MACtion in Motown: EMU and CMU Set to Face Off at Ford Field in 2026 and 2027
The Eagles and Chippewas are set to bring MACtion to Detroit as Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University have announced a two-year agreement to play a midweek November game at Ford Field starting in the 2026 season. The Mid-American Conference will provide further details on the date, time, and television coverage in the coming months.
EMU's Vice President and Director of Athletics, Scott Wetherbee, expressed excitement about taking the rivalry to Detroit, highlighting the opportunity to showcase both universities and the MAC in a city with a rich football tradition. CMU's Athletic Director, Amy Folan, also emphasized the significance of playing in Detroit, aiming to engage with alumni and strengthen connections in the region.
The 2026 game will see Eastern Michigan as the home team, with Central Michigan taking on that role in 2027. Tickets for the 2026 matchup will be available for purchase in the spring. The rivalry between EMU and CMU is the longest-running in the MAC, spanning 103 games, and is the second-longest series in Michigan after the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.
Ford Field has been a familiar venue for both universities, with EMU hosting games there in the past and CMU participating in various events at the stadium. The partnership with the Detroit Lions and the MAC underscores the commitment to expanding college football experiences in the region and strengthening ties between the schools and the city.
EMU President James Smith and CMU President Neil MacKinnon expressed enthusiasm for the games in Detroit, highlighting the opportunity to engage with alumni and showcase the universities' connections to the community. The upcoming matchups at Ford Field aim to bring together fans, students, and supporters to celebrate the spirited rivalry between the Eagles and Chippewas.
Both programs have a history of playing at Ford Field, with EMU hosting games and participating in bowl contests at the venue. CMU has also been a frequent visitor to the stadium, competing in bowl games, MAC Championship games, and regular-season matchups. The upcoming games in Detroit are expected to further strengthen the universities' presence in the city and the metro Detroit area.