Central Michigan University Athletics
An Exciting Change for the 2014 Football Season
2/27/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan Athletics announced today that the home bench at Kelly/Shorts Stadium will be moved back to the east side of the stadium, allowing student seating to be located behind the team.
"Improving the game day atmosphere for our fans and student-athletes is always a top priority for us, "CMU Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said. "Through evaluation and communication with our campus partners, we felt this was the right time to return our team and students to their original spot on the east side of the stadium. This move will also improve the overall aesthetics of our stadium environment, both in-person and for our television audience."
Along with bringing the students and team closer together, the move to the east side of the stadium will provide students improved sightlines and as well as better access to restrooms and concessions. The new student section will run the entire east sideline, from sections U to AA with the Marching Chippewas remaining in their current spot in section V, located in the heart of the students. Central Michigan students receive free admission into all home football games.
This also brings back a tradition that saw the students and band sit behind the home team for the first 30-plus years of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
"Our students provide great energy to the stadium and having them directly behind our team will supply tremendous support to the team," CMU Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Tony Voisin said. "Attending a home football game is one of the great communal experiences for a CMU student and this move indicates the return of an important tradition.
The move to the east sideline will also benefit the football program as it will have easier access to its locker room, which is located on the east side of the north end zone building.
"I believe this will create a stronger bond between our students and football team because the vocal, dedicated support our students provide during games," CMU head football coach Dan Enos said. "I feel the support of our students can have a major impact on the success of our football program."
The south end of the stadium, sections L - T will now become general admission seating. CMU Athletics plans to utilize this space by creating value-based ticket offerings, giving fans more options and opportunities to enjoy a game in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The 2014 football schedule will have six home games for just the second time since 2003. CMU had seven in 2012. CMU's home non-conference opponents include ACC-foe Syracuse and FCS member Chattanooga. The Chippewas also hosts rival Western Michigan this year along with Ball State, Miami and Ohio. The complete MAC schedule and ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.
