The battle for the Victory Cannon takes place each year when the Chippewas meet their instate rivals the Western Michigan Broncos. The atmosphere for this game is always spirited, and the you can cut the tension in the stadium with a knife when these two instate rivals get together. The fans step up their cheering and tailgating skills up 5 levels for this game, so if you can only make it to one Chippewas game, this is the one to be at.
In addition to having a strong rivalry with fellow MAC school Western Michigan, there is also a fierce rivalry between Central and Eastern Michigan as well. All three Michigan-based MAC schools compete for the Michigan MAC Trophy, which gives yearly bragging rights whoever performs the best in the matchups between these three instate rivals.
Since 1991 the Chippewas have played the Spartans 10 times and despite having only a 3-7 record against Michigan State the series has been very competitive. The closeness of the two schools who are only separated by 61 miles means you’ll find plenty of fans from both schools when these two teams get together creating a fun party atmosphere at these games.
Chippewas Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Central Michigan is home to one of the biggest tailgate parties in all of college football. The students here deem their pregame parties “The End of the World” because they truly party like the world is ending. There is no limit to what you’ll find, see, eat, drink, or dance to at a CMU pregame party. If you’re looking to relieve your wild college days, “The End of the World” offers the perfect place for you to do so. Join right in the heart of this wild tailgate by heading over the infamous lot 63 as you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
It’s not just the drinking and partying that makes attending a game at Central Michigan a special experience. You’ll also find plenty of Chippewas pride on display at the tailgate. One of the best ways to get into the Central Michigan spirit is to watch The Marching Chips as they march to the stadium. The band starts marching toward the stadium from Lot 62 and parade down the east side hill into the stadium, customarily charging into their “Ooo-Wah” cheer. As the band marches by, that is your cue to enter the stadium and get ready for what is sure to be a game day experience you won’t forget.
Finally, there are plenty of family friendly activities to take part in as well when attending a Chippewas Tailgate. “The Island” offers inflatables and games for kids in addition to being home to the Chippewa Kids Club Area. No matter who you’re bringing to the game or what kind of tailgating experience you’re looking for you’ll find it here at Central Michigan where there is something for everyone.
One of the best ways to get into the Central Michigan spirit is to watch The Marching Chips as they march to the stadium. The band starts marching toward the stadium from Lot 62 and parade down the east side hill into the stadium, customarily charging into their "Ooo-Wah" cheer.
Tailgate Village is the perfect spot for those of you looking to tailgate, but not looking to set up your tailgate. You’ll be able to rent tents, tables, and chairs in addition to catering options. Tailgate Village also features live music from local bands and sell beer, so don’t miss out on this fun pre-game experience.
The Island, located on the north side of Lot 62, offers a variety of family-friendly activities that will entertain everyone at the tailgate. Here you’ll find not only games and inflatables for kids but also music from local station 95.3 WCFX.
Where to tailgate
Lot 63If you’re looking to get rowdy than you’ll want to tailgate in Lot 63, which is home to the famed “The End of the World” tailgate. Join in on the fun and relive your college days by going all out and partying hard with fellow Chippewa fans.
Tailgate VillageTailgate Village is the perfect spot for those of you looking to tailgate, but not looking to set up your tailgate. You’ll be able to rent tents, tables, and chairs in addition to catering options. Tailgate Village will also feature live music from local bands and sell beer, so don’t miss out on this fun pre-game experience.
"The Island"The Island, located on the north side of Lot 62, offers a variety of family-friendly activities that will entertain everyone at the tailgate. Here you’ll find not only games and inflatables for kids but also music from local station 95.3 WCFX.
Chippewas Stadium Guide
In Game
The first thing you’ll notice when stepping foot into Kelly/Shorts Stadium is the unbelievable atmosphere, especially from the students. The football team comes bursting out of an inflatable helmet surrounded by the smoke, charge across the field and for lack of a better description do the Lambeau leap into the student section. The team charges across the field and jumps into the front rows to greet them while the decibel levels skyrocket. Kelly/Shorts Stadium is also the biggest stadium in the MAC Conference causing the sheer amount of fans in attendance create to an obstacle for visiting teams and help the Chippewas amass one of the best home records in the country.
The student section at Central Michigan, in particular, helps provide an outstanding home field advantage. Because the fans look at each Saturday like it’s the end of the world, and act accordingly, they are one of the loudest, wildest, and proudest student sections in all of College football and make a pretty solid case to be the best student section in the MAC. The students make up over half of the crowd at each home game, and they’re not afraid to let you, and the opponents know they’re in attendance.
If you went to Western Michigan, I’d leave that information at home before heading over to CMU or prepare for some friendly banter. Overall though the fans despite their passion for their team are friendly and respectful, so you won’t be in any real danger wearing rival colors.
The intense atmosphere of a Central Michigan game makes it one of the toughest places for opponents to play as well as one of the best game day experiences in the MAC. If you love college football, then you’ll have a great time visiting Central Michigan where the fans passion and pride is on full display.
Located in the Indoor Athletic Complex, The Hall of Champions features shrines and exhibits honoring the greatest Chippewas of all time. Stop by and pay tribute to some of the programs best before watching an entertaining game of Chippewas football.
The Marching Chips are arguably the best band in the MAC and provide excellent in-game entertainment. Their breathtaking pregame and halftime shows are worth the price of admission all on their own so stay in your seat at halftime because you won’t want to miss their wonderful performance.
The hallmark “Fire Up Chips!” greeting is used as a way of cheering, identifying fellow fans, greeting people, and is the phrase the fans will be cheering in the dying seconds of the game. Fire Up Chips is simply a way to distinguish yourself as one of the fans of the Chippewas, and the experience will be more memorable if you participate in this simple gesture.
Fire Up Chips!
Chanting the Team Name
The chanting of Chippewas to start the game is a time-honored tradition at Central Michigan games. Once the pre-game entrance begins, the whole crowd, in unison, starts to chant OO-WAH...CHIP-OO-WAH and repeat until the game has almost begun. Make yourself a part of the crowd by joining in on this fun pregame tradition.
OO-WAH…
CHIP-OO-WAH
(Repeat)
The Fighting Chippewa
The official school fight song is played as the team takes the field and after every Chippewas score.
FIGHT Central, down the field, FIGHT for Victory, FIGHT, Fellows never yield; We’re with you, oh Varsity. Onward with banners bold, to our colors we’ll be true, FIGHT for Maroon and Gold, Down the field for C.M.U.! VARSITY! Rah! Rah! VICTORY! Rah! Rah! CHIPPEWA we’re proud of that nickname. Hear our song loud and strong, CENTRAL is going to win this game! Come on and… (Repeat thru “C.M.U.!”)
Alma Mater, Hear Us Now
Alma Mater, hear us now; ever more we praise thee. Hear us pledge our sacred vow, ever to defend thee. Mighty Mother, Queen of Earth eternal, precious emblem of our lives Supreme; Ever symbolizing truth and knowledge in glorified esteem. Alma Mater, hear us now; ever more we praise thee. Hear us pledge our sacred vow, ever to defend thee.
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