Founded in 1893 in Emporia, Kansas, the Emporia State Hornets football program anchors NCAA Division II Saturdays in the MIAA. The Hornets have earned 15 conference championships and reached the 1989 NAIA national title game. Postseason highlights include a 45-38 Kanza Bowl win in 2012 and the 2022 Live United Bowl crown.

Francis G. Welch Stadium, a 10,000-seat on-campus venue, bursts to life with the Marching Hornets, the Live at the Hive tailgate, and the ring of Silent Joe after victories. Every fall, fans mark the Turnpike Tussle with Washburn, a yearly rivalry that fuels Kansas bragging rights. Iconic running back Brian Shay captured the 1998 Harlon Hill Trophy and rewrote record books, while alumnus head coach Garin Higgins has guided recent playoff runs. If you love high-energy Saturdays, Emporia delivers.

Emporia State University Hornets Football Stadium and Game Day Information

Home venue: Francis G. Welch Stadium, Emporia, Kansas.
Capacity: About 7,000 for college football.
Parking: Campus lots and nearby street parking are the main options; arrive early for closer spots. Reserved passes may be offered through ESU Athletics, and local transit is limited, so rideshare is a good fallback.
Cheapest Month to Attend a Game: September.
Nearby eats and attractions: Radius Brewing Company and Mulready's Pub downtown; Commercial Street Diner for comfort fare; William Allen White House State Historic Site and the Emporia Arts Center for a quick visit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emporia State University Hornets Football Tickets & 2026 Schedule Details

How much are Emporia State University Hornets Football tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, ESU tickets start at $28, with an average price of $33. Prices vary by opponent, date, seat location, and game type (regular season, rivalry, bowl games, playoffs). All ESU tickets are backed by the Vivid Seats 100% Buyer Guarantee.

What is the best time of year to attend a Emporia State University Hornets Football game?

The best time of year to attend a Emporia State University Hornets Football game is often September, when ticket prices tend to be more affordable.

Where do the ESU play?

The ESU play home games at .

Can I buy parking passes for Emporia State University Hornets Football games?

Vivid Seats has Emporia State University Hornets Football parking tickets for Emporia State University Hornets Football home games at .

What are the most in-demand Emporia State University Hornets Football games in recent history?

There's been no shortage of memorable ESU games. Here are some of the most in-demand games and opponents in recent seasons, according to average sold price.

Central Oklahoma Bronchos at Emporia State University Hornets Football on September 23, 2023
Minot State Beavers Football at Emporia State University Hornets Football on August 28, 2025
Missouri Southern State Lions at Emporia State University Hornets Football on November 04, 2023

When do Emporia State University Hornets Football tickets go on sale each year?

Regular-season tickets typically become available after the NCAA Football schedule is released, typically in the summer. Check back often as inventory updates throughout the season.

Can I buy suite tickets for Emporia State University Hornets Football home games at ?

Yes, Emporia State University Hornets Football suite tickets are often available for Emporia State University Hornets Football home games at , although availability varies by matchup and demand. Select your game, then use the map and filters to view suites, club, or box listings.

What do suites and club seats include at for Emporia State University Hornets Football games?

Amenities vary by listing, but suites and clubs at commonly include private entry, luxurious seating, TVs, Wi-Fi, and a private restroom. Review each listing’s notes for seat quantity, parking passes, and food and beverage details before checkout.

When do Emporia State University Hornets Football playoff tickets go on sale?

Emporia State University Hornets Football postseason tickets become available on Vivid Seats once official bowl or playoff matchups are announced. Inventory updates as teams qualify, so check back often for the latest options.

Is Vivid Seats legit for Emporia State University Hornets Football tickets?

Yes! Vivid Seats is a trusted ticket marketplace used by over 100 million fans. When you buy Emporia State University Hornets Football tickets on Vivid Seats, every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. That means your purchase is safe, your tickets will arrive before the event, and they'll be valid or your money back.

Are tickets guaranteed on Vivid Seats?

Absolutely. Every Emporia State University Hornets Football ticket sold on Vivid Seats comes with our 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures:

Your transaction will be secure.
Your tickets will be delivered before your event.
Your tickets will be valid and authentic or your money back.

Our mission is to make buying ESU tickets stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Are fees included in the price I see on Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a ESU ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. No surprises at checkout.

Will my group be seated together?

Yes, we guarantee that tickets purchased together will be together, unless otherwise noted in the listing.

What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?

If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes. If this occurs, the seller will notify us, and we will deliver new tickets to you and remind you to discard your old tickets.

Does Vivid Seats have a rewards program?

Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. The more events you attend, the more perks you can unlock:

A free 11th ticket after 10 purchases
Birthday rewards
Seat upgrades and VIP parties
Exclusive experiences like on-ice or on-field passes to your favorite team

What are the best seats at for ESU games?

The best seats at for ESU games are typically near midfield in the lower bowl. Fans looking for value often prefer upper-level seats between the 30-yard lines for a full-field view and lively crowd atmosphere.

How can I watch the Emporia State University Hornets Football?

NCAA football games air across ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and each conference’s dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network). Streaming options may also be available via ESPN+ or Peacock.

What time do doors open for Emporia State University Hornets Football home games?

Gates for Emporia State University Hornets Football games typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before kickoff.

Emporia State University Hornets Football Schedule and Ticket Prices

Emporia State University Hornets Football Dates will be displayed below for any announced 2026 Emporia State University Hornets Football dates. For all available tickets and to find events near you, scroll to the listings at the top of this page.

DATE	CITY	VENUE	LOWEST PRICE
08/27/2026	Minot, ND	Herb Parker Stadium	$32
09/05/2026	Pittsburg, KS	Carnie Smith Stadium	$36
09/12/2026	Emporia, KS	Welch Stadium	$40
09/19/2026	Emporia, KS	Welch Stadium	$40
10/03/2026	Emporia, KS	Welch Stadium	$40
10/10/2026	Joplin, MO	Fred G. Hughes Stadium	$29
10/17/2026	Emporia, KS	Welch Stadium	$40
10/24/2026	Emporia, KS	Welch Stadium	$40
10/31/2026	Maryville, MO	Bearcat Stadium	$40
11/07/2026	Emporia, KS	Welch Stadium	$40
11/14/2026	Hays, KS	Lewis Field Stadium	$36