University of Central Missouri Mules Football is scheduled to host the Missouri Western State University Griffons for its 2026 home opener this Thursday, September 3, at 7 p.m. at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg.
 
The game is the MIAA Game of the Week and will be broadcast live on The Spot Kansas City 38, in the Kansas City area, and streamed online on the MIAA Network app and the MIAANetwork.com/UCMMULES (PPV).

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Below is all the information you'll need to be ready for gameday for the 2026 season:
 
Get The Red Out September 3
As has become tradition for the UCM football home opener, the Get the Red Out street festival will open two-and-a-half hours before kickoff in the street adjacent to Walton Stadium. All the information you need for the festivities is below!

• Get The Red Out is a high-energy street fair where campus pride meets community spirit. The event takes over Holden Street, east of Walton Stadium, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. You'll find food, music, local vendors, games, and activities for kids, Mo the Mule, Mulekickers, UCM cheerleaders, and more! Click here for more info.
• We'll recognize the Mules Baseball team for their third consecutive Central Region Championship. 
• Don't miss the debut of the new and improved Walton Stadium videboard. The board is nearly three times the size and twice the resolution of the previous one. Coupled with a new and improved lighting system and in-venue experience, fans should be set to have a blast on gameday.

Mule Fan Zone Presented by GoZark

• The Mule Fan Zone presented by GoZark is back again for the 2026 season!
• The fan zone will feature live music, inflatables for kids, community tabling, yard games, and more!
• For the Mules' September 3 home opener, the Mule Fan Zone Presented by GoZark will be located east of Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field near the Get the Red Out street fair on Holden Street.
• For the Mules' Homecoming game on October 17, the Mule Fan Zone, presented by GoZark, will be located inside the Party in the Park at Selmo Park.
• For the other four home games, beginning with the September 12th contest against Delta State, the Mule Fan Zone Presented by GoZark will be located in the parking lot directly across from the main gate, next to the Cardinal & Black Fund tent and the bronze mule statue.
• Make sure to check out UCM Athletics social media channels for a preview of what to expect at the Mule Fan Zone each week.
• The Mule Fan Zone Presented by GoZark is free for all fans. Join us!

Alcohol Sales

• Alcohol sales include beer, wine, and seltzer. For football games, alcohol will be sold on the concourse, the southwest concession stand near the main entrance, and the visitors' concession stand on the east side of the stadium.
• Fans must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcohol. Upon purchase, all fans will be carded and wrist banded, with a limit of two alcoholic beverages per transaction.
• Alcohol sales will begin one hour prior to kickoff at football games and end after the third quarter.
• Alcohol sales will continue in suites and other designated areas as previously established. All tailgating activities in the parking lots must conclude at kickoff, and the area will be cleared.

Cardinal & Black Fund Tailgate

• The Cardinal & Black Fund Tent will open two hours prior to kickoff. For the season opener on September 3, it will open at 5 p.m.
• Complimentary food and drink will be provided to current, registered Cardinal & Black Fund members at the All-American ($1,000+) giving level and above at the Cardinal & Black Fund Tent (located next to the Mule statue on the west side of Walton Stadium).
• Qualifying CBF members will check in at the north end of the tent for access to complimentary food and drinks.
• Food for the week one tailgate will come from our corporate partner, Colton's Steak House. Future tailgates will feature food from such places as Culver's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Traditions, and Heroes.

Cardinal & Black Fund Parking

• The Cardinal & Black Fund parking lots (S41 and S42) will be reserved for Cardinal & Black Fund members at the All-Region ($500+) giving level and above only.
• Parking passes have been mailed to all members at the required level who have paid by 8/27/2026. They should arrive in mailboxes this week.
• If you paid for membership at this level after 8/27/2026, please contact Bailey Kliewer at kliewer@ucmo.edu to arrange pickup at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.
• Passes will also be distributed to qualifying CBF members on game day if they have not yet been picked up.

Clear Bag Policy

• UCM Athletics has implemented a clear bag policy for all home football games. The policy's goal is to promote safety and reduce wait times for fans to enter Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field on game day.
• Clear bags (typically made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC) that are 12 x 6 x 12 inches or smaller will be permitted.  One-gallon clear plastic storage bags with a resealable zipper are also allowed. Small bags, the size of a "clutch", no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches, are also permitted. Finally, items purchased at the University Bookstore and carried in a bookstore bag will be allowed.
• Fans will be allowed to bring in factory-sealed, full, clear water bottles and empty, clear plastic water containers. Exceptions will also be made for diaper bags for small children and medically necessary equipment.
• Prohibited bags include non-clear or oversized purses, backpacks, printed-pattern plastic bags, tinted plastic bags, duffle bags, fanny packs, reusable grocery totes, mesh or straw bags, and large totes and cases (for cameras, binoculars, etc.). Clear water bottles that are not factory sealed may be brought in if they are empty. If there is any content in the bottle, fans will be asked to dispose of it before they come through the gate. Non-clear water bottles (including but not limited to metal, tinted, or colored bottles) are not allowed.

2026 Mules Football Promotional Calendar

• Check out the following promotions and themes fans can expect at Mules football this season:
  • Thursday, 9/3 vs. Missouri Western @ 7:00 p.m.
    • Get the Red Out street fair begins on Holden St. at 4 PM on gameday. You can learn more about this great event here: https://www.ucmo.edu/current-students/student-experience/special-events/get-the-red-out/
    • Red Out: What's get the red out without the red out? Wear your favorite red UCM gear to make our home stand a sea of red for our home opener.
    • College of Education Day: UCM College of Education faculty, staff, alumni, and students are invited to join us to be recognized. RSVP Here for access to the Yuengling Flight Deck and a chance to be selected for an on-field promotion: https://forms.gle/SRGEwTvCtaSDZ2KAA
    • This will be the MIAA Game of the Week, broadcast live on 38 the Spot in the Kansas City area
       
  • Saturday, 9/12 vs. Delta State @ 7:00 p.m.
    • Join us as UCM hosts Family Weekend!
    • Harmon College Day: Harmon College faculty, staff, alumni, and students are invited to join us to be recognized. RSVP Here for access to the Yuengling Flight Deck and a chance to be selected for an on-field promotion: https://forms.gle/Hf3gxzbjK664H7Mx5
       
  • Saturday, 10/3 vs. Central Oklahoma @ 7:00 p.m.
    • Military Appreciation Day: Join us as UCM Athletics honors and celebrates those brave men and women who serve our great country. UCM will recognize Whiteman Air Force Base and honor a Military Student of the Year
    • Student-Athlete Mental Health Week: Learn more about the national push to support student-athlete mental health here: https://www.hilinskishope.org/samhw
    • College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Day: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences faculty, staff, alumni, and students are invited to join us to be recognized. RSVP Here for access to the Yuengling Flight Deck and a chance to be selected for an on-field promotion: https://forms.gle/XJS6jHswu9xKWUAr7
    • 1986 Mules Football Reunion: Join us as we honor the 1986 MIAA Champion Mules Football team. We have a full day of programming planned for team alumni, and will recognize them and their accomplishments at halftime. To learn more about this event or register today, visit https://ucmfoundation.givevirtuous.org/Event/2026-1986-football-reunion
  • Saturday, 10/17 vs. Washburn @ 1:00 p.m.
    • Homecoming Game: On Saturday, October 17th, we invite all Central Missouri alumni to come together to celebrate the legacy of this great University. This year's theme is Retro Rewind, so be sure to rock your retro fashion and get ready for the nostalgia to come rushing through
    • Join the UCM Alumni Foundation at Party in the Park on gameday, beginning at 8 AM in Selmo Park. Party in the Park is your best seat for the 9 AM Homecoming parade! Get there early and enjoy coffee and breakfast from a variety of food trucks. Then stay after the parade for lunch, drinks (BYO or visit our beer garden), bounce houses, and live music leading up to the Homecoming football game
    • At halftime, we will crown this year's Homecoming Royalty
    • Also at halftime, we will recognize this year's Distinguished Alumni
    • You can learn more about all of our Homecoming festivities here: https://www.ucmfoundation.org/events/homecoming/
    • This will be the MIAA Game of the Week, broadcast live on 38 the Spot in the Kansas City area
  • Saturday, 10/31 vs. Fort Hays State @ 1:00 p.m.
    • On this date, we will partner with the Johnson County Cancer Foundation and Western Missouri Medical Center for Cancer Awareness Day. You can learn more about the JCCF and their mission here: https://www.jocomocancer.org/
    • This will also serve as our Youth Day. Kids can enjoy discounted admission, and meet at the main field gate 20 minutes prior to the start of the game to be invited onto the field to high five the team as they run out of the tunnel
    • At halftime, join us for the Central Bank Baby Race. You can register your baby today at https://forms.gle/jdBRjMid3JjMwsfV8
    • This will serve as the College of Health, Science, and Technology Day. Join us as we recognize CHST for all that they do for our campus and community
  • Saturday, 11/14 vs. Nebraska-Kearney @ 12:00 p.m.
    • Senior Day: Join us as we recognize our outgoing Mules Football seniors before the game, and our Cheer, Mulekickers, Mule Team, and ROTC seniors postgame
• To keep up with any changes to our promotional schedule, visit https://ucmathletics.com/sports/2026/8/18/mules-football-promotional-schedule-2026.aspx

Yuengling Flight Deck Information

• The Yuengling Flight Deck will be located behind the south endzone, relocated from its position in the north end zone over the last several years.
• The Yuengling Flight Deck may be accessed through the main entrance of Walton Stadium. Once through the main entrance, proceed directly to the secondary gate located immediately behind the main entrance to access and check-in. Check-in will be at the west end of the tent.
• Access to the Yuengling Flight Deck is reserved for current, registered Cardinal & Black Fund members at the All-American ($1,000+) giving level and above as well as select UCM Athletics reunion teams or other invited groups.
• Check-in and access to the Yuengling Flight Deck will open one (1) hour prior to kickoff. For the home opener on Thursday, September 3, entry will be allowed at 6:00pm.
• Concession food is allowed to be brought into the Flight Deck area by CBF members, UCM Athletics reunion teams, or event attendees.
• Alcohol purchased in the Flight Deck may leave the designated area, but cannot leave the stadium or be provided to underage fans.

Tower Suites

• Access and check-in will take place inside the Hall of Fame lobby entrance inside Walton Stadium and will open two (2) hours prior to kickoff. For the home opener on Thursday, September 3, entry will be allowed at 5:00pm.
• For any questions, please contact: Dalton Reynolds, Director of Sales, at jdreynolds@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4430.

Field Suites

• The newly implemented Field Suites will be located behind the north end zone.
• Access and check-in will take place at the northwest gate entrance at Walton Stadium, and will open two (2) hours prior to kickoff. For the home opener on Thursday, September 3, entry will be allowed at 5:00 p.m.
• Concession food and drinks are allowed to be brought into the field suites by entering and exiting through the northwest gate entrance of Walton Stadium.
• Catering must be purchased in advance through Sodexo.
  • To order catering or if you have any questions regarding catering, please contact: Sonya Lasater - sonya.lasater@sodexo.com or 660-543-4440.
• For any questions, please contact: Dalton Reynolds, Director of Sales, at jdreynolds@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4430.

The Mule Walk

• The Mule Walk will begin two hours and 45 minutes before every home game.
• The football team will exit the Elliott Student Union near the Smiser Alumni Center on Holden Street and cross the street to Selmo Park, passing the Friendship Tower and Terry Noland Mules Football Offices before entering Walton Stadium.
• Fans are encouraged to line the sidewalk to cheer on the Mules as they enter the stadium for game day!

No Re-Entry Policy

• The university has updated its re-entry policy, with no re-entry allowed into the stadium once fans have exited.
• Fans will have to purchase a new ticket if they exit the stadium and would like to re-enter.

Command Pass Presented by W-K, Phantom V, and Fox Heating & Cooling

• UCM Athletics is proud to bring back the Command Pass for another season. All active duty military and their immediate family members can get into any Mules or Jennies regular season event for free (as long as it isn't already sold out) on the day of the game! Just pick up your tickets at the ticket window on game day. The Command Pass is made possible by generous partnerships with W-K, Phantom V, and Fox Heating & Cooling.
• Starting this year, the Command Pass is also available for UCM arts events like concerts and plays!

Ticketing

• By buying tickets prior to gameday, you can save $2 on all general admission tickets and $5 on all reserved tickets.
  • To purchase ahead: Visit the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center ticket office, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., call 660-543-4063, or visit ucmathletics.com/tickets.
• To avoid connection issues on the day of the game, add purchased tickets to your digital wallet or print them.
• The Walton Stadium ticket booths and gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff for day-of-game sales.

Parking & Tailgating

• Both the General Tailgating & Game Day Parking lots are free for fans to use on game day.
  • Lots designated as Game Day Parking lots do not allow tailgating of any kind.
  • Lots designated as General Tailgating lots do allow tailgating – Please see Tailgating Policy.
• The Cardinal & Black Fund parking lots (S41 and S42) will be reserved for Cardinal & Black Fund members at the All-Region ($500+) giving level and above only.
• Parking passes have been mailed to all members at the required level who have paid by 8/27/2026.   They should arrive in mailboxes this week.
• If you paid for membership at this level after 8/27/2026, please contact Bailey Kliewer at kliewer@ucmo.edu to arrange pickup at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.
• Passes will also be distributed to qualifying CBF members on game day if they have not yet been picked up.

 
MIAA Network

• All Mules football games will be available live online on a pay-per-view basis on The MIAA Network.
• Visit TheMIAANetwork.com/UCMMULES to access each broadcast and sign up.
• In addition, the Mules will appear on The Spot Kansas City 38 twice as part of the MIAA Game of the Week, starting with the home opener on Thursday, September 3.  The homecoming game on October 17 will also be broadcast on The Spot Kansas City 38 as the Game of the Week.

Radio

• All Mules football games will air live on 1450 KOKO AM, 92.1 FM, and "Your Country" 98.5 The BAR FM, as well as online at WarrensburgRadio.com.
• "The Voice of the Mules," Greg Hassler, will provide play-by-play, while former UCM Mules Football Head Coach Jim Svoboda will serve as the color commentator.

Group Ticketing Information

• Group tickets are available by contacting Dalton Reynolds in the UCM Athletics Ticket Office at 660-543-4430.