KALAMAZOO, Mich. - With the return of Western Michigan University students to campus and the start of classes, WMU Athletics is gearing up for another exciting year of football at Waldo Stadium.

The Broncos are set to host the reigning ACC Champion Pittsburgh Panthers for their home opener on Saturday, September 17. Kickoff between the Broncos and the Panthers is set for 7:30 pm and will air nationally on ESPNU. Western Michigan Athletics is calling on fans, alumni, donors, students and extended Western Michigan community to Pack Waldo for Pitt!
 
As fans arrive to campus for gameday, they will be welcomed by some new and exciting game day experiences, including the previously announced Buster's Block Party and a tailgate concert by country music star Chase Bryant. The festivities officially begin four hours prior to kickoff.
 
3:30 pm Buster's Block Party & Tailgate Lots Open
Buster's Block Party is a free pregame event for all Bronco fans, featuring interactive fan activities, entertainment, giveaways and concluding with the concert. Local country radio station WIN 98.5 will be on hand doing a live remote broadcast leading up to the concert at 5:30 pm. Buster's Block Party will be held in Lot 13, which is located across the street from the Student Recreation Center and Read Fieldhouse. The lot will be closed for parking and cars, and can only be accessed on foot on game days.

In addition to Lot 13, all tailgate lots open at 3:30 pm. All lots are paid lots, except for the donor lots around Waldo Stadium. Fans parking in those lots must have an official donor parking pass.

Parking Map

A free shuttle bus will begin running when tailgate lots open. Fans looking to attend the concert should park at Lawson Ice Arena. The shuttle's pregame route to Waldo Stadium will include an extra stop at Oliver Street by Lot 13 for Buster's Block Party. The shuttle will run after the game as well to return fans back to Lawson Arena.
 
5:00 pm Bronco Walk
Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the football team as they make their way to the stadium during the Bronco Walk. Cheer on the team as they walk from the Bernhard Center, behind the Student Recreation Center, to the Bronco Statue in front of Read Fieldhouse starting around 5:00pm.
 
5:30 pm Tailgate Concert by Chase Bryant
Country music star Chase Bryant burst onto the country music scene in 2015 when his debut single, "Take It On Back", became a top-10 single on Billboard's Country Airplay chart. His second single, "Little Bit of You", climbed all the way up to number four on the Country Airplay chart. Last year, Bryant released his latest album, Upbringing. He is scheduled to take the tailgate concert stage around 5:30 pm.
 
6:00 pm Gates Open
All gates to Waldo Stadium open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Fans who have digital tickets should remember to load tickets in their phone's digital wallet and have their phone charged and ready for ticket scanners upon entry
 
Ticket Information
Season, group, and single tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets and by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX.
New this season is the Back the Broncos Corporate Ticket Program. This ticket program includes season tickets for football, hockey, and basketball as well as group tickets for single games.
 
  Gameday Traffic 

• Construction on Stadium Drive is currently scheduled for completion prior to Sept. 17, however, please allow for extra time and be aware of new traffic patterns in front of Waldo Stadium 
• Ring Road will be closed between Oliver street and W Michigan Avenue (in front of the Student Recreation Center) starting at 3pm in conjunction with Buster's Block Party pregame event. 
• Shuttle bus will now have an additional pregame drop off at Oliver Street by Lot 13 for Buster's Block Party
  • Park at Lawson and take the free shuttle to Buster's Block Party, or Waldo Stadium.

New Stadium Concessionaire 

• Kalamazoo Concessions will take over Waldo Stadium concession operations. 

 
In-Game Fan Experience

• Fireworks will be utilized pregame as WMU enters the field, in addition to celebratory momebts throughout the game
• New & improved stadium lights will flash during intro and celebratory moments in game, as game time/daylight permits.
• Fans can text 269-387-8092 for in-game assistance, issues & questions
• Game programs will be digital for WMU football games
  • QR codes will be posted around the stadium and on the video board 
  • Game programs will also be found in the WMU Gameday app