Football Fan Information
Kelly/Shorts Stadium Guide, A to Z
Accessibility – Handicapped PatronsAccessibility – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patrons
Open captioning service is available for patrons unable to hear stadium announcements. All public address announcements will be accessible through a live blog throughout the game. To utilize this service, please visit the Customer Service kiosk at the Northwest corner of the stadium to check out a display device or follow online using your own internet device.
Alcohol
Beer is now sold inside Kelly-Shorts Stadium visit the concession stands or the beer portals along the concourse. It is strictly prohibited to bring alcohol into Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Individuals violating this policy are subject to ejection from the stadium.
ATM
There are no ATMs located inside the stadium. We recommend visiting an ATM prior to arriving to campus.
Bag Policy
To enhance security measures and help speed entry, Central Michigan has implemented a clear bag policy for all football games. Each spectator is permitted to enter Kelly/Shorts Stadium with one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag not to exceed 12" x 6" x 12" and one hand bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
Camera Policy
Small cameras are allowed, however camera bags are not permitted in the stadium
CMU Merchandise
For official Chippewas merchandise, look no further than the CMU Bookstore. Once the gates open, stop in our Chippewas Varsity Shop stocked with the latest gear from the Adidas sideline collection. Our other game day location is on the southwest corner.
Chippewa Pride
We are honored to be known as the Chippewas and we are very proud of our close relationship with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The mimicking, stereotyping, and misrepresentation of Native American cultures and people are attitudes and behaviors that will not be tolerated. Offensive behavior or insensitive actions are not tolerated at any athletic events and will be subject for removal.
Chippewa Sports Properties Radio Network presented by Fabiano Brothers
Play-by-play announcer Adam Jaksa and color commentator Brock Gutierrez bring fans every first down, touchdown, and goal line stand throughout the season. Listen to all games locally on 98.5 WUPS, across the state on one of our network affiliates, or anywhere in the world on TuneIn Radio or the Central Michigan Gameday App.
Concessions
Fire up with food and beverages! A Chippewa game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is even better when you satisfy your hunger. Concession stands are located throughout the entire main (west) and east concourses, at Club Level and the south entrance. From traditional stadium fare to local flavors, we know what you're hungry for. While cash is accepted at all concession stands, FLEX Dollars, debit and credit cards are also accepted at the main concourse stands.
Conduct
Central Michigan Athletics expects all fans to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times before, during and after the game. We expect all fans to treat other fans, players, coaches and officials with courtesy. Fans should contact a stadium official or a police officer if they feel someone is not acting appropriately. Fans may also report game day problems, unruly fans, or suspicious activity by calling (989) 774-3081.
First Aid/Emergency Medical Assistance
First aid is available next to Section A in the northwest corner of the stadium. In case of an emergency, please contact the nearest police officer, usher, or security guard for assistance or call Central Michigan Police at (989) 774-3081 or 911.
Food and Beverage
Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
Gates
All gates to Kelly/Shorts Stadium will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. All bags are subject to CMU's bag policy and subject to search. There are gates located at the Northwest and Southwest corners of the stadium.
Game Programs
Official game programs can be found online. Each full-color publication features a game preview, player rosters, coaches' information, starting line-ups, team statistics, and much more information.
Guest Services/Lost and Found
Information regarding Kelly/Shorts Stadium can be found at the Fan Central kiosk located on the concourse near the Northwest gate of the stadium. If any article is lost or found in the stadium, please inquire about or report it to the Fan Central kiosk. Articles not claimed prior to the end of the game are turned over to the CMU Police, who can be reached at (989) 774-3081.
Permitted Items
The following items may be brought into the stadium:
• One clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag not to exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One hand bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Seat Cushions (no pockets)
• Seatbacks (no pockets)
• Binoculars
• Cell phones
• Small non-professional cameras and radios
• Blankets and rain apparel
• Signs
Prohibited Items
For the safety and game day experience of all fans, the following items are prohibited from entering the stadium:
• Non-clear bags larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Camera bag
• Binocular case
• Computer bag
• Luggage
• Backpacks
• Fanny Packs
• Outside food and drink including bottled water
• Aerosol and spray cans
• Weapons
• Umbrellas regardless of size
• Animals (exception of service animals)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans or flasks
• Artificial noisemakers
• Smoking in the stadium
• Signs on poles that block the view of other fans or stadium advertisement
Central Michigan University reserves the right to deny anyone or anything from entering the stadium. Items that are left behind at point of entry are not the responsibility of the university.
Parking
All parking lots open four hours prior to kickoff and continue until kickoff. Tailgate lots will shut down at kickoff. Chippewa Club members and season ticket holders can save money by purchasing a season pass for only $72. Contact Ticket Central at (989) 774-3045. Single game parking passes purchased in advance are $22. Parking purchased on game day is $25 and can only be purchased with cash at the entrance of designated lots.
Pets
All pets (including dogs) are prohibited inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium and tailgate areas. (Exception: Service animals are allowed to assist those with disabilities.)
Security
Our emergency action plan is designed in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security to keep all fans safe while providing a pleasant game day experience. This is accomplished by all fans being aware of their surroundings and reporting any issues to police or security. Security personnel, trained annually for emergency procedures, are located throughout the stadium. All fans are subject to search as they enter the stadium to ensure a safe and secure environment.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed, but can't be left unattended in the concourse or areas of the stands. They are subject to search at the gates.
Tobacco Use
Central Michigan University establishes the following tobacco free policy, for all CMU properties, facilities, and vehicles in which university functions are offered or carried out, regardless of location.This includes all CMU sites whether owned or leased. As used herein, tobacco products includes traditional cigarettes, ecigarettes, vapes, chew, pipes, cigars, hookah or waterpipe smoking, snus, snuff, etc.
RV Parking
1. RV's are permitted to park in lot 63W.
2. RV lots open four hours before kickoff. If you are trying to enter the lot during periods of heavy traffic, you may be directed to an alternate lot.
3. The cost for an RV parking pass is $80 for a single game and $300 for a season pass. The cost of overnight parking is $100 for the night prior to the game, which includes gameday parking. You may stay a second night (the night after the game) if need be but it is at your own risk as CMU does not provide overnight security for the night after the game.
Tailgating/Parking Guidelines
1. Parking permits should be clearly displayed from the rearview mirror in order to assist parking personnel in directing traffic. Permits should be displayed at all times.
2. All drivers should be observant of instructions from police officers and parking personnel. Vehicles parked in fire lanes, at the end of aisles and in any other illegal location will be ticketed and/or towed. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces may not be reserved for later-arriving vehicles unless authorized by the CMU Athletics Department.
3. Vehicles must only occupy one parking space. Tailgating accessories may not be placed in any designated parking space as space can be very limited.
4. Tailgating is permitted from four hours prior to kickoff to the start of the game. Tailgating is not permitted during the game, at halftime or after the game.
5. Michigan laws pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be enforced. Tailgating may not include kegs or mass quantities of alcohol. Glass containers are not permitted in the tailgating area.
6. The CMU Police Department determines the tailgating area. Alcohol is not permitted outside this area.
7. Drinking games or activities that encourage excessive alcohol consumption are prohibited.
8. Large trucks (e.g., U-Haul-type, over 2-1/2 tons, etc.), vehicles with trailers and buses are not permitted in the tailgating area without prior written Athletic Department approval.
9. Large grills pulled on their own wheels by vehicles are not permitted in the tailgating area without prior written Athletic Department approval. Open fires are not permitted.
10. No animals, with the exception of service animals, are permitted.
11. The use of external sound systems is permitted, but is subject to control by CMU Police. Pre-approved sound system permits may be required. Sound permits can be obtained by contacting CMU Police (989) 774-3081.
Tickets
Tickets may be purchased on in advance or on game day by visiting one of the ticket booths at the stadium. Game day prices are $36 for Regular Reserved and $22 for General Admission. If you purchase tickets in advance the prices are $33 for Regular Reserved and $19 General Admission. Ticket windows and public will call windows open three hours prior to kickoff. All other will call windows open 1 1/2 hours prior to kickoff. (Tickets for player guests, recruits and high school coaches will not be given out earlier then 1 1/2 hours before the game.)
CMU students receive free admission to all CMU sporting events with their student ID card. The student gates are located at the Northeast and Southeast gates of the stadium.
50/50 Raffle
50/50 raffle tickets are available at each home game. Ticket sellers can be found throughout the stadium. The winning ticket number is announced in the third quarter.
Football Facilities
|
Quick Links |
Central Michigan Football's home since 1972 has been Kelly/Shorts Stadium, a venue that has seen plenty of change since it opened and is set for a couple of fantastic new additions in the coming years.
In 2019, a new videoboard and audio system were installed, completely changing the fan experience. The videoboard -- the largest in the Mid-American Conference -- 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.
On the near horizon is a bold step forward for Central Michigan University, a visionary project that fortifies CMU's commitment to student success -- the Chippewa Champions Center.
The Champions Center is a 50,000 square foot facility dedicated to student-athlete success that will be located just beyond the north end zone of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The facility provides educational opportunities for students, including state-of-the-art training experiences for students enrolled in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and the College of Medicine. It will also provide real-world opportunities for students in marketing and hospitality, broadcast and cinematic arts and integrative public relations.
It will feature a 7,000 square foot, state-of-the art human performance center focused on the growth and development of our student-athletes, expanded sport medicine and rehabilitation facility with hydrotherapy pools serving as the primary hub for our athletics training team and two fuel stations to accommodate the pre and post workout nutrition needs of nearly 500 student-athletes, an auditorium with tiered seating, more than 7,100 square feet of office and meeting space, a 4,200 square foot football locker room, and space for an equipment room, laundry, video operations and support operations.
The west side of the Kelly/Shorts Stadium features a two-tiered press box. Nine guest suites and select club-level seating comprise the lower deck, while the upper deck serves the media. Coaches' booths and game operations are also on this level. CMU's locker room, training room and equipment room are located in the stadium's north end zone, and the locker room is connected to the Indoor Athletic Complex via an underground tunnel.
Originally a $2.2 million project and named Perry Shorts Stadium in honor of R. Perry Shorts, who went on to a distinguished banking career after graduating from CMU, the stadium was dedicated on Nov. 4, 1972, when the Chippewas defeated Illinois State, 28-21, before a homecoming crowd. In June 1983, the CMU Board of Trustees voted to rename the facility Kelly/Shorts Stadium in honor of Kenneth "Bill" Kelly, who coached the CMU football team from 1951-66.
The stadium's seating capacity was expanded in 1998 to its current capacity of 30,255. It is the largest on-campus stadium in the Mid-American Conference.
AstroTurf GameDay Grass, a synthetic turf with alternating dark and light greens was installed in 2016.
Stadium lighting was updated in 2006. Aesthetic improvements were also made prior to the 2009 season to both the concourse and surrounding buildings, as well as the construction of the Chippewas Varsity Shop at the northwest corner of the stadium.