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Midweek #MACtion is set to debut in the Motor City.
Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, along with the Mid-American Conference and the Detroit Lions, released a joint statement on Wednesday afternoon to announce a two-year series at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, the site of the conference’s championship game.
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“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,” Detroit Lions vice president of events Brad Michaels said via press release. “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.”
The anticipated matchup will be the MAC’s first intra-conference game to be played on a neutral field since Northern Illinois and Toledo played at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois in 2016.
The rivalry between EMU and CMU, part of the three-leg Michigan MAC Trophy series, is the MAC’s most-played rivalry, with 103 all-time matchups, and is the second-longest rivalry in the state, trialing only Michigan/Michigan State (118.) EMU is the designated home team for the upcoming 2026 matchup, while CMU will claim hosting duties in 2027. The conference confirmed the game would be played on a weeknight in both contests.
Both schools released statements expressing excitement over the arrangement, with both presidents emphasizing the ability to connect with alumni in the metro Detroit area.
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“Playing this game in Detroit strengthens Eastern Michigan’s connection to the community where our alumni presence is strongest,” Eastern Michigan president James Smith said via press release. “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,” Central Michigan president Neil MacKinnon said via press release. “We know CMU Chippewa fans, including our dedicated alumni, will show up to support the maroon and gold on game day in downtown Detroit.”
This will not be the first time the two teams have played at Ford Field in the regular season; the Eagles hosted four games games at Ford Field from 2004-2007 in the “Collegiate Clash” series, picking up a win against CMU in overtime in the series’ inaugural game. EMU finished 1-3 in regular season games hosted at Ford Field.
Central Michigan was set to host Western Michigan at Ford Field for a one-off collaboration in 2020, but the game was cancelled outright due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information about the event will be released in the spring.
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