By BSU Athletics—
MUNCIE, IN—Ball State opens its home football schedule this Saturday, with Scheumann Stadium primed to showcase new entertainment and safety features for fans and students attending this year’s games. From the time tailgate lots open four hours prior to kickoff – and Charlie Town opens two-and-a-half hours before kick – a new level of engagement is coming to Cardinals’ football games in 2026.
The Ball State team arrives to the stadium and takes part in the Cardinal Walk with alumni, students and fans exactly two hours and 15 minutes before each game – 11:45 a.m., in advance of Saturday’s 2 p.m. kickoff against Stony Brook.
Then, inside the stadium, to match the energy on the field, fans and students can expect more game day giveaways, contests, prizes and interactive promotions throughout the season. Along with offseason enhancements to the stadium sound system, a live DJ and dedicated game day emcee will help create a more festive environment.
The emcee – Katey Cooper, Miss Ball State 2026 – will drive interaction while enticing fans with promotions and special in-venue moments! A live DJ will spin music, helping the game day vibes pop with sounds and emotion.
Families benefit, too! The Cardinal Family Tent, presented by Mutton Tents, offers families with young children a dedicated space to feed babies, recharge and take a mid-game break from the excitement of the stadium. The family tent in the northeast corner of the stadium anchors an expanded Family Fun Zone that includes a bounce house, face painting, balloon artists and a mini football field behind the east stands. Stroller parking will also be available in the Family Fun Zone, to make game day easier for families with young children.
Amplified student engagement is expected, with enhanced contests and competitions, and a shift with students moving behind the visiting bench, to section T. Before they get louder inside the stadium this year, students will take part in a new “March to the Nest” prior to every game as the band rallies students and leads them into the venue. Code Red and Ball State cheer teams also plan expanded roles this year to create and sustain the energy throughout the day.
Always present on any game day are the popular food trucks, and merchandise store to get your favorite Ball State gear! The Barnes & Noble Spirit Store will greet fans just inside Gate 1.
Anticipating larger crowds this season and improving the game day environment, parking has been restructured around the stadium, and parking passes will be available for purchase on BallStateSports.com. Access via Bethel Avenue will be CLOSED to the stadium, to enhance congestion and safety, with vehicles directed to three entrances on Tillotson Ave. and McGalliard Ave. Drop-offs are still available in cut-out areas on the south side of the stadium, at the corner of Bethel and Bahlmann Way.
Security will be enhanced this year with weapon detection systems in use at all stadium entrances. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, identify their parking entrance in advance and enjoy pregame activities. Fans should also review the Scheumann Stadium A-to-Z Guide for information on the clear bag policy, camera policy, permitted and prohibited items, stadium entry procedures and other game day policies.
Season tickets and premium seats for 2026 home games remain available, and single-game tickets are on-sale now at BallStateSports.com/FBTickets or by calling 1-888-BSU-TICKET. Tickets for Saturday’s opener are available HERE. Parking for the season-opening game may be purchased HERE.
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