Wednesday, November 4
Ford Field - Detroit, Mich.
7:30 p.m.

Eastern Michigan University

vs

Central Michigan

Know Before You Go Vs. CMU

11/2/2026 12:20:00 PM | Football

The Eagles bring their home game to Detroit for a 7:30 p.m. rivalry showdown against Central Michigan, with a new Eagle Walk location, student transportation, and more!

Purchase Game Tickets | Donate Game Tickets | Alumni & Friends Tailgate | Food Donation Challenge

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - It might be the home of the Detroit Lions, but for one night, it's OUR home! Eastern Michigan University Football is trading the gray turf of Rynearson Stadium for the bright lights of Ford Field Wednesday, Nov. 4, when the Eagles host rival Central Michigan University at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Detroit.

This isn't your typical home game at The Factory, which means this isn't your typical Know Before You Go!

For this special Motor City MACtion edition, fans will want to plan ahead as several familiar game day traditions will look a little different. From a new Eagle Walk location to student transportation, ticket requirements, and tailgating, here is everything fans need to know before heading to Detroit.

The day begins in Ypsilanti for EMU students taking advantage of transportation to Ford Field. Buses will begin departing from the Geroge Gervin GameAbove Center lot at 4:30 p.m., helping students make their way to Detroit for the rivalry matchup.

The student tailgate is also getting a change of scenery! Instead of gathering at Oestrike Stadium, students will head to Firebird Tavern in downtown Detroit, the official student tailgate location for Motor City MACtion.

Eagle Walk is also making the trip to the Motor City! Normally, fans gather on the front lawn of Rynearson Stadium to welcome the Eagles before kickoff. This time, fans are encouraged to gather at the corner of Brush Street and Adams Avenue at 5 p.m. to welcome the team as the Eagles arrive at Ford Field.

Gates to Ford Field will open at 6:30 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to find their seats before kickoff.

Kickoff between Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside Ford Field.

While all on-campus EMU Athletics events are typically free for Eastern Michigan students, Wednesday's game comes with one important change. The regular EMU Boarding Pass will NOT be accepted at Ford Field. Students must purchase a ticket to attend the game, even though Eastern Michigan is serving as the home team.

Fans should purchase and access their tickets through Ticketmaster via the Detroit Lions app. Students and fans are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance and have them ready on their mobile devices before arriving at the stadium.

Another change from a typical game day at Rynearson Stadium is Ford Field's clear bag policy. Fans should review the stadium's bag requirements before arriving and plan accordingly to help make entry as smooth as possible.

Eastern Michigan alumni, fans, and friends are also invited to gather before kickoff at the EMU Alumni & Friends Tailgate, taking place from 5-7 p.m. inside Ford Field's Hall of Legends.

The event is open to everyone and will feature a buffet, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, music, games, and exclusive EMU giveaways. Tickets start at $25, and alumni status is not required to attend.

Can't make the trip to Detroit? There is still a way to support the Eagles!

Fans unable to attend Wednesday's game are encouraged to donate their tickets as part of Eastern Michigan's Motor City MACtion challenge against Central Michigan. Donated tickets will count toward EMU's total in the rivalry challenge, giving fans another opportunity to help the Eagles take on the Chippewas.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear green, and help turn Ford Field into The Factory for one night as Eastern Michigan takes on its in-state rival.

Game Day Basics

  • Student Transportation: Buses begin departing from the G3 lot at 4:30 p.m.
  • Eagle Walk: 5 p.m., Brush Street and Adams Avenue
  • Official Student Tailgate: Firebird Tavern, downtown Detroit
  • Alumni & Friends Tailgate: 5-7 p.m., Ford Field Hall of Legends
  • Gates Open: 6:30 p.m.
  • Kickoff: 7:35 p.m.
  • Student Admission: Paid ticket required. Regular EMU Boarding Pass will NOT be accepted.
  • Ticket Access: Ticketmaster via the Detroit Lions app
  • Bag Policy: Ford Field clear bag policy in effect
The location might be different, but the rivalry stays the same! Eastern Michigan is bringing its home-field energy to Ford Field for a Wednesday night showdown against Central Michigan. Grab your tickets, plan your trip, and help turn Detroit GREEN as the Eagles take on the Chippewas under the lights!
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