Southeastern Athletics
Donnie Smith, Director of Athletic Communications
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Mid-South Conference Commissioner Eric Ward announced that the conference revised its football schedule for the upcoming 2020 season following return to play guidelines established by the NAIA.
NAIA President Jim Carr’s announcement on June 4 regarding return to play guidelines for all fall sports has necessitated a schedule adjustment for all Mid-South Conference football teams. As recommended by the conference Football Oversight Committee and approved by the football athletic directors and head coaches, the conference schedule will officially begin on September 12 with all 22 teams in action.
The Fire will begin their eight-game schedule that night at home against Ave Maria University for “Hometown Heroes Night.” Southeastern will travel to St. Thomas in a non-division contest on September 19, then will have a bye week before returning home on October 3 to open division play with Webber International on “Youth Football Night,” then will host defending champion Keiser the following week for “Faculty and Staff Appreciation.”
“I’m so excited for our fans, our university, Polk County, but more importantly our players,” said coach Cesar Rivas-Sandoval. “They’ve worked so hard to represent SEU on the gridiron and I’m happy that we now have a solid schedule and plan to have our student-athletes go out and represent our institution on Saturdays this fall.”
After a trip to Ave Maria on October 17, the Fire will host St. Thomas for Homecoming on October 24.
The season concludes with trips to Warner and Florida Memorial on October 3 and November 7, respectively.
The 2020 schedule marks the first time in program history each Southeastern game will take place in Florida with no road game more than 230 miles away.
“Every week will be tough,” Rivas said. “With a shortened schedule, every week will have a great deal of importance looking towards the postseason.”
Teams will play primarily within their divisions in 2020, including playing some opponents in a home-and-home series. Only one of the games — as determined by the conference — will be considered a divisional game and count towards the divisional standings.
Season ticket memberships are on sale now at SEUFire.com/tickets, starting at $43 for adults and $23 for youth (17 and under) which includes admission to all home games. Reserved Fire Club season memberships, which include private entrance and chair back seating, are available for $125. Individual game tickets will go on sale August 15.