Michigan State has announced that the Spartans will play their last regular-season game of 2025 at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, but the choice has not been warmly received by supporters.
The collegiate football team announced on Wednesday that the regular-season finale against Maryland on Nov. 29 will be shifted from Spartan Stadium to Ford Field as part of a spectacular weekend of sports. The Lions will play at home on Thursday night before a high school game on Friday and the college finale on Saturday.
Ford Field is 90 miles from Spartan Stadium, yet Michigan State will play its last game away from campus for the second time in three years. Several students often return home for Thanksgiving around that time, but the news has sparked criticism from supporters who do not want to drive to downtown Detroit for the game.
“Why do this again?” Take away another game from Spartan Stadium? A fan responded to the announcement on X. “Absolutely pathetic,” a second said.
“Did the networks not like coming to East Lansing in late November when it’s really cold out?” Another admirer inquired. “What is wrong with Spartan Stadium?” “I don’t want any more games at Ford Field unless we play in the bowl game that they host,” one fan said.
“Hate this,” one fan added. “What’s worse than taking away a home game from students? Making a mess of the MHSAA football championship weekend schedule. “Don’t let networks do this.”
Michigan State has previously played two games at Ford Field, facing Florida in 2010 and Penn State in 2023. “Playing at Ford Field is an exciting opportunity for Spartan football,” stated Spartans Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller. “The 2023 game demonstrated that this might be a profitable and pleasant endeavor.
“I heard from fans, donors, students, and journalists, and everyone enthused about their time at Ford Field. We saw what the Detroit Lions experience every game: Ford Field can provide a terrific home field advantage. Our student-athletes dream of playing in the NFL, and the ability to do so in that stadium is very exciting for them.
“Michigan State University has a close relationship with the city of Detroit, and our teams have consistently received an outpouring of support from the 313. Spartan supporters pack the arena and proudly flaunt their Green and White on the streets of Detroit.
“We are grateful for Ford Field and the Detroit Lions’ efforts to host this event. Aside from that, we appreciate our continuous collaboration with the MHSAA and their flexibility in adjusting their weekend schedule. Together, we can give a fantastic four-day football weekend in an amazing environment.”
Rod Wood, President and CEO of the Detroit Lions, stated, “We are excited to welcome Michigan State Football back to Ford Field for another Spartan season finale.” Thanksgiving and football have been an annual tradition in Detroit for the past 91 years.
“This year will be a genuine celebration of the game on all levels. It is a pleasure to link all levels of the game by beginning the weekend with the Lions and showcasing the Big Ten and MHSAA State Championships throughout four days of football.”
