DETROIT – Get ready, the Eagles and Chippewas are bringing MACtion to the Motor City! Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University announced today, Jan. 21, that for the next two years, beginning with the 2026 season, the in-state rivals will meet in a midweek November game at Ford Field. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) will release the exact date, time, and television information in early spring.
"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," said EMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "Ford Field offers a championship setting for the student-athletes and improves access for our 98,000 alumni across metro Detroit. I cannot thank CMU Athletic Director Amy Folan and the Detroit Lions enough for their partnership, as it shows a commitment to expanding college football experiences in the region and strengthening connections between both universities and the city."
"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," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said. "Our goal is to showcase the entire University in one of our most important markets. We have over 70,000 alumni in the metropolitan Detroit region, and we are happy to bring CMU to them to reconnect. I want to thank the Detroit Lions, the Mid-American Conference, and Eastern Michigan Athletic Director Scott Wetherbee for coming together to make this outstanding opportunity happen."
Eastern Michigan will be the home team in 2026, and Central Michigan in 2027. Tickets for the 2026 game will go on sale in the spring.
The football rivalry between EMU and CMU is the longest-running in the MAC at 103 games. It is also the second-longest running series within the state of Michigan, trailing only the Michigan-Michigan State series, which has been played 118 times.
"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," said Brad Michaels, Detroit Lions Vice President of Events. "Alongside the MAC, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan football have been familiar faces at our stadium over the years and we look forward to being the home for their annual rivalry game in 2026 and 2027. We can't wait to welcome the schools' athletes, students, staff, alumni and general fans to the Ford Field experience."
Leadership for both Universities are excited that games in Detroit will strengthen the ties between the city and the schools.
"Playing this game in Detroit strengthens Eastern Michigan's connection to the community where our alumni presence is strongest," said EMU President James Smith. "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 and show their pride. Partnering with Central Michigan on this stage also sparks the kind of spirited, good natured rivalry that builds excitement leading up to game week and elevates both universities in the eyes of fans across the state."
"These games are a tremendous way to showcase CMU's connection with the city of Detroit and the metro Detroit area, and the relationships we continue to build in the region. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with EMU and the Detroit Lions," CMU President Neil MacKinnon said. "We know CMU Chippewa fans, including our dedicated alumni, will show up to support the maroon and gold on game day in downtown Detroit."
Both programs share a long history with Ford Field. Eastern Michigan hosted games at the venue from 2004 through 2007, as well as returned to Ford Field in 2019 to compete in the former Quick Lane Bowl (now GameAbove Sports Bowl). Central Michigan recently played their 11th all-time game at the stadium in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl, with previous appearances at Ford Field also including five other bowl contests (six total), four MAC Championship games, and one regular-season matchup.
