Chicago’s Only D-I Football Program Kicks Off Aug. 29
Chicago State University Athletics has announced that its inaugural Chicago State Cougars football team — the only NCAA Division I FCS program in the city of Chicago — will host home games at SeatGeek Stadium.
Led by Coach Bobby Rome II, the first-ever Chicago State Cougars football game is set for August 29, 2026, against Roosevelt University, ushering in a new era for Cougar Athletics and providing students, alumni, South Side residents and fans with an exciting opportunity to rally behind the Green and Navy on the gridiron.
The Chicago State Cougars and SeatGeek have agreed to a one-year deal to play home games at the 20,000-seat stadium in the nearby suburb of Bridgeview, just west of the university. Both organizations are optimistic this will be the start of a long-term partnership. The stadium is the former home of the Chicago Fire and currently hosts the Chicago Hounds of Major League Rugby.
“The introduction of football at Chicago State marks a transformational moment for our institution,” said Athletic Director Dr. Monique Carroll. “Bringing Cougar football to SeatGeek allows us to immediately provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes, students, alumni and fans as we build this program.”
First opened in 2006 as Toyota Park, SeatGeek Stadium was primarily constructed as a soccer venue and has since hosted soccer and rugby matches, as well as concerts. The Chicago State football season will mark the first time a Division I college football team has played at SeatGeek. The stadium will offer 18 executive suites and a 9,000-square-foot banquet room with catered food, named the 1867 Club for Cougar game days.
Tickets Available
Season tickets for the inaugural season are now on sale, giving fans the opportunity to be part of CSU history from day one. Ticket options include General Admission Bench Seating at $100, General Admission Chairback at $130, Reserved Seating at $150, Club Access — including 1867 Club Access — at $450, and a Cougar Kids Club option for ages 3–13 at $60.
All currently enrolled Chicago State University students will receive a free ticket beginning two weeks prior to kickoff. Private suites are also available for fans seeking an elevated, exclusive game-day experience, offering upgraded seating, hospitality access and premium amenities. Fans can purchase tickets and find additional information at www.gocsucougars.com/tickets.
2026 Chicago State Cougars Football Schedule
Chicago State Football will compete as an independent program during its first season, allowing the Cougars to build their schedule across a diverse range of opponents. The program will begin competing in the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2027.
Key home games in the Cougars’ debut season include the home opener against Roosevelt University on August 29, a September 26 matchup with Norfolk State University featuring a visit from former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback-turnedhead coach Michael Vick, and Chicago State’s Homecoming game versus Fort Lauderdale University on October 31.”
No one has made a play for Cougar football yet,” said Coach Rome. “Each play will be monumental and historic. We can’t wait to share that with our fans, athletes and the Chicago community.”
The complete 2026 Chicago State football schedule is as follows:
Aug. 29 vs. Roosevelt
Sep. 5 @ UT Martin
Sep. 12 vs. Kentucky Christian
Sep. 19 @ Butler
Sep. 26 vs. Norfolk State
Oct. 3 @ Tarleton State
Oct. 17 @ North Carolina A&T
Oct. 24 @ Lindenwood
Oct. 31 vs. Ft. Lauderdale (Homecoming)
Nov. 14 vs. Virginia Lynchburg
(Dates and locations are subject to change)