The winner between Ball State and Northern Illinois takes home the Bronze Stalk Trophy. The rivalry is among the fiercest in the MAC and often has a conference championship and bowl game implications since in recent years both teams have been among the strongest in the conference. This rivalry dates back to 1941 when the Cardinals and Huskies tied at 6 all and has been going strong ever since with Northern Illinois holding an ever so slim 21-20-1 all-time lead. The battle for the Bronze Stalk Trophy is a can’t miss event for Cardinals fans, so make sure to be in attendance when these two bitter rivals get together.
Despite becoming less frequent in recent years there is still plenty of animosity between Ball State and Indiana State when these two longtime rivals get together. The rivalry began in 1924 when the Sycamores shutout the Cardinals 47-0. Since then Ball State has exacted revenge having won 39 of the 65 meetings between the schools. Don’t miss this one, as you’ll be in for one of the biggest games of the season when Ball State and Indiana State square off on the gridiron.
Cardinals Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating is a big part of game days at Ball State with the tailgate lots opening up three hours before kickoff. Spots cost $5/space, so feel free to buy multiple spots to set up a full tailgate site equipped with tents, grills, and even your couch if you can fit it in. The tailgate stretches across all three parking lots meaning you’ll have no problem finding an excellent tailgate spot.
If you’re looking to let loose and get wild, then The lawn areas are the spot for you. Here you’ll find the wildest parts of the tailgate. The parking lots themselves are great places to set up your grills and sit around and chat, but if you want to pretend you’re back in college head out to the lawn section and bring your game face.
There are many different drinking games to take part in when tailgating at Ball State, so feel free to take part in the pre-game festivities. If you come across some random fence posts in the middle of the lawn, stand back, watch, and learn. This is a game where 2 teams place a beer on a fence post and use a frisbee to attempt to knock over the beer. If you’re beer get’s knocked over you, have to chug a beer. This game can go on as long as either team feels like playing. If you come across a bunch of girls with a table, you’ve just walked into a flippy cup game. There are many variations of this game but either way, a few rounds will get the job done. The tailgate at Ball State offers a great deal of drinking, fun, and school pride, so head down to Muncie for one of the best tailgate atmospheres the MAC has to offer.
Here at Ball State two local radio stations broadcast from the parking lot tailgates before the game and run a variety of contests and games creating a fun pre-game atmosphere filled with plenty of fans. The stations broadcast from different lots, so no matter where you set up your site you’ll be within a short distance of these two tailgating hotspots.
There is something for everyone to check out at Charlie Town. Here on the west lawn of the Alumni Center, you’ll find food, music, and a family fun zone. Charlie Town opens two hours before kickoff, so stop by and bring the entire family.
It’s not all drinking and carousing at the tailgate though there is plenty of Cardinals pride and tradition on display as well. One of the best traditions at Ball State is the Cardinal Walk where the team is joined by the Pride of Mid-America Band, the Ball State Cheerleaders, and the Mascot Charlie Cardinal as they make their way to the stadium. The fans cheer on the players and pep squads as they enter the stadium creating a grand entrance for the team’s arrival. The Cardinal walk presents you a great opportunity to get close to the players meaning you won’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Tailgate TownHere at Ball State two local radio stations broadcast from the parking lot tailgates before the game and run a variety of contests and games creating a fun pre-game atmosphere filled with plenty of fans. The stations broadcast from different lots, so no matter where you set up your site you’ll be within a short distance of these two tailgating hotspots.
Charlie TownThere is something for everyone to check out at Charlie Town. Here on the west lawn of the Alumni Center, you’ll find food, music, and a family fun zone. Charlie Town opens two hours before kickoff, so stop by and bring the entire family.
Cardinals Stadium Guide
In Game
Cardinals pride is on display in full force in Muncie on game days. You’ll find everyone adorned in red and black at Ball State to show off their school pride. Inside the stadium, you’ll also be able to take in photos and see banners that celebrate some of the all-time greats in Cardinals history.
You’ll hear plenty of noise coming from the Cardinals faithful throughout the game. One of the most popular chants from the Ball State student section is known as The Chirp. During The Chirp everyone flaps their arms like a bird and yells CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP. It’s really something to behold, and when attending a Ball State game, you’ll even have the chance to join in on the fun for yourself.
Scheumann Stadium offers three main seating areas two along the sidelines and one in the south end zone. Each of these seating areas offers an incredible view of the field, so you can’t go wrong no matter where you sit as there isn’t a bad seat in the house. However, if you want to wit with the loudest and most fanatical fans in the stadium then make sure to get tickets in or near the student section, so you can take part in all their lively in-game chants.
You’ll find a cozy and passionate atmosphere when attending a Ball State football game, so make your way down to Muncie to take part in this great game day experience.
Located on the main concourse, these banners pay tribute to some of the best players, coaches, teams, and moments in Ball State football history. Stop by and check these out to get the full Ball State game day experience during your trip to Muncie.
In the north end zone of the stadium sits the grassy knoll This area is general admission lawn seating and it a great place to sit back early in the season in the sun and catch some rays and have a coaches camera view of the game. You even may get the chance to catch a football on an extra point or an overthrow in the endzone.
Charlie the Cardinal is an awesome mascot can be seen all over the stadium during the game. While most mascots stay down on the field, he uses the entire stadium as his stomping grounds. He may be with the band one minute, out on the grassy knoll the next, and then before you know it he may be sitting right next to you.
When you head to the game make sure you bring all of the red and black you’ve got to blend in with the crowd. Whether you make a stop at the bookstore and grab some official gear or if you’re coming in from Chicago and want to bring your Blackhawks jersey then go ahead since you can’t have too much red in Muncie.
The Pride of Mid-America Band is the largest student organization at Ball State with almost 200 members. On game days you’ll find the band performing excellent renditions of traditional favorites like the school’s fight song and alma mater as well as many contemporary favorites. Don’t leave your seat at halftime, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on the outstanding halftime show, this band has to offer.
When the opponents are facing a third down Charlie Cardinal heads over to the student section and begins the signature chirp chant which the rest in attendance join in on. The chant features everyone waving their arms and CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP.
CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP
Fight Song
When Charlie Cardinal takes the boys out onto the field you’ll hear the Ball State band thundering along in the background playing the Ball State fight song. Right up there with the chirp you should definitely learn the fight song as well.
Fight Team Fight for Ball State, We must win this game. Onward now you Cardinals, Bring glory to your name. RAH! RAH! RAH! or (FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT) Here’s to both our colors, Cardinal and White. Praying for a victory, so… FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! (Repeat Twice)
Alma Mater
Dear Alma Mater, hear our vow, Of faith and trust in thee. Thy spirit hovers near us now, And through eternity; Thy colors true of red and white, Shall e’er exalted be -— We’ll honor thee both day and night, Dear Alma Mater we love thee. Dear Alma Mater, hear our cry, Of laud and praise to thee. To bring thee honor e’er we’ll try, No matter where we be; Fond memories we e’er shall hold, Of Ball State College dear -— Though years may pass and we grow old, May Alma Mater, still be near.
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