Your guide to the CMU spring football game
4/12/2018 12:00:00 AM | Football
An early preview of the Central Michigan football season, the annual Kids Clinic and a chance for fans to earn prizes from sponsors are part of the Spring Game Presented by Graff of Mt. Pleasant, University Meadows and T-Mobile.
The April 21 game - free and open to fans - starts at 1 p.m. in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Here is your guide to getting the most out of the day.
KIDS CLINIC
Registration begins at 10 a.m. in the Indoor Athletic Complex - just northwest of the stadium. The clinic begins indoors with an autograph session with players and a pep talk with CMU coach John Bonamego and a locker-room tour.
The Kids Clinic then heads to the field in Kelly/Shorts Stadium for interactive drills at stations manned by CMU players.
Bonus: This all leads to pizza at noon in the track bay of the Indoor Athletic Complex.
THE SPRING GAME
Gates open at noon, the Chippewas Varsity Shop will be open and on-field action begins at 1 p.m.
Don't expect to see a traditional football game. Fans will see Bonamego and his staff set up game-like situations and run through drills as the Chippewas prepare for the 2018 season.
RADIO BROADCAST
Tune in to the Chippewa Sports Network from IMG to hear the call from play-by-play man Don Chiodo and color analyst Steve Powers. Catch the action on our flagship station WUPS-FM (98.5).
THE FORECAST
Fifty degrees with clouds. In other words, football weather.
PARKING
Fans can park in Lot 62E and Lot 62W to the north of the stadium or in Lot 63E or Lot 62W, which are to the south. Lots open at 9 a.m.
PRIZES
Besides the spring game, we have games for CMU students.
Quarterback for Cash: For the second consecutive year, Graff of Mt. Pleasant has a fun game for CMU students. We'll have two lines of students attempting to throw soft footballs through the open windows of vehicles. The winners will receive cash on the spot.
Graff Tire Relay Race: This is a new game. Select CMU students will conduct a relay race while rolling car tires.
We'll also complete the Graff basketball season contest of remote-controlled cars and give away the CMU themed scooter.
1100 CLUB MEMBERS
CMU fans who are 1100 Club members are invited to the annual 1100 Club Breakfast, which begins at 9 a.m. in the track bay of the IAC. RSVP is required.
Not an 1100 Club member, but curious about joining? Check out details online or call the Chippewa Athletic Fund at 989-774-2472. Club members receive invitations to special events, 1100 Club apparel and the 1100 Club e-newsletter.
SEASON TICKETS FOR 2018
Season ticket packages are on sale and are $125 for adults and $115 for CMU faculty and staff. All six of CMU's home games are on Saturdays, beginning with a Sept. 8 game against Big 12 Conference member Kansas. The Chippewas play five of their six home games in September and October. Go online or call 989-774-6680.
CMU fans also can visit the ticket office at the northwest gate of Kelly/Shorts Stadium to speak with a season-ticket representative. CMU ticket managers also will be on the club level of the stadium.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS FOR 2018
Single-game tickets go on sale May 1. Adult tickets cost $23 in advance, $25 on the day of the game. Youth/senior tickets are $15 in advance, $18 on game day. General admission seating is $12 in advance, $15 on game day.
Family Pack ticket specials are back for 2018 and also go on sale May 1. For $65, fans receive four tickets to one game at a discounted rate. Family Packs are available for each home game and seating is in our reserved section.
TAILGATE VILLAGE FOR 2018
The Fabiano Brothers Tailgate Village and the Coldwell Banker Club in Tailgate Village will be back for the first five home games of the 2018 CMU football season.
The concert schedule:
Sept. 8: Jedi Mind Trip
Sept. 22: The Legal Immigrants
Oct. 6: Jedi Mind Trip
Oct. 13: Derek Winter Band
Oct. 20: Paddlebots