MHSAA Football Finals at Ford Field: 2025 Update
A Mid-Michigan Parent’s Quick Guide
Just a day after the Lions host their annual Thanksgiving game, high school teams from across Michigan take the field for the MHSAA 11-Player Football Finals. If you’re thinking about heading to Detroit, or watching from home, here’s your quick, GLAMoms-approved guide to what to know.
And the day after the Michigan State Football Saturday game at Ford Field, you will recognize a crew in blue taking to the field.
DeWitt Panthers (Division 3, Sunday at 12:30pm )
DeWitt heads to Ford Field after an undefeated run and a strong semifinal win over Warren De La Salle. It’s their first return trip since 2021, and Panther Nation (navy + gold!) will be out in full force.
Fast Facts for those not following DeWitt Football
- 13–0 record heading into the finals
- Explosive semifinal offense, especially on the ground
- Undefeated in CAAC Blue Division (6–0)
Kid Tip: Get there early to watch warm-ups and walk in the tunnel pre warm up and then again when they are announced, the “big stadium moment” feels extra magical for younger fans.
Friday schedule from Ford Field: https://www.fordfield.com/events/detail/mhsaa-football-finals-2025
Sunday schedule from Ford Field: https://www.fordfield.com/events/detail/mhsaa-football-finals-2025-2
10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started Going to the Finals
1. Parking: Have a Plan
Olympia Entertainment lots are the closest and most reliable.
Yes, the $8 lots still exist. Although some lots closer charge more.
No, showing up 15 minutes before kickoff won’t work. You’ll miss the opening drives.
More information about parking in the MSHAA link below.
2. People Come and Go
Unlike NFL games, families leave after their team plays. Parking frees up throughout the day.
3. Best Gate to Enter
Use Gate A. Gates B & G are also public, but A is easiest.
(If you try a staff or media gate… you’ll be walking around the stadium in the cold.)
4. Ford Field Is Cashless
Have a card or digital wallet ready.
5. Tickets? Don’t Stress.
You can buy via Ticketmaster or at Ford Field day-of.
They do not sell out.
6. Championship Swag = Printed On-Site
Right outside the stadium, MHSAA prints freshly-made “CHAMPIONS” shirts within minutes.
It’s fun to watch.
7. Team Photos Printed On-Site Too
A photo vendor is there for every team, quick prints, great keepsakes.
8. Know the Bag Rules
Ford Field + MHSAA each have restrictions. Geoff Kimmerly from MSHAA shares more here: mhsaa.com/media/press-releases/parking-entrance-protocols-announced-2025-11-player-football-finals-ford-field
Think: clear bags, small clutch, some diaper/baby needs allowed, medical items permitted.
Double-check the guidelines, they changed this year.
9. Officials Are Human (And They Work Hard)
These are the same refs on Friday nights. Some calls = great. Some = not so great.
If you love the game and want to help, MHSAA always needs officials.
10. If You Can Swing It: Stay Overnight
It makes parking easier, mornings calmer, and you can make a whole Detroit holiday trip of it.
If you leave Ford Field mid-day, you’ll pay again to re-enter, so plan accordingly.
2021 MHSAA Football Photo Link
2023 MHSAA Football Photo Link just in case Lumen Christi folks are reading.
2024 MHSAA Football Photo link for Lansing Catholic fans and all other teams present
Before he was at University of Michigan, Bryce Underwood (19) played for Bellville. Here during the 2023 MHSAA Division 1 game against Southfield A&T. Southfield A&T won the championship with a final score of 36-32, ending Belleville’s 38-game winning streak and their bid for a third consecutive state title
2021 with then 7th graders
Did you enjoy learning more about the MHSAA Football Finals?
Here is a story GLAMoms shared about Anna Seebeck, the Gladwin Kicker who saw some playtime and we wanted to celebrate this #girlpower moment with all of you.
All photos were taking by Christine McCallister. If interested in downloads, or if interested in 2025 images (after the tournament) please email [email protected]
