Central Michigan University Athletics
10/30/2026 1:40:00 PM | General, Our Stories
As we count down to Motor City MACtion, excitement continues to build for our football program's matchup with Eastern Michigan University at Ford Field in Detroit next Wednesday, Nov. 4. This event represents much more than a football game.Â
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The idea behind bringing a CMU game to Ford Field originated a couple of years ago. It is an opportunity to showcase the strength of the CMU community while engaging our alumni and supporters on of our most meaningful markets to create a meaningful impact that extends beyond the final score.
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Playing at Ford Field provides a unique opportunity for our student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Not only will the Chippewas compete in an NFL venue, but our supporters from across Michigan and beyond will have the chance to experience CMU football in the heart of downtown Detroit. Additionally, it affords us a national television window as the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
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This year's contest marks the 104th meeting between our two institutions, continuing the longest-running rivalry in the Mid-American Conference. It is a rivalry built on tradition, competition, and a shared commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to bring it to one of the premier sports venues in the country.
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The partnership extends beyond this year's game. We are already planning a return matchup at Ford Field in 2027, helping to strengthen CMU's presence in one of our university's most important alumni and recruiting markets.
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Adding to the excitement is the inaugural Battle of the Fans, a friendly competition between the CMU and EMU communities. The challenge includes fan engagement through social media participation, ticket sales, charitable giving, food and book drives, blood donations, and in-stadium activities leading up to and during game day.
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One of the initiatives I am especially excited about is Detroit Youth Day on Monday hosted at the Detroit PAL from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event will be a part of a larger effort to introduce middle and high school students to career opportunities in athletics. It's another example of how college athletics can serve as a platform for education, leadership, and community engagement.
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Motor City MACtion is also creating opportunities well beyond athletics. Several of CMU's academic colleges are leveraging the event to strengthen relationships with alumni, community partners, and prospective students throughout the Detroit region. It is a wonderful demonstration of the collaborative spirit that defines our university.
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I have long believed that CMU has the most passionate and loyal fan base in the MAC. This event gives our alumni and fans the opportunity to showcase that pride. While the winner of the Battle of the Fans will earn a larger share of ticket revenue as well as year-long bragging rights, the true victory will come from the positive impact both universities and their supporters leave in their communities.
Â
I encourage all Chippewa fans to wear maroon and help create a great environment at Ford Field. Whether you're a student, alumnus, faculty member, staff member, parent, mentor, or friend of the university, this is an opportunity to come together and celebrate what it means to be part of the CMU family.
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Several ticket options are available through the Ford Field MACtion ticket portal, including special tailgate packages and ticket-and-travel options with transportation from Mount Pleasant.
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Finally, events of this magnitude are only possible through strong partnerships. We are grateful for the support and collaboration of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Detroit Sports Commission. Their commitment has helped make this exciting opportunity possible for our student-athletes, alumni, and fans.
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We look forward to seeing a sea of maroon in Detroit and showcasing the pride, passion, and spirit of the Chippewa family on a tremendous stage.
Â
Fire Up Chips!
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Amy Folan
Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics
Central Michigan University
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The idea behind bringing a CMU game to Ford Field originated a couple of years ago. It is an opportunity to showcase the strength of the CMU community while engaging our alumni and supporters on of our most meaningful markets to create a meaningful impact that extends beyond the final score.
Â
Playing at Ford Field provides a unique opportunity for our student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Not only will the Chippewas compete in an NFL venue, but our supporters from across Michigan and beyond will have the chance to experience CMU football in the heart of downtown Detroit. Additionally, it affords us a national television window as the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Â
This year's contest marks the 104th meeting between our two institutions, continuing the longest-running rivalry in the Mid-American Conference. It is a rivalry built on tradition, competition, and a shared commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to bring it to one of the premier sports venues in the country.
Â
The partnership extends beyond this year's game. We are already planning a return matchup at Ford Field in 2027, helping to strengthen CMU's presence in one of our university's most important alumni and recruiting markets.
Â
Adding to the excitement is the inaugural Battle of the Fans, a friendly competition between the CMU and EMU communities. The challenge includes fan engagement through social media participation, ticket sales, charitable giving, food and book drives, blood donations, and in-stadium activities leading up to and during game day.
Â
One of the initiatives I am especially excited about is Detroit Youth Day on Monday hosted at the Detroit PAL from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event will be a part of a larger effort to introduce middle and high school students to career opportunities in athletics. It's another example of how college athletics can serve as a platform for education, leadership, and community engagement.
Â
Motor City MACtion is also creating opportunities well beyond athletics. Several of CMU's academic colleges are leveraging the event to strengthen relationships with alumni, community partners, and prospective students throughout the Detroit region. It is a wonderful demonstration of the collaborative spirit that defines our university.
Â
I have long believed that CMU has the most passionate and loyal fan base in the MAC. This event gives our alumni and fans the opportunity to showcase that pride. While the winner of the Battle of the Fans will earn a larger share of ticket revenue as well as year-long bragging rights, the true victory will come from the positive impact both universities and their supporters leave in their communities.
Â
I encourage all Chippewa fans to wear maroon and help create a great environment at Ford Field. Whether you're a student, alumnus, faculty member, staff member, parent, mentor, or friend of the university, this is an opportunity to come together and celebrate what it means to be part of the CMU family.
Â
Several ticket options are available through the Ford Field MACtion ticket portal, including special tailgate packages and ticket-and-travel options with transportation from Mount Pleasant.
Â
Finally, events of this magnitude are only possible through strong partnerships. We are grateful for the support and collaboration of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Detroit Sports Commission. Their commitment has helped make this exciting opportunity possible for our student-athletes, alumni, and fans.
Â
We look forward to seeing a sea of maroon in Detroit and showcasing the pride, passion, and spirit of the Chippewa family on a tremendous stage.
Â
Fire Up Chips!
Â
Amy Folan
Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics
Central Michigan University
Â
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