Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan Athletics Introduces New Football Fan Fest Experience
9/8/2026 7:24:00 AM | Football, General, Our Stories
New pre-game Fan Fest on the north side of Kelly/Shorts Stadium will feature Gold Post BBQ & Beer, Meijer Kids’ Zone activities, the Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show, Spirit Walk, student-athlete autographs, and more.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Central Michigan Athletics is adding more to the Chippewa football game day this fall with a new Fan Fest experience on the north side of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Opening three hours prior to kickoff for each Saturday home game, Fan Fest will give Chippewa fans a destination to eat, drink, and enjoy a variety of activities before entering the stadium.
Fan Fest will feature the new Gold Post BBQ & Beer on the Fabiano Brothers Patio, where fans can purchase beer and smoked barbecue from CMU Dining Services. The pre-game experience will also include the Meijer Kids' Zone with bounce houses, yard games, and a coloring station; face painting; a photo booth; sponsor tents and interactive activities; appearances and performances from CMU spirit groups; autograph sessions featuring Chippewa student-athletes from other athletic programs; the traditional Spirit Walk; and the new Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show.
Hosted by Voice of the Chippewas Adam Jaksa, the Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show will begin two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff and bring fans closer to the upcoming matchup with live pre-game coverage from the Fan Fest stage, along with special guests throughout the season.
The Spirit Walk will remain a centerpiece of the Chippewa pre-game tradition, taking place two hours and five minutes prior to kickoff as the football team makes its way from the west entrance of the Courtyard Marriott to the main doors of the Chippewa Champions Center alongside fans, the Marching Chips, and CMU cheer and dance teams.
Fans visiting Gold Post BBQ & Beer will be asked to present their game ticket at the north entrance of the stadium and will receive a wristband allowing them to enter and leave the space at their discretion, then re-enter the stadium once gates officially open.
The full Fan Fest experience will be offered prior to Central Michigan's five Saturday home games. The Meijer Kids' Zone and Spirit Walk will still be featured during CMU's Wednesday night matchup against Sacramento State on Nov. 11.
FAN FEST DEBUTS THIS SATURDAY VS. COLGATE
The new Fan Fest experience will make its season debut when Central Michigan hosts Colgate this Saturday at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Fan Fest and Gold Post BBQ & Beer will open at 10 a.m., giving fans three hours of pre-game activities before the Chippewas take the field.
The Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show will begin at 10:45 a.m., followed by CMU spirit pageantry and a dance team performance near the Fan Fest stage leading into the Spirit Walk at approximately 10:55 a.m. Fans are encouraged to line the Spirit Walk route and welcome the Chippewas as they make their way to the Chippewa Champions Center.
From 11 a.m. to noon, fans will also have the opportunity to meet and receive autographs from student-athletes representing other Central Michigan athletic programs. Participating teams will be announced prior to game day.
Stadium gates will open at 11:30 a.m., with the tailgate show concluding at noon.
Central Michigan's 2026 home football schedule features six games at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, including five Saturday contests in September and October and one weeknight MACtion matchup in November.
Season tickets, single-game tickets, and parking are available online HERE, by visiting Ticket Central in the Kulhavi Events Center atrium, or by calling the ticket office at (989) 774-3045.
The complete 2026 Central Michigan Football promotions schedule is available HERE.
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Opening three hours prior to kickoff for each Saturday home game, Fan Fest will give Chippewa fans a destination to eat, drink, and enjoy a variety of activities before entering the stadium.
Fan Fest will feature the new Gold Post BBQ & Beer on the Fabiano Brothers Patio, where fans can purchase beer and smoked barbecue from CMU Dining Services. The pre-game experience will also include the Meijer Kids' Zone with bounce houses, yard games, and a coloring station; face painting; a photo booth; sponsor tents and interactive activities; appearances and performances from CMU spirit groups; autograph sessions featuring Chippewa student-athletes from other athletic programs; the traditional Spirit Walk; and the new Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show.
Hosted by Voice of the Chippewas Adam Jaksa, the Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show will begin two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff and bring fans closer to the upcoming matchup with live pre-game coverage from the Fan Fest stage, along with special guests throughout the season.
The Spirit Walk will remain a centerpiece of the Chippewa pre-game tradition, taking place two hours and five minutes prior to kickoff as the football team makes its way from the west entrance of the Courtyard Marriott to the main doors of the Chippewa Champions Center alongside fans, the Marching Chips, and CMU cheer and dance teams.
Fans visiting Gold Post BBQ & Beer will be asked to present their game ticket at the north entrance of the stadium and will receive a wristband allowing them to enter and leave the space at their discretion, then re-enter the stadium once gates officially open.
The full Fan Fest experience will be offered prior to Central Michigan's five Saturday home games. The Meijer Kids' Zone and Spirit Walk will still be featured during CMU's Wednesday night matchup against Sacramento State on Nov. 11.
FAN FEST DEBUTS THIS SATURDAY VS. COLGATE
The new Fan Fest experience will make its season debut when Central Michigan hosts Colgate this Saturday at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Fan Fest and Gold Post BBQ & Beer will open at 10 a.m., giving fans three hours of pre-game activities before the Chippewas take the field.
The Central Michigan Football Tailgate Show will begin at 10:45 a.m., followed by CMU spirit pageantry and a dance team performance near the Fan Fest stage leading into the Spirit Walk at approximately 10:55 a.m. Fans are encouraged to line the Spirit Walk route and welcome the Chippewas as they make their way to the Chippewa Champions Center.
From 11 a.m. to noon, fans will also have the opportunity to meet and receive autographs from student-athletes representing other Central Michigan athletic programs. Participating teams will be announced prior to game day.
Stadium gates will open at 11:30 a.m., with the tailgate show concluding at noon.
Central Michigan's 2026 home football schedule features six games at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, including five Saturday contests in September and October and one weeknight MACtion matchup in November.
Season tickets, single-game tickets, and parking are available online HERE, by visiting Ticket Central in the Kulhavi Events Center atrium, or by calling the ticket office at (989) 774-3045.
The complete 2026 Central Michigan Football promotions schedule is available HERE.
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
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