'Clash at Kelly/Shorts' set for Saturday - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(09/05/12) - Saturday marks the 'Clash at Kelly/Shorts'. It's the first time Big Ten school and in-state rival Michigan State University has played football on the campus of Central Michigan University.

CMU has played State before, just not on their home turf. And if you remember, three years ago, the Chips actually beat MSU.

On Saturday, win or lose, community members say this game will be one to remember.

"I like seeing our students really pumped up about, you know the football game that's going on, and you know, luckily we have seven homes games this year so hopefully we can keep the momentum going all year," said Justin Gawronski, the president of the Student Government Association.

Some students were willing to wait in the hot sun for their tickets.

"I had to stand in line for about two hours in the hot sun to try to get a ticket, but I did get it," said Jacob Carter, a junior.

"It's pretty riled up, I'm pretty surprised. Where I'm from in California, football is not as big of a deal so I was kind of excited to get a ticket," said Bailey Seymour, a graduate student.

Along with getting students to the game, the university and the Student Government Association made a big push to get students involved in other spirit-related activities.

One example, on game day there's a recycling competition between the CMU and MSU tailgating areas.

Students we spoke with say school pride has been raised to an all-time high. "I'm just so pumped and I just can't wait until Saturday," said freshman Sarah Stempien.

New this year, CMU installed some extra seating. There are extra grandstands, and some sky boxes.

Nearly 33,000 fans will watch the game from inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Thousands more will tailgate, under more student friendly rules in place this year.

"Students feel like they're being treated like adults. And you know, I think we can all trust our students to make responsible decisions," Gawronski said.

If you're coming to town, pack your patience with your tailgate supplies. Roads are expected to be congested, but the community does have a plan in place.

"People can come in, get parked, enjoy tailgaiting, and postgame have a way out of town quickly. And not be too much log jammed in the, in the traffic," said Dave Heeke, the university's athletic director.

The detailed traffic plan will be in place 90 minutes before and after the game. You can check it out by clicking, HERE.

Long before Saturday's kick-off, the folks at C & O Sportswear are already seeing green. "That phone has been ringing off the hook," explained Tim MacGregor, owner of C & O Sportswear.

If it says CMU on it, it's selling. Especially, special request items. He expects the buying surge to last through Saturday.

"We're going to be working, extended hours. We'll probably be here well after the game is over, I'm thinking 10, 11 o'clock."