted as payment. There are plenty of new offerings on the West concourse this year, including:
Maroon & Gold Market
Located near the elevator on the West concourse, this market serves a variety of specialty items, including candy, chips, cookies, ice cream, and beverages.
Fizz 'N Floats
If you like dirty sodas and ice cream floats, this stop is for you! Enjoy your favorite Pepsi products with a twist. An exclusive souvenir Legends Cup, designed by head football coach Matt Drinkall, is also available for purchase here, located by the North stairwell on the West concourse.
Gridiron Grill
Grab hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, cheesesteak sandwiches, and brats on the South end of the West concourse. New this year, you too can enjoy the meal being served in the Upper Club Lounge! Saturday's specialty meal is two brisket sliders topped with house coleslaw, pickled jalapenos, crispy onions, beer cheese sauce, and BBQ sauce, served with homemade chips and a soda or water.
Fiesta Fusion
Quesadillas, tacos, and nachos can be purchased on the North end of the West concourse, available with cheese, beef, or chicken.
Bundles
Two Pack: get two hotdogs, two popcorns, and two regular beverages (alcohol excluded) for $24.
Pretzel Pack: get four soft-baked pretzels with cheese, two candy selections, and two beverages (alcohol excluded) for $30.
These bundles are served in all concessions stands.
SPIRIT WALK
Fans are encouraged to join the Marching Chips, CMU Cheer, and CMU Dance as they cheer on the CMU Chippewas when they make their walk from the Courtyard Marriott to the Chippewa Champions Center ahead of the game! The team will exit the hotel at 10:55 a.m.
GAME DAY PROMOTIONS
As part of Traditions Day, members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will perform its annual pre-game tribal drum ceremony. The SCIT tribal council and CMU's flag officers will be recognized during the game, in addition to the presentation of multiple awards, including CMU's National Alumni and 10 Within 10 Awards, the Go Teach Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway, and the CFP Extra Yard for Teachers Award. "Beat Wagner" buttons, 2025 CMU Football schedule magnets, and football posters will be available at Fan Central. The Meijer Kids' Zone, located on the North side of the stadium near the Chippewa Champions Center, will open three hours before each game. It includes bounce houses, yard games, face painting (all games except Nov. 12), and coloring station. Fans are encouraged to stop by Fan Central, located inside the main northwest stadium entrances to pick up CMU sport schedule posters and giveaways.
TEXT HOTLINE
Central Michigan has initiated a text hotline for issues and emergencies that arise on game day. Fans are encouraged to text (989) 546-3641 to report issues via Switchbase. A Central Michigan administrator will respond to each inquiry.
GATES
All gates to Kelly/Shorts Stadium will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. All bags are subject to CMU's bag policy and subject to search. There are gates located on all four corners (northwest, southwest, northeast or southeast) of the stadium.
TAILGATING POLICIES
Vehicles must only occupy one parking space; tailgating accessories may not be placed outside of their designated parking space. Michigan laws pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be enforced. Tailgating may not include kegs or mass quantities of alcohol. Glass containers, large grills pulled on their own wheels by vehicles, open fires, and animals (except service animals) are not permitted in the tailgating area. The use of external sound systems is permitted but is subject to control by CMU Police. Pre-approved sound system permits may be required. Sound permits can be obtained by contacting CMU Police (989) 774-3081.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Kelly/Shorts Stadium has a clear bag policy. Fans may enter with a clear tote or storage bag and one handbag. Details on each are listed below:
Clear Tote: plastic, vinyl or PVC no larger than 12x6x12 inches.
Storage Bag: 1-gallon clear plastic reusable bag.
One Handbag: no larger than 4.5x6.5 inches with or without handle or strap.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found is located at NW Fan Central, just inside the main stadium gates. If any article is lost or found in the stadium, please inquire about or report it to a worker at Fan Central. Articles not claimed before the end of the game are turned over to the CMU Police, who can be reached at (989) 774-3081.
FIRST AID STATION
First aid is available next to section A in the NW corner of the stadium. The first aid section is operated by MyMichigan Health in partnership with CMU Athletics. In case of emergency, please seek out the nearest police officer, usher, or security guard for assistance, or call Central Michigan Police at (989) 774-3081 or 911.
MEET MOUNT PLEASANT
Looking for other Mount Pleasant area activities before or after the game? Head to www.meetmtp.com to find all of the information you need to plan the rest of your trip to Mount Pleasant.
TICKETS
All ticket windows open 3 hours prior to kickoff. Tickets are still available for Saturday's game. Single-game tickets can be purchased on game day at one of the ticket booths using a credit card. Season tickets can still be purchased or renewed online at Ticket Central at www.cmuchippewas.com at this link, or by calling the CMU Athletics Ticket Office at (989) 774-3045.
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
As part of Traditions Day, members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will participate in a pre-game drum ceremony. As part of Educator Appreciation Day on Saturday, professors and teachers with a school ID can receive one free general admission ticket with the purchase of a ticket. This offer is only available at the ticket booth on game day.
Here are a few things that you need to know before you attend Saturday's game:
CASHLESS VENUE
Central Michigan Athletics has transitioned to cashless payment on game days for all events. Central Michigan has initiated a new digital parking system. Payment by credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay is accepted at all stadium concessions stands, and day-of tickets can be purchased using the same services. Apple pay and Google pay is available with the new parking system as well as credit and debit cards.
PRE-GAME TIMELINE
9:00 a.m.—Parking and tailgate lots open (4 hours prior to kickoff)
10:00 a.m.—All ticket windows and public will call windows open (3 hours prior to kickoff)
10:55 a.m.—Spirit Walk (team walks from Marriott West entrance to the Chippewa Champions Center)
11:30 a.m.—Stadium gates open to the public (90 minutes prior to kickoff)
12:39 p.m.—CMU Marching Band pre-game show
12:46 p.m.—National Anthem
12:52 p.m.—Central Michigan runs onto field
12:52:30 p.m.—Wagner runs onto field
12:54 p.m.—Tribal Drum Ceremony
12:59:30 p.m.—Team Captains
1:00 p.m.—Coin Toss
1:02 p.m.—KICKOFF: Wagner at Central Michigan
STUDENT ACCESS PASSES
Central Michigan Athletics has transitioned to using digital tickets for student admission to all ticketed athletic events beginning with the current 2025-26 academic year. Admission remains free for all Central Michigan students, but students will now be required to present a digital pass upon entrance to ticketed events instead of using a CMU-issued ID. Students are encouraged to have this pass downloaded ahead of the home football opener vs. Wagner on Saturday, Sept. 20 (1 p.m.). Student Access Passes went live on Tuesday, Sept. 9. An e-mail was sent to all students to ensure seamless entry into all events.
Student Access Passes will be required for ticketed event entry beginning with the 2025-26 winter sports season (men's basketball, women's basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and track & field).
DIGITAL PARKING
Central Michigan is utilizing a digital parking system. Fans need to download their apple wallet or google wallet to allow for seamless entry into the lots. The digital parking system will only accept debit card, credit card, apple pay and google pay. Game day lots are located on the south side (scoreboard side of the stadium) in lots 63E, 63W, and 73. All parking lots open four hours prior to kickoff.
CONCESSIONS
Concessions stands are located throughout the entire main (west) and east concourses, at club level and the south entrance. From traditional stadium flare to local flavors, concession stands are located throughout the East and West concourses, at Club Level, and at the South entrance. All points of sale are cashless; FLEX dollars, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted as payment. There are plenty of new offerings on the West concourse this year, including:
Maroon & Gold Market
Located near the elevator on the West concourse, this market serves a variety of specialty items, including candy, chips, cookies, ice cream, and beverages.
Fizz 'N Floats
If you like dirty sodas and ice cream floats, this stop is for you! Enjoy your favorite Pepsi products with a twist. An exclusive souvenir Legends Cup, designed by head football coach Matt Drinkall, is also available for purchase here, located by the North stairwell on the West concourse.
Gridiron Grill
Grab hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, cheesesteak sandwiches, and brats on the South end of the West concourse. New this year, you too can enjoy the meal being served in the Upper Club Lounge! Saturday's specialty meal is two brisket sliders topped with house coleslaw, pickled jalapenos, crispy onions, beer cheese sauce, and BBQ sauce, served with homemade chips and a soda or water.
Fiesta Fusion
Quesadillas, tacos, and nachos can be purchased on the North end of the West concourse, available with cheese, beef, or chicken.
Bundles
Two Pack: get two hotdogs, two popcorns, and two regular beverages (alcohol excluded) for $24.
Pretzel Pack: get four soft-baked pretzels with cheese, two candy selections, and two beverages (alcohol excluded) for $30.
These bundles are served in all concessions stands.
SPIRIT WALK
Fans are encouraged to join the Marching Chips, CMU Cheer, and CMU Dance as they cheer on the CMU Chippewas when they make their walk from the Courtyard Marriott to the Chippewa Champions Center ahead of the game! The team will exit the hotel at 10:55 a.m.
GAME DAY PROMOTIONS
As part of Traditions Day, members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will perform its annual pre-game tribal drum ceremony. The SCIT tribal council and CMU's flag officers will be recognized during the game, in addition to the presentation of multiple awards, including CMU's National Alumni and 10 Within 10 Awards, the Go Teach Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway, and the CFP Extra Yard for Teachers Award. "Beat Wagner" buttons, 2025 CMU Football schedule magnets, and football posters will be available at Fan Central. The Meijer Kids' Zone, located on the North side of the stadium near the Chippewa Champions Center, will open three hours before each game. It includes bounce houses, yard games, face painting (all games except Nov. 12), and coloring station. Fans are encouraged to stop by Fan Central, located inside the main northwest stadium entrances to pick up CMU sport schedule posters and giveaways.
TEXT HOTLINE
Central Michigan has initiated a text hotline for issues and emergencies that arise on game day. Fans are encouraged to text (989) 546-3641 to report issues via Switchbase. A Central Michigan administrator will respond to each inquiry.
GATES
All gates to Kelly/Shorts Stadium will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. All bags are subject to CMU's bag policy and subject to search. There are gates located on all four corners (northwest, southwest, northeast or southeast) of the stadium.
TAILGATING POLICIES
Vehicles must only occupy one parking space; tailgating accessories may not be placed outside of their designated parking space. Michigan laws pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be enforced. Tailgating may not include kegs or mass quantities of alcohol. Glass containers, large grills pulled on their own wheels by vehicles, open fires, and animals (except service animals) are not permitted in the tailgating area. The use of external sound systems is permitted but is subject to control by CMU Police. Pre-approved sound system permits may be required. Sound permits can be obtained by contacting CMU Police (989) 774-3081.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Kelly/Shorts Stadium has a clear bag policy. Fans may enter with a clear tote or storage bag and one handbag. Details on each are listed below:
Clear Tote: plastic, vinyl or PVC no larger than 12x6x12 inches.
Storage Bag: 1-gallon clear plastic reusable bag.
One Handbag: no larger than 4.5x6.5 inches with or without handle or strap.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found is located at NW Fan Central, just inside the main stadium gates. If any article is lost or found in the stadium, please inquire about or report it to a worker at Fan Central. Articles not claimed before the end of the game are turned over to the CMU Police, who can be reached at (989) 774-3081.
FIRST AID STATION
First aid is available next to section A in the NW corner of the stadium. The first aid section is operated by MyMichigan Health in partnership with CMU Athletics. In case of emergency, please seek out the nearest police officer, usher, or security guard for assistance, or call Central Michigan Police at (989) 774-3081 or 911.
MEET MOUNT PLEASANT
Looking for other Mount Pleasant area activities before or after the game? Head to www.meetmtp.com to find all of the information you need to plan the rest of your trip to Mount Pleasant.
TICKETS
All ticket windows open 3 hours prior to kickoff. Tickets are still available for Saturday's game. Single-game tickets can be purchased on game day at one of the ticket booths using a credit card. Season tickets can still be purchased or renewed online at Ticket Central at www.cmuchippewas.com at this link, or by calling the CMU Athletics Ticket Office at (989) 774-3045.
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
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