For just the third time in program history, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football team will play host to an NCAA Division III National Semifinal game when the Cru welcomes Mount Union to Crusader Stadium this Saturday. The two teams will kick off at 3:30 PM Central Time with a berth in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl on the line.
UMHB improved to 13-0 overall and advanced to the Semifinals for the sixth time in program history with a 38-16 win over Wheaton College last Saturday. Mount Union raised its record to 12-1 and moved on with a 70-45 Quarterfinal victory at Alfred University last Saturday. The Purple Raiders are in the Semifinals for the 22nd consecutive season. This will be the third Semifinal meeting between the two teams with the series tied at 1-1. UMHB erased a 35-21 deficit to post a 38-35 win over Mount Union in the 2004 Semifinals. The Purple Raiders scored 28 fourth quarter points to record a 48-35 win over the Cru in the 2012 Semifinals. Both of the previous meetings were played in Alliance, Ohio. Saturday’s game will also mark the first time Mount Union has played a game in the state of Texas.
Tickets will go on sale to previous season ticket holders on Tuesday, December 6th, with the ticket windows open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Previous season ticket holders may also purchase tickets from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 7th. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday and Friday, December 8th and 9th. The ticket windows will be open from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM both of those days. Online ticket sales will be available to previous season ticket holders on Tuesday and will open up to the general public online after 6:00 PM on Wednesday. Mount Union fans can block visitor’s side tickets beginning Tuesday by calling the UMHB ticket office at (254) 295-4455. Visitor’s side tickets will NOT be available for purchase online to ensure they go to Purple Raider fans. If purchased in advance, reserved seats are $10, general admission tickets are $8 and student tickets are $4. The Crusader Stadium ticket windows will open at 1:30 PM on game day. Game day ticket prices are $12 for reserved seats, $10 for general admission and $4 for students.
Wisconsin-Oshkosh and John Carroll University will meet in Saturday’s other Semifinal game at 12:00 PM Central. Both Semifinal games will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app. The 2016 Stagg Bowl will be played Friday, December 16th, at 6:00 PM Central Time in Salem, Virginia.
