Ball State Celebrates 100th Season of Football in 2024
May 30, 2024 | Football, Cardinal Varsity Club
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State football program celebrates its 100th season when it takes the field this fall, continuing a century of play since its inception in 1924. The Cardinals have played football in Muncie every season during that span, but for 1943 when a team was not fielded due to World War II.The 2024 schedule kicks off Sept. 7 and honors a glorious past, including All-Americans, bowl games and championships. Ball State Athletics has created a commemorative logo to celebrate the 100th season, football alums will be honored during every home game of the upcoming season, and an All-Century Team will be selected via online balloting by students, fans, friends, parents and alumni.
From the program's beginnings in 1924, to future NFL star Tim Brown in the 1950s and early Mid-American Conference championships in 1976 and 1978, Ball State football was filled with great games and memorable moments through its college division years, a new stadium in 1967 and its introduction to the MAC in 1975. An unbeaten regular season in 2008, nine bowl appearances since 1989 and another MAC title and bowl win in 2020 highlight the program's last 35 years of the modern era.
The 100th season logo captures the landscape of Ball State's home field at Scheumann Stadium, with its iconic pillars located behind the north end zone. Ball State uniforms are reflected with stripes that drape the Cardinals' shoulder pads, and the traditional Cardinal head logo signifies the history and brand of the Cardinals. A shield wraps the elements to signify the strength and unity of a program that has produced a successful and competitive culture since it was established in 1924.
As Ball State also engages in its 50th season playing football in the MAC, unity in the Ball State program has been reflected with former All-MAC standouts who have later become coaches. Strength in the program has been reflected by 106 student-athletes who have achieved All-American or first team All-MAC recognition, who will be acknowledged later this summer and throughout the 2024 season as All-Century Team nominees.
Fans and alums are encouraged to be a part of history! Season tickets for the 100th season of Ball State football are available at BallStateSports.com, or by calling 1-888-BSU-TICKET.
Follow the Cardinals
Football // Bye Week with Charlie Cardinal
Friday, September 26
Football // Together: Episode 5 - Produced by Sports Link
Friday, September 26
Football // Magwood to Kelly trick play touchdown
Monday, September 22
Football // UConn Preview
Friday, September 19