Western Michigan Football Game to Kick Off at 1:30 p. m. on Saturday, Oct. 17

-For the first time in eight years, Central Michigan will host Western Michigan on a Saturday as the annual Battle for the Victory Cannon Trophy Game will kick off at 1:30 p. ET at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, the two schools and Mid-American Conference announced on Monday afternoon.

The contest will be streamed live on ESPN+. Since CMU joined the MAC in 1975, the Chippewas are 17-7-1 vs.

The last time the two teams played in Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan claimed the Victory Cannon Trophy with a 16-14 win on Nov. Western holds a 54-40-2 advantage in the series.

The last time Central Michigan hosted Western Michigan for a Saturday football game was on Oct. During the weekend, Central Michigan will honor its 2026 CMU Athletics Marcy Weston Hall of Fame Class and celebrate the 20-year reunion of the 2006 MAC Championship football team.

In-game recognition will include Flag Officers and a halftime celebration for members of the 2026 CMU Athletics Hall of Fame. On Friday evening, CMU Athletics will recognize its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class during a free ceremony in McGuirk Arena (6 p.

"Beat Western" buttons will be available at Fan Central. Opening three hours prior to kickoff, Fan Fest gives Chippewa fans a destination to eat, drink, and enjoy a variety of activities before entering the stadium.

Fan Fest features 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 also includes 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.

The Spirit Walk remains 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. This weekend, Central Michigan travels to Athens, Ohio to play Ohio (3-2, 1-0 MAC) on Saturday, Oct.

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