The latest chapter in the Benedictine-Baker University football rivalry will be showcased on the largest scale in the storied rivalry this season as the two schools will participate in the NAIA Gridiron Challenge at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 11.
The Ravens and Wildcats will kickoff at 7 p.m. as the second game of the Challenge doubleheader that also features a match up of MNU and Missouri Valley College at 3 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity to take the Baker-Benedictine game to an even higher level by playing this rivalry game at Arrowhead Stadium,” said Raven head coach Larry Wilcox.
In 2013, the Ravens and Wildcats squared off on O’Malley Field at Larry Wilcox Stadium with Benedictine earning a 42-28 win that started the Ravens run through HAAC play en route to the program’s sixth conference title under Coach Wilcox.
“We are absolutely thrilled to participate in the NAIA Gridiron Challenge,” said Theresa Yetmar, Director of Athletics at Baker. “It’s not often that you can find four Top 25 NAIA team competing in one venue, let along one with the storied and rich tradition of Arrowhead Stadium. This will be a unique opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans to showcase our institution and football program.”
Baker holds a 17-13-1 series lead over Benedictine in the annual match up between the long-time rivals.
Three of the four teams involved in the games shared the 2013 Heart of America Athletic Conference championship. Baker, Benedictine and Missouri Valley all finished with a record of 8-1 in league play last season, while each team qualified for the 2013 NAIA Football Championship Series. The four participating teams have combined to win or share a total of 38 conference championships and have totaled 46 NAIA postseason appearances.
Tickets for the game will go on sale on Tuesday, June 24 with Jackson County residents having the first opportunity starting at 10:00 a.m. Chiefs season ticket holders will be given access to tickets on Thursday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Benedictine has been given an allotment of tickets for the game and those tickets will go on sale Thursday at Noon. If you would like to purchase your tickets through the Benedictine Athletics Office, please visit my.benedictine.edu/RavensAtArrowhead – the link for online ticket sales through Benedictine will appear at the top fo the page on Thursday. For more information on Benedictine ticket sales, please contact Kim Fry in the Athletic Office at 913.360.7564.
General admission tickets prior to the game can be purchased for $18 for adults and $8 for students with a valid I.D. or anyone under the age of 18. Tickets can be purchased at Arrowhead on the day of the games for $20 for adults and $10 for students with valid I.D. or anyone under the age of 18. Tickets for suites can also be purchased and are available through Kellen Begnoche of the Chiefs at (816) 920-4894. Parking will be $15 per cars and $25 for RV/bus parking. Tailgate information can be obtained by contacting Ashley Muffitt at (816) 920-4833 or [email protected].
Jackson County pre-sale tickets must be purchased in person at the Arrowhead Stadium Ticket Office. No phone orders will be accepted for this special pre-sale event on June 24. Jackson County taxpayers purchasing tickets must have one form of identification that includes a photo of the purchaser and a 2012 Jackson County, Mo., personal property tax receipt. Spouses residing at the same address will be allowed to purchase tickets, even if the property receipt is in their spouse’s name. The Chiefs will notify Season Ticket Holders via email prior to the sale with instructions on how to participate.
— BC Sports Information —