Exciting Changes Coming to Football Gamedays

Central Michigan Athletics is making some exciting changes to football gamedays this fall to provide a great experience for our fans.

Now is the perfect time to buy your tickets to take advantage of these upgrades. To get your ticket now, click here.
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The most substantial change is that Fabiano Brothers Tailgate Village is headed to the south end of The Island, moving this premier area to the heart of the pregame action. Tailgate Village features the U.S. Army concert series, the Soaring Eagle Club, and corporate and group tailgating opportunities. The area also includes sponsor displays and giveaways.

The U.S. Army concert series will feature Jedi Mind Trip (Aug. 29 & Oct. 5), Douglas James Band (Sept. 14) and PaddleBots (Oct. 12). The concerts, which are free and open to all fans, are scheduled to begin three hours prior to kickoff.

The Soaring Eagle Club is the all-in-one tailgating experience for fans. Membership includes prime viewing location in a private tent for the pre-game concert in Tailgate Village, special dining menus for each game, access to a cash bar with beer and wine, along with game tickets and parking.

Fans interested in booking their spot in Tailgate Village or purchasing a membership to The Soaring Eagle Club should contact Andrew Cooper at andrew.cooper@chippewassportsproperties.com.

Two new marquee areas have been added to accommodate our fans.

The CMU Family Zone is a new addition to the northwest area of the stadium. This area will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff and will remain open throughout games. It features kid-friendly activities (inflatables, tailgate games and interactive stations), family-friendly concession items, and unique interactions with special guests. The area is free and open to all fans, providing a great place to entertain children and enjoy the football game at the same time.

A Student VIP Zone is also new for the 2019 season. A select student group on campus will have an opportunity to experience the game from a tent inside the stadium with provided food, drinks and tailgate games. Located above the east stands, fans will enjoy the game in VIP seating from a unique vantage point.

K/S Stadium Videoboard

A new videoboard and audio system were installed this summer, completely changing the fan experience. The videoboard is 32 feet tall and 100 feet wide and a Daktronics 13HD product with 1,691,872 pixels. The new audio system comprises 16 speakers with a digital control structure.

CMU has revamped its game presentation, providing an outstanding game experience. It includes a new DJ in the student section, providing a mix of classics and current hits to an in-venue music presentation that will continue to feature the Marching Chips.

Fans will also see some adjustments to the stadium layout due to the construction of the Chippewa Champions Center. The CMU bench will be located on the west (press box) side of the stadium with the visitors moving to the east side. The seating sections remain the same, with CMU students and the Marching Chips creating the best atmosphere in the Mid-American Conference.

Touchdown Terrace has been removed due to its location in the construction zone and will not be relocated. Parking has also been impacted due to the temporary facilities for the CMU football program and the construction zones. Lot 64 and Lot 62E are both included in the construction zone, but fan parking in those lots will not be affected.

CCC

The Chippewa Champions Center will provide modern facilities for CMU Athletics. The building will be the main wellness hub for all student-athletes, housing CMU's main sports medicine operations including a rehab and hydrotherapy area along with strength and conditioning and nutrition centers.

Football operations, including locker rooms, team meeting rooms and coaches offices, will also be housed in the Chippewa Champions Center. Also included are premium hospitality spaces such as loge boxes, field level club, and patio club.

The new Chippewa Champions Center is set to be operational for the 2020 season and will transform the Kelly/Shorts Stadium north end zone into a modern, multi-functional facility supporting our CMU community – past, present and future!

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