Welcome to game day!
The Central Michigan student section makes noise during the CMU vs. Wagner football game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)
For many students at Central Michigan University, athletic events are one of the biggest parts of campus life. Whether it is a packed football Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium or the Toilet Paper Toss inside McGuirk Arena, CMU athletics gives students opportunities to participate in university traditions and experience Division I competition throughout the school year.
For incoming students especially, attending games may seem confusing at first. However, CMU Athletics has transitioned to a digital Student Access Pass system that allows students to enter athletic events directly from their phones.
The process is designed to make entry easier while also encouraging more students to attend events across campus.
What is the Student Access Pass?
CMU Athletics introduced the Student Access Pass system as a digital ticketing option for students attending athletic events. Instead of relying only on physical student IDs, students now use a mobile pass that can be scanned at athletic venues.
According to CMU Athletics Student Access Pass information, students receive an email with instructions for downloading their Student Access Pass. The pass is accessed through a mobile device and can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easier use on game days.
Once downloaded, simply present the digital pass at the entrance of athletic venues where ticket attendants scan the code before entry.
The Student Access Pass remains free for currently enrolled CMU students and is required for all ticketed sports throughout the academic year.
Football at Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Football remains one of the largest athletic attractions on CMU’s campus.
The Chippewas compete at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, located near the center of campus and capable of holding more than 30,000 fans. During the fall semester, game days often become all-day events for students, alumni and community members.
Students typically gather for tailgates in Lot 63 before kickoff before entering the stadium together. Student section seating is positioned behind the opposing team's bench, helping create one of the loudest environments on campus during Mid-American Conference play.
Football games usually take place on Saturdays during the early part of the season before some conference games shift to weekday “MACtion” matchups later in the fall.
Here is the upcoming 2026 home football schedule, all times are currently to be announced:
- Sept. 12 vs. Colgate (Home opener)
- Sept. 19 vs. Wyoming
- Oct. 3 vs. Akron (Homecoming)
- Oct. 17 vs. Western Michigan (Battle for the Victory Cannon Trophy)
- Oct. 24 vs. Miami (Ohio)
- Nov. 11 vs. Sacramento State (MACtion)
Click the link to see the full 2026 schedule.
Fall sports beyond football
While football often receives the most attention during the fall semester, several other CMU athletic programs compete throughout the season and offer students additional opportunities to attend outdoor sporting events.
Women’s soccer hosts matches at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex during the fall, with many games taking place in the afternoons and evenings early in the semester. The matches provide a different atmosphere compared to football Saturdays, giving students a closer view of Division I competition in a smaller venue setting.
Field hockey also competes during the fall season and remains one of CMU’s longtime athletic programs. Games are played at Cristy Freese Field which is located next to the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
Because many fall sports seasons begin before move-in week, athletic events often become one of the first campus traditions new students experience at CMU. For students looking to get involved on campus early, attending fall sporting events can be an easy way to meet people while supporting Chippewa athletics and its athletes.
Inside McGuirk Arena
Several of CMU’s indoor athletic programs compete inside McGuirk Arena, one of the busiest athletic facilities on campus.
Men’s basketball and women’s basketball, gymnastics and wrestling all take place there throughout the winter season, while the volleyball team competes inside the arena during the fall.
The smaller arena environment allows students to sit close to the court, creating a more personal atmosphere compared to football games. Student sections are often filled with chants, themed outfits and organized cheering sections during rivalry games and conference matchups.
Student section seating for basketball games can be found behind each basket. Basketball season stretches across much of the academic year, giving students opportunities to attend games before and after winter break.
Volleyball matches are also popular early in the school year because they provide one of the first major athletic events of the fall semester.
Spring sports across campus
As temperatures begin to rise during the spring semester, outdoor athletic events become more common around campus.
CMU baseball plays at Theunissen Stadium, located near Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The stadium hosts both non-conference and MAC matchups throughout the spring season.
The softball team competes at Margo Jonker Stadium, named after the legendary former CMU softball coach. The stadium can be found near
Both baseball and softball games provide more relaxed outdoor environments where students can watch games between classes or spend weekends supporting the Chippewas.
Track and field and cross country competitions are hosted at CMU facilities throughout the year as well.
Because many spring sporting events occur outdoors, attendance often increases later in the semester when weather conditions improve.
Every Division I sport offered at CMU:
CMU sponsors 17 Division I varsity athletic programs.
Men’s sports include:
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Golf
- Cross country
- Track and field
Women’s sports include:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Lacrosse
- Gymnastics
- Field hockey
- Golf
- Cross country
- Track and field
Most teams compete in the MAC, though some sports participate in affiliate conferences depending on sponsorship availability.
Throughout the year, students can attend athletic events nearly every month of the academic calendar.
More than just sports
For many students, attending games becomes part of their college routine.
Athletic events offer opportunities to socialize, meet other students and participate in traditions tied to campus culture. It's a time to share fun memories with friends and family members. It also gives us a break as students, which will always be very needed as you navigate your time in college.
Many games also include promotional giveaways, theme nights and fan engagement activities designed specifically for students. If you're a fan of free stuff, sporting events will be your favorite place.
How students can stay updated
Students looking for schedules, game times and ticket information can visit CMU Athletics for updated information throughout the year.
Game schedules, roster information, promotions and venue policies are all listed through the athletics website.
Students can also access their Student Access Pass and mobile tickets through the digital system outlined by CMU Athletics before attending games.
For all in-game content, features and live play updates, follow along with Central Michigan Life on any social media platform and through our website.
