Eastern Michigan Athletics
The Oct. 17 Homecoming Game Set for 3:30 p.m.
8/17/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football
The matchup will feature Eastern Michigan hosting Toledo inside Rynearson Stadium
Purchase Game Tickets | Purchase the Homecoming Tailgate Package | Homecoming Information
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's most spirited week on campus is rapidly approaching. The University will celebrate its 98th Homecoming Game, Oct. 12-17, with the week culminating in the football game against the University of Toledo.
The Mid-American Conference announced today that the game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. The television network designation will be released 12 days prior to kickoff, while WEMU (89.1 FM) will provide audio coverage of the game at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti. Fans are encouraged to Paint It Green as the university comes together for one of its most cherished traditions, while High School Band Day brings hundreds of student musicians to Rynearson Stadium for a memorable halftime performance.
Tickets for the Homecoming game can be purchased online at EMUEagles.com/tickets or by calling the Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
EMU has also unveiled a comprehensive tailgate and parking plan for the annual Homecoming contest, designed to create a safer tailgating atmosphere while minimizing overlap between cars and pedestrians. Fans entering the Rynearson Stadium parking lots on game day must either show a valid game ticket or pay a $10 parking fee per vehicle (cash only). EMU students receive free tickets using their digital access pass tied to their email address. EMU will have enhanced security coverage in all parking lots on game day. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, and follow the direction of parking personnel to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Homecoming experience.
Fans can also purchase a Homecoming Tailgate Parking Pass, which provides early access to reserve and set up a space on Friday, Oct. 16. The Homecoming Tailgate Parking Pass also includes two complimentary game tickets, with the option to purchase additional discounted group tickets for just $10 each with no minimum required. RVs are not permitted to use the Homecoming Tailgate Parking Pass. RVs must park in the VIP Lot and purchase two VIP parking passes.
It marks the 105th Homecoming for Eastern Michigan University and the 98th time EMU will play a football game on Homecoming weekend. Eastern holds an all-time record of 50-45-2 in Homecoming games. The tradition was first known as "Gala Days" in 1920 before adopting the Homecoming name in 1923.
The Eagles have won five consecutive Homecoming games, including a 34-31 victory over Louisiana in 2025. Eastern also defeated Central Michigan in 2024, Ball State in 2023, UMass in 2022, and Miami in 2021.
The 2026 matchup will mark the sixth time Eastern has hosted Toledo for Homecoming. The Rockets previously visited Rynearson Stadium for Homecoming in 1981, 1989, 2000, 2006, and 2016. Eastern holds a 2-3 record in those five meetings.
Eastern Michigan fans are encouraged to visit EMUEagles.com or emich.edu/homecoming for additional information on Homecoming events and activities throughout the week.
Saturday, Oct. 17 Parking Timeline
8 a.m. – Lots open for general fans
1:15 p.m. – Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
2 p.m. – Stadium Gates Open
3:30 p.m. – Kickoff
Parking Information
Game-Day Parking: $10 per vehicle, cash only. Vehicles with a valid game ticket are exempt from the parking fee; ticket must be shown upon entry.
Recreational Vehicles: RVs must park in the VIP Lot and require an $80 VIP Parking Pass. RVs arriving prior to game day must coordinate arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
Auxiliary Parking: Additional general parking will be available in the grass lots at the north and south ends of the main Rynearson Lots, Intramural Field Lots, Indoor Practice Facility, and George Gervin GameAbove Center staff lot.
Security: MTS will provide enhanced security coverage throughout the parking lots, with EMU ROTC assisting with parking coverage.
Homecoming Tailgate Package — $50
Package Includes:
- Premium tailgating space with room for a large tent and grill setup
- Early access to reserve and set up a space Friday, Oct. 16
- Two complimentary game tickets
- Option to purchase additional discounted group tickets for $10 each, with no minimum required
Friday, Oct. 16 Setup:
8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tailgate setup
Athletics Marketing and Athletics Facility Operations staff will oversee and assist with setup
Tents may be placed within designated grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots
MTS Security will secure and monitor the area overnight
Saturday, Oct. 17:
Homecoming Tailgate Package holders may re-enter the lots at 8 a.m.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's most spirited week on campus is rapidly approaching. The University will celebrate its 98th Homecoming Game, Oct. 12-17, with the week culminating in the football game against the University of Toledo.
The Mid-American Conference announced today that the game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. The television network designation will be released 12 days prior to kickoff, while WEMU (89.1 FM) will provide audio coverage of the game at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti. Fans are encouraged to Paint It Green as the university comes together for one of its most cherished traditions, while High School Band Day brings hundreds of student musicians to Rynearson Stadium for a memorable halftime performance.
Tickets for the Homecoming game can be purchased online at EMUEagles.com/tickets or by calling the Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
EMU has also unveiled a comprehensive tailgate and parking plan for the annual Homecoming contest, designed to create a safer tailgating atmosphere while minimizing overlap between cars and pedestrians. Fans entering the Rynearson Stadium parking lots on game day must either show a valid game ticket or pay a $10 parking fee per vehicle (cash only). EMU students receive free tickets using their digital access pass tied to their email address. EMU will have enhanced security coverage in all parking lots on game day. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, and follow the direction of parking personnel to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Homecoming experience.
Fans can also purchase a Homecoming Tailgate Parking Pass, which provides early access to reserve and set up a space on Friday, Oct. 16. The Homecoming Tailgate Parking Pass also includes two complimentary game tickets, with the option to purchase additional discounted group tickets for just $10 each with no minimum required. RVs are not permitted to use the Homecoming Tailgate Parking Pass. RVs must park in the VIP Lot and purchase two VIP parking passes.
It marks the 105th Homecoming for Eastern Michigan University and the 98th time EMU will play a football game on Homecoming weekend. Eastern holds an all-time record of 50-45-2 in Homecoming games. The tradition was first known as "Gala Days" in 1920 before adopting the Homecoming name in 1923.
The Eagles have won five consecutive Homecoming games, including a 34-31 victory over Louisiana in 2025. Eastern also defeated Central Michigan in 2024, Ball State in 2023, UMass in 2022, and Miami in 2021.
The 2026 matchup will mark the sixth time Eastern has hosted Toledo for Homecoming. The Rockets previously visited Rynearson Stadium for Homecoming in 1981, 1989, 2000, 2006, and 2016. Eastern holds a 2-3 record in those five meetings.
Eastern Michigan fans are encouraged to visit EMUEagles.com or emich.edu/homecoming for additional information on Homecoming events and activities throughout the week.
Saturday, Oct. 17 Parking Timeline
8 a.m. – Lots open for general fans
1:15 p.m. – Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
2 p.m. – Stadium Gates Open
3:30 p.m. – Kickoff
Parking Information
Game-Day Parking: $10 per vehicle, cash only. Vehicles with a valid game ticket are exempt from the parking fee; ticket must be shown upon entry.
Recreational Vehicles: RVs must park in the VIP Lot and require an $80 VIP Parking Pass. RVs arriving prior to game day must coordinate arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
Auxiliary Parking: Additional general parking will be available in the grass lots at the north and south ends of the main Rynearson Lots, Intramural Field Lots, Indoor Practice Facility, and George Gervin GameAbove Center staff lot.
Security: MTS will provide enhanced security coverage throughout the parking lots, with EMU ROTC assisting with parking coverage.
Homecoming Tailgate Package — $50
Package Includes:
- Premium tailgating space with room for a large tent and grill setup
- Early access to reserve and set up a space Friday, Oct. 16
- Two complimentary game tickets
- Option to purchase additional discounted group tickets for $10 each, with no minimum required
Friday, Oct. 16 Setup:
8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tailgate setup
Athletics Marketing and Athletics Facility Operations staff will oversee and assist with setup
Tents may be placed within designated grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots
MTS Security will secure and monitor the area overnight
Saturday, Oct. 17:
Homecoming Tailgate Package holders may re-enter the lots at 8 a.m.
Thursday, July 23
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