Central Michigan University Tailgating
Show Central Michigan University and the Central Michigan Chippewas your unwavering support by taking an RV trip to Mt. Pleasant to watch them play. Check out your Mount Pleasant RV parking options.
Event information
If you’re starting to sing The Fighting Chippewa or Alma Mater, then it’s clear to see a trip to Mt. Pleasant’s Central Michigan University could be in the cards. After all, sports-mad fans from across Michigan can’t help but get excited about the competition that awaits once the new sports season kicks off. Even more so when it involves the Central Michigan Chippewas, who make up over a dozen intercollegiate teams of Central Michigan University.
Central Michigan University is in the heart of Mt. Pleasant and boasts an expansive sports program that more than holds itself against neighboring states and universities. From the Kelly Shorts Stadium to the myriad of different sports fields and complexes for football, basketball, golf, track, lacrosse, and more, there’s plenty of reasons to visit.
A magical and memorable experience awaits any RV traveler who descends upon this Isabella County city. You can tailgate in lots on campus, stay overnight before a game, and explore the region’s many wonderful attractions while you’re in the area.
Year-round, there is always something happening at Central Michigan University to make it worth a visit. Grab your family and friends, find your best maroon and gold Chippewa supporter’s gear, and set off in the direction of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Tickets
Central Michigan University hosts all manner of sports games for the public to attend. Home games for lacrosse, cross country, field hockey, outdoor track and field, golf, softball, and soccer have all been free in the past, aside from conference and NCAA championship play.
General admission pricing applies for football games and other sports, and prices often range from $10 to $30, depending on if you buy your Chippewas ticket online in advance or on the day.
Explore Central Michigan University Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The college town of Mt. Pleasant is a popular place to visit for sports games and events throughout the year. With the help of a traffic guide like MiDrive, you can be navigating M-20 and US-127 like a pro, all before you end up at Central Michigan University for an action-packed sports game.
Mt. Pleasant runs alongside the Chippewa River and is a mere 60 miles from the state capital of Lansing, Michigan. Roads may offer simple travels in a motorhome in the direction of Mt. Pleasant from Lansing, but state forests border them in the direction of Gaylord to the north. Atlanta State Forest Area and Gaylord State Forest Area can make the journey all the more interesting.
Once you arrive in Mt. Pleasant, you can make your way to the RV lot at Central Michigan University, or the parking lot outlined on your pre-purchased ticket.
Parking areas
At many college sports games, parking spaces are hard to come by, but Central Michigan University bucks the trend. Not only can you buy season passes for either a tow vehicle or an RV, but single-day parking passes in a multitude of lots, as well. These are available in advance or on the day on a first-in, first-served basis. There are over a dozen lots from which to choose, ensuring you’re as close to the action as possible.
RV travelers who like to experience the tradition of tailgating may also like to book a group tailgating experience in the Tailgate Village for their friends and family. This elite experience is one that caters to groups of 25-plus in private tents. Cheerleaders, marching bands, and catered food all prepare you for an exciting Central Michigan sports game.
Otherwise, there are lots set up for tailgating before the game begins. Vehicles here must fit in a single parking space with a permit displayed, and you may not bring glass, kegs, large trucks, pets, and large grills into the parking lots. Spaces must be reserved for tailgating by contacting Central Michigan University.
Public Transportation
Some travelers like to set up camp at an RV campground near Central Michigan University and utilize public transportation. If that’s the case, then you’ll be pleased to know there are a few different options for which you can take advantage.
A local bus runs the length of the highway adjacent to the university campus, and you can also make use of taxi services. Rideshare is another worthwhile option and is often accessible via an app on your phone.
Where to stay
Onsite
While most university campuses would require you to find a campground nearby before attending a sports game, Central Michigan University is all about making life a bit easier. RV travelers may park in the specified CMU RV lot the night before the game.
Chippewa fans can purchase a season pass to camp there for each game, or just the one. Your pass includes gameday parking. There are no service hookups, but there’s nothing wrong with the traditional aspect of primitive RV camping.
Nearby
Sometimes RV travelers like the idea of primitive camping, but it can be hard to beat the convenience of service hookups and a luxurious setting in which to spend the night. In town, check out Mount Pleasant RV Resort & Campground for overnight camping and other activities near CMU.
Travelers who journey into Mt. Pleasant from out of the area may like to check out Higgins Lake / Roscommon KOA, within 70 miles of Central Michigan University toward Grayling.
Roscommon State Ground Area in Roscommon Township offers an idyllic and natural setting for camping, while Huron-Manistee National Forest within 70 miles in Lilley Township is all about encouraging natural camping, too. Michigan has plenty of RV campgrounds that are accessible with a large RV, so make a booking in advance to ensure you get your first pick.
Getting around
Central Michigan University is a well laid out facility with all sports complexes close to each other. The public parking lots are nestled between the Indoor Athletic Complex, Kelly Shorts Stadium, IAC Turf Bay, CMU Field Hockey Complex, and IAC Track Bay.
Whichever event you attend at Central Michigan University, you will find it’s a quick and easy walk from the dedicated RV parking lot. If crowds are plentiful, you may want to save your skateboards, scooters, and similar, for outside time at Deerfield Nature Park toward Rosebush but still in Mount Pleasant.
What to pack
Clothing
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, has a reasonably stable climate, as do surrounding townships and cities like Midland and Saginaw. However, what you wear can depend on the season you’re attending a sports game at Central Michigan University.
You will, of course, need to pack your best Central Michigan Chippewa merchandise, but seasonal garments can ensure your comfort, as well. You will especially need outdoor attire if you plan to venture into the great outdoors to nearby walking and hiking tracks.
Gear
As there are quite a few security screening processes in place, it’s worth bringing as little as possible into any of Central Michigan University’s sports complexes and stadiums.
Fortunately, since travelers can park their motorhomes on campus, much of your possessions, including camping and cooking equipment, can remain tucked away safely. You will, however, require your ticket and cash or FLEX dollars.
Health & Safety
It’s all too easy to overdo it when you’re caught up in the festive atmosphere of tailgating and game watching at Central Michigan. However, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re well-hydrated and monitor alcohol consumption. CMU also has a tobacco-free policy.
If you’re exploring natural attractions in neighboring towns and cities like Clare and Gladwin, then don’t forget to pack some essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, and extra drinking water. Health and safety matters at every part of your trip, not just while you’re tailgating at Central Michigan University.
Where to eat
Cooking
Not only can you use your RV for cooking at Central Michigan University, but anywhere you camp while in the greater Michigan area. Depending on where you stay, you may be able to try your hand at camp-style food on an open fire, as well.
Whatever you cook in your kitchen on wheels, you can pick up all the supplies you need at the grocery store within a mile of the campus. Just don’t forget to fill your water tank for doing the washing up.
Restaurants
Mt. Pleasant is a college town, which means there is no shortage of restaurants for those who want to treat themselves while on vacation. Even within walking distance of CMU, you’ll be able to fuel up on Buffalo wings, takeout, or Indian food. Before and after sports games, allow extra time for delays. Then, park your motorhome somewhere nice to eat it, such as Chipp-A-Waters Park or Meridan Park toward Remus.
Vendors
For those who are attending games at Kelly Shorts Stadium, you’re certainly not going to go hungry. There are concession stands throughout the east and west concourses, on the club level, and at the south entrance. Local flavors are the name of the game, so don’t worry about preparing a snack before you arrive.
There are no ATMs at the sports complexes of Central Michigan University, so consider withdrawing cash before you arrive for convenience’s sake. Not all vendors will accept payment in credit or debit, but the main ones will, as well as FLEX dollars.
Safety
Security
Whether you attend football, Lacrosse, track, golf, or something else at Central Michigan University, you will be pleased to know the officials take security seriously. A clear bag policy is in place for football games at Kelly Shorts Stadium, and all bags are subject to a search at all gates.
Anyone attending a Central Michigan University Chippewa game can bring a handbag, seat cushion, blanket, rain jacket, binoculars, and signs to show their support, but no large bags, food or drink, weapons, umbrellas, alcohol, coolers, or noisemakers.
Officials will be on hand to help with any problems or concerns you may have. However, if you need assistance in Mount Pleasant, a police station is within half a mile of CMU.
Weather
Those who arrange a road trip to Michigan for any games at Central Michigan University may like to check the weather conditions before they hit the road. Will you need your heating or cooling unit to be in tip-top shape? Will snow chains be in order during your trip? Don’t be afraid to carry extra blankets and raincoats if you’re not sure what the weather will bring.
Medical
For any accident or injury while at Central Michigan University, you’re in good hands. There’s a first-aid area in the Kelly Shorts Stadium’s north corner. You can also approach an official nearby or dial 911. There is a hospital for medical assistance within one mile in the direction of Rosebush, and a pharmacy within half a mile in the same direction.
