Michigan State football is set to close out its 2025 regular season in a big way—returning to Ford Field for a showdown against Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 29. The game will cap off an action-packed football weekend in Detroit, which includes the Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day game and the MHSAA state championships.
This marks MSU’s third appearance at Ford Field, following their 2023 season finale against Penn State and a 2010 matchup with Florida Atlantic. The move brings Spartan football back to a venue where fan support has been strong, and MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller is confident it will be another electric atmosphere. “We saw in 2023 how incredible the experience was, and we know our fans, donors, and students will bring that same energy again,” Haller said.
Head coach Jonathan Smith also expressed excitement about the opportunity, highlighting the chance to play in an NFL venue and build a home-field advantage in Detroit. Ford Field has long been a hub for Michigan football, and Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood emphasized the significance of hosting MSU again as part of a football-filled holiday weekend.
Ticket sales will prioritize Spartan Fund donors and season ticket holders, with student seating available in designated sections. Details on general public sales will be announced soon.
The game comes at an ideal time for MSU fans in southeastern Michigan, as many students and alumni hail from the area. With nearly 300,000 Spartan alumni in the state—and a significant portion residing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties—expect another strong turnout in Green and White.