MT. PLEASANT — Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University will meet in a midweek November game at Ford Field in Detroit starting in the 2026 season, with the Mid-American Conference set to announce the specific game date in early March.
This initiative will enhance the rivalry between the two schools, allowing for two regular season games at Ford Field over the next two years. It aims to leverage the Detroit market, where more than 70,000 CMU alumni reside, to strengthen community ties and promote college football.
Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Vice President and Director of Athletics at CMU, emphasized, “This will be an incredible experience for our student-athletes and fans to be able to participate in two regular season games at Ford Field in Detroit.” Folan noted the importance of showcasing CMU in a key market like Detroit, appreciating the collaboration with the Detroit Lions and EMU.CMU President Neil MacKinnon stated that these games would showcase CMU’s ties to Detroit, expressing appreciation for the partnership with EMU and the Detroit Lions. He mentioned, “These games are a tremendous way to showcase CMU’s connection with the city of Detroit and the metro Detroit area.”
Scott Wetherbee, EMU Vice President and Director of Athletics, highlighted the significance of the games. He remarked, “Taking this rivalry to Detroit places Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and the Mid-American Conference on a major stage in a city with a strong football tradition,” emphasizing the benefits of having such prominent games in a metropolitan area with a robust fan base.
EMU President James Smith also expressed excitement about the matchup, stating, “Wayne County is home to more EMU graduates than anywhere else in Michigan and Ford Field offers a powerful gathering place for alumni, students and supporters to come together.” He added that this partnership with CMU sparks good-natured rivalry, enhancing the excitement around the games.
Events Detroit Lions Vice President Brad Michaels mentioned, “We have enjoyed decades of college football here at Ford Field and it’s exciting that we’ve been able to add another matchup to the schedule featuring two teams from the Mid-American Conference.”
The CMU and EMU football series is the longest running in the Mid-American Conference, dating back to 1902 with a current record of 65 wins for CMU, 32 for EMU and six ties. CMU’s historic connection to Ford Field is highlighted by numerous bowl games and championship matches played there, averaging more than 32,000 fans per game in their appearances.Central Michigan finished the 2025 season with a record of 7-6, marking a notable turn from a four-win season in 2024. The football schedule for 2026 will be fully announced by the Mid-American Conference in the spring.
Tickets for the 2026 game are expected to go on sale in the spring, providing fans the opportunity to participate in this revived rivalry.