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FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

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FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

Florida Atlantic University is set to host Michigan State University at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan - the home of the Detroit Lions - at the start of the 2010 football season.

“This match-up has been scheduled for some time and was designed to be the opening game in our new on-campus football stadium,” said Craig Angelos, FAU’s director of athletics. “Because of the difficult financial climate, our completion date has been pushed back a year. Therefore, we considered how we could still use this game toward promoting and supporting our efforts to make the stadium a reality. We thought this neutral site would be an ideal way of benefiting the stadium effort.”

FAU will receive the gate proceeds from the Michigan State matchup to be put toward the funding of the anticipated state-of-the-art, on-campus stadium. This also marks Michigan State’s first time playing at Ford Field, and will allow the opportunity to provide their loyal fans with an away game 92 miles from Michigan State’s campus.

FAU, however, is no stranger to Ford Field. It was nearly one year ago that the Owls were invited to play in the Motor City Bowl, where FAU upset the hometown favorite Central Michigan University with a score of 24-21.

“We are very excited about returning to Ford Field,” said Angelos. “We had a great time in Detroit last year at the Motor City Bowl and know this upcoming game will also be a first class experience for the teams, the fans and the city of Detroit.”

The Owls also faced Michigan State in 2008 only to come away with a 17-0 loss on a rain soaked Saturday on Michigan State’s home turf.

“While we were looking forward to playing the opening game in FAU’s new on-campus stadium, we are delighted to be able to play a ‘road game’ in Detroit. This game is certain to have a positive financial impact on the state. It’s also important to note from a financial standpoint that Michigan State will play nine of its 12 regular-season games next year in the state of Michigan, with seven games in East Lansing, one in Ann Arbor and the FAU game in Detroit,” said Mark Hollis, MSU’s athletics director. “In the past, we have had success in creating special events at Detroit’s Ford Field, including the BasketBowl game against Kentucky in 2003 that set the world record for attendance as well as last year’s regular-season basketball game against North Carolina. It would be awesome if we could help recapture some of the spirit that made Detroit simply electric during the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four.”

FAU is also 4-1 when hosting a home game away from Lockhart Stadium, as FAU has played host to Oklahoma State University, the University of Minnesota and FIU at Land Shark Stadium in Miami.

“Ford Field is excited to host Florida Atlantic University in 2010,” said Tom Lewand, president of Ford Field and the NFL’s Detroit Lions. “We look forward to hosting another terrific college football game in the city of Detroit, featuring the Owls and the visiting team from just down the road, the Michigan State Spartans.”

Source: FAU Media Relations
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FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

Florida Atlantic University is set to host Michigan State University at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan - the home of the Detroit Lions - at the start of the 2010 football season.

“This match-up has been scheduled for some time and was designed to be the opening game in our new on-campus football stadium,” said Craig Angelos, FAU’s director of athletics. “Because of the difficult financial climate, our completion date has been pushed back a year. Therefore, we considered how we could still use this game toward promoting and supporting our efforts to make the stadium a reality. We thought this neutral site would be an ideal way of benefiting the stadium effort.”

FAU will receive the gate proceeds from the Michigan State matchup to be put toward the funding of the anticipated state-of-the-art, on-campus stadium. This also marks Michigan State’s first time playing at Ford Field, and will allow the opportunity to provide their loyal fans with an away game 92 miles from Michigan State’s campus.

FAU, however, is no stranger to Ford Field. It was nearly one year ago that the Owls were invited to play in the Motor City Bowl, where FAU upset the hometown favorite Central Michigan University with a score of 24-21.

“We are very excited about returning to Ford Field,” said Angelos. “We had a great time in Detroit last year at the Motor City Bowl and know this upcoming game will also be a first class experience for the teams, the fans and the city of Detroit.”

The Owls also faced Michigan State in 2008 only to come away with a 17-0 loss on a rain soaked Saturday on Michigan State’s home turf.

“While we were looking forward to playing the opening game in FAU’s new on-campus stadium, we are delighted to be able to play a ‘road game’ in Detroit. This game is certain to have a positive financial impact on the state. It’s also important to note from a financial standpoint that Michigan State will play nine of its 12 regular-season games next year in the state of Michigan, with seven games in East Lansing, one in Ann Arbor and the FAU game in Detroit,” said Mark Hollis, MSU’s athletics director. “In the past, we have had success in creating special events at Detroit’s Ford Field, including the BasketBowl game against Kentucky in 2003 that set the world record for attendance as well as last year’s regular-season basketball game against North Carolina. It would be awesome if we could help recapture some of the spirit that made Detroit simply electric during the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four.”

FAU is also 4-1 when hosting a home game away from Lockhart Stadium, as FAU has played host to Oklahoma State University, the University of Minnesota and FIU at Land Shark Stadium in Miami.

“Ford Field is excited to host Florida Atlantic University in 2010,” said Tom Lewand, president of Ford Field and the NFL’s Detroit Lions. “We look forward to hosting another terrific college football game in the city of Detroit, featuring the Owls and the visiting team from just down the road, the Michigan State Spartans.”

Source: FAU Media Relations
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

i think angelos was misquoted. his quote REALY should read like this.

“This match-up has been scheduled for some time and was designed to be the opening game in our new on-campus football stadium,” said Craig Angelos, FAU’s director of athletics. “Because of the difficult financial climate, Because I have no idea what I am doing or how to raise money for anything and the fact that I have no idea how to successfully run an athletics department, our completion date has been pushed back a year. Therefore, we considered how we could still use this game toward promoting and supporting our efforts to make the stadium a reality. We thought this neutral site would be an ideal way of benefiting the stadium effort.”     
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

i think angelos was misquoted. his quote REALY should read like this.

“This match-up has been scheduled for some time and was designed to be the opening game in our new on-campus football stadium,” said Craig Angelos, FAU’s director of athletics. “Because of the difficult financial climate, Because I have no idea what I am doing or how to raise money for anything and the fact that I have no idea how to successfully run an athletics department, our completion date has been pushed back a year. Therefore, we considered how we could still use this game toward promoting and supporting our efforts to make the stadium a reality. We thought this neutral site would be an ideal way of benefiting the stadium effort.”     
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

I understand (and share) the frustration over delays in the stadium. But I do not blame Mr. Angelos. This is a terrible time to try to raise money, whether through contributions or financing. Factor in politics of the state university system and the task grows even more difficult. I think he and Coach Schnellenberger run a clean program, and this means a lot in my book. (Yes, I like wins, as well.)
As for playing the Michigan State game in Detroit rather than Chicago (had been rumored as an alternate site): it's disappointing to me (selfishly), but I suspect it's a better business decision. I would have made it to Chicago, but I doubt I'll go to Detroit.
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

Apparently an FCS game might be on the table to try and get another real home game.  Florida A&M was mentioned…and would bring a nice crowd, but I am really worried about getting embarrassed by them.  They are a good FCS team.  Bring Colgate down for some revenge.

Florida Atlantic University Owls
2007 Sun Belt Football Champions 2007 New Orleans Bowl Champions 2008 Motor City Bowl Champions 2011 Sun Belt Basketball Champions No Bowls without Owls
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

This is a home game for Michigan State. Ford Field is going to be filled with Spartan green. It makes sense financially and that is it.

GO OWLS!!!

2017 and 2019 Conference USA Champions
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

I partly blame Angelos for the stadium time table.  However, FAU should get a nice pay-out from the gate, just think of it as another body bag game.  Still it's pretty sad, we are the only team in D-1 football that has to find neutral sites for our home games against BCS teams.  I could understand that in 2005 but seriously it's a joke now.
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

I hope FAU supports our team and finds great discounts for the FAU fans ( not just students !)
This is an embarassment that we are not playing at home.

Tired of the excuses Angelos and FAU !!!!
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Re: FAU to Host Michigan State at Ford Field

As best I recall FAMU owes the Owls a game. It would be a good draw.
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