Kelly-Shorts Stadium
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Kelly-Shorts Stadium

4.6
·436 reviews·Mount Pleasant, United States

Kelly-Shorts Stadium: Home of the CMU Chippewas, known for its unique horseshoe design and great views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Game Day Mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdMedium
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Kelly-Shorts Stadium

Kelly-Shorts Stadium

Best Time

Game Day Mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kelly-Shorts Stadium: Home of the CMU Chippewas, known for its unique horseshoe design and great views. Instagram

4.6
(436 reviews)

"Not a bad seat in the whole stadium, perfect views all around. [^Review2]"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Beat Game Day Traffic

Arrive early on game days to navigate parking and stadium entry smoothly. :car:

📸 Capture the Action

Get ready for exciting moments like game-winning field goals! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Horseshoe Design

The Horseshoe Design

Entire Stadium

A unique 'horseshoe' design with an open end offers great sightlines for all fans.

Instagram
Underground Field Intimidation

Underground Field Intimidation

Playing Field

Opposing teams often feel intimidated by the unique underground field setup. [^Review3]

Hall of Fame Experience

Hall of Fame Experience

Stadium Interior

Explore the newly improved Hall of Fame for a glimpse into CMU football's storied past. [^Review5]

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Planning Your Visit

Game Day Strategy

Plan your arrival for Central Michigan Chippewas football games at Kelly-Shorts Stadium. Parking can be a headache, especially for rivalry matchups. Arrive early to secure a good spot and avoid traffic jams getting in and out of the stadium area. Reddit

Stadium Experience

Kelly-Shorts Stadium offers a great viewing experience with no bad seats. Concessions are reasonably priced, and staff are available to assist. Consider exploring the Hall of Fame experience for a deeper dive into CMU football history. [^Review1]

Best Times

When
Game Day Mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring Game (May)
Why
Enjoy festivities
Crowd
Medium
When
Early in the season
Why
Less intense crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Time is precious, we understand. So, here's a speed tour of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. 🏃‍♂️ See you August 29th! #FireUpChips🔥⬆️🏈
cmufootball
741 likes • 16.2K views

🚗 Beat Game Day Traffic

Arrive early on game days to navigate parking and stadium entry smoothly. Reddit :car:

📸 Capture the Action

Get ready for exciting moments like game-winning field goals! Instagram :camerawithflash:

The 2025 Football Spring Game is THIS Saturday at noon and Coach Drinkall wants to see 🫵 there! Come enjoy the festivities at Kelly/Shorts Stadium once more this school year! Tailgating lots open at 9:30 AM! #FireUpChips🔥⬆️🏈
cmu_snake_pit
170 likes • 4.7K views
As Week 1 of college football is upon us, here are some interesting facts about Kelly/Shorts Stadium, where Central Michigan University plays 🏟️: Kelly/Shorts Stadium opened in 1972 and was named to honor both businessman R. Perry Shorts and former CMU football coach Bill Kelly. 🎓 The stadium features a unique “horseshoe” design with an open end facing west, offering stunning sunset views during...
realtorjamesmorgan
8 likes • 634 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

📣 Fire Up Chips!

Embrace the team spirit and cheer on the Chippewas! Instagram :fire:

CENTRAL MICHIGAN FOOTBALL GAME DAY! Take in the sights of an exciting Saturday in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Kelly/Shorts Stadium was ROCKING as the Chippewas kicked a game-winning field goal in front of a near-sellout. #FIREUPCHIPS
roadtocfb
43 likes • 590 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Beat Game Day Traffic

Arrive early on game days to navigate parking and stadium entry smoothly. Reddit :car:

📸 Capture the Action

Get ready for exciting moments like game-winning field goals! Instagram :camerawithflash:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

📣 Fire Up Chips!

Embrace the team spirit and cheer on the Chippewas! Instagram :fire:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(436 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kelly-Shorts Stadium is praised for its excellent sightlines, reasonable concessions, and friendly atmosphere, making it a top-tier facility in the MAC. While parking can be challenging on busy game days, the overall fan experience is highly positive, with many appreciating the stadium's unique design and history. [^Review2] Reddit

"Great stadium nice concession stands. Restrooms were nice. Glad they hosted a local school highschool football game."

Mark Zilska

"Fire Up Chips! Kelly/Shorts Stadium home of the Central Michigan Chippewas! Located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Kelly/Shorts Stadium is deceptively big, especially for a MAC school! Not a bad seat in the whole stadium, perfect views all around! Parking is ample and easy to find, with most parking situations being an easy in and an easy out. Prices for concessions are very reasonable. There is staff throughout the stadium to help as well."

Sean Q

"A great venue for a football game or other events. Have talked to people who've played as opposition to the chippewas and they always feel intimidated going into the underground field. Fire up chips."

Bobby Walser

What People Like

No bad seats
Reasonable concessions
Great atmosphere

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kelly-Shorts Stadium is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. For game days, follow local signage for parking. Instagram

Parking is generally ample and easy to find, with most situations offering an easy in and out. Tailgating lots open early on game days. Reddit [^Review2]

Yes, for rivalry games or the last home game, parking can be a headache if you don't have a plan. Arrive early. Reddit

While specific drop-off zones aren't detailed, arriving early for parking is recommended for the best experience. Reddit

The best strategy is to arrive well before kickoff to allow ample time for parking and stadium entry. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased through the Central Michigan University athletics website or at the stadium on game days. Instagram

Stadium gates usually open a few hours before kickoff on game days. Check the CMU athletics schedule for specific times. Instagram

Yes, besides football games, the stadium hosts events like the Spring Game and has been used for local high school football games. Instagram [^Review1]

Specific bag policies are not detailed in the provided information, but it's always wise to check the official CMU athletics website before attending. Instagram

While gates open before the game, early access for general exploration beyond the Hall of Fame might be limited. Instagram

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

There are no bad seats in the stadium, offering perfect views all around. The stadium has a unique horseshoe design. [^Review2] Instagram

Concession stands are noted as nice, and prices are very reasonable. [^Review1]

The restrooms are described as nice and well-maintained. [^Review1]

It's considered by some to be the best football facility in the Mid-American Conference, with a great atmosphere. [^Review4]

The field is built below ground level, which can create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. [^Review3]

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique horseshoe design and the energy of game day. The Hall of Fame area also offers photo opportunities. Instagram [^Review5]

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed, but professional equipment may require special permits. Instagram

Absolutely! The pre-game atmosphere, tailgating, and stadium views offer great chances for photos. Instagram+1

Focus on the stadium's architecture, the passionate fans, and the action on the field for memorable shots. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at sporting venues for safety and security reasons. Check official stadium policies. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kelly-Shorts Stadium offers a family-friendly environment for enjoying college football. The stadium's design ensures that 'there is not a bad seat in the whole stadium,' providing clear views for everyone, including younger fans. [^Review2] Concession prices are noted as 'very reasonable,' making it easier to manage snacks and meals for the family. [^Review1] The presence of helpful staff throughout the stadium adds an extra layer of comfort for families. [^Review2]

Consider arriving early on game days to allow children ample time to navigate the stadium and find your seats without feeling rushed. Reddit The Hall of Fame experience can also be an engaging activity for older children interested in the history of CMU football. [^Review5] Overall, Kelly-Shorts Stadium provides a solid venue for a fun family outing centered around sports.

🏈 Football Enthusiasts

For dedicated football fans, Kelly-Shorts Stadium offers a compelling experience. It's often lauded as one of the best football facilities in the Mid-American Conference, with a reputation for creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents due to its underground field. [^Review3] [^Review4] The stadium's horseshoe design guarantees excellent sightlines, allowing fans to fully appreciate the game's strategy and action. Instagram [^Review2]

Fans can immerse themselves in the team's history by visiting the newly improved Hall of Fame. [^Review5] The energy on game days, especially during rivalry games or homecoming, is palpable, with the team often delivering exciting moments like game-winning field goals. Instagram The 'Fire Up Chips!' spirit is infectious and a key part of the Kelly-Shorts Stadium experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Look at Kelly-Shorts Stadium's Design and History

Kelly-Shorts Stadium, home to the Central Michigan Chippewas football team, boasts a distinctive 'horseshoe' design with an open end, ensuring excellent sightlines for every spectator. Opened in 1972, the stadium was named to honor both businessman R. Perry Shorts and former CMU football coach Bill Kelly. Instagram This thoughtful naming reflects the deep roots and community support behind the university's athletic programs. The stadium's unique construction, including its underground field, contributes to a palpable home-field advantage. [^Review3]

The stadium has seen recent improvements, including an enhanced Hall of Fame experience and the addition of luxury suites, further elevating the game day atmosphere. [^Review5] These upgrades demonstrate a commitment to providing a modern and engaging environment for fans and athletes alike. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or a first-time visitor, the stadium's blend of history and contemporary amenities makes for a memorable experience. Instagram

Navigating Game Day: Parking and Entry

Attending a Central Michigan Chippewas football game at Kelly-Shorts Stadium requires a bit of planning, especially when it comes to parking. While the stadium is noted for having ample and easily accessible parking, this can become a 'huge headache' for high-stakes games like rivalry matchups. Reddit [^Review2] To ensure a smooth entry and exit, it's highly recommended to arrive early. Tailgating lots typically open well before game time, offering a chance to soak in the pre-game atmosphere. Instagram

Beyond parking, the stadium's layout is designed for efficient entry. Staff are present throughout the venue to assist visitors, ensuring a positive experience from the moment you arrive. [^Review2] While specific details on clear bag policies or detailed entry procedures aren't always readily available online, checking the official CMU athletics website closer to your event date is always a good practice. Instagram The focus on a positive fan experience is evident, with reasonable concession prices and a generally welcoming environment. [^Review1]

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