GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State University and Davenport University have joined together to announce the creation of the "Calder City Classic," a rivalry matchup between the two teams.
Representatives from both universities gathered at the Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids to announce the annual tradition.
The rivalry game is meant to showcase the success of each program and is supported by the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.
The universities said the series will begin this fall, with the teams facing off in the regular-season finale on Nov. 16 in Big Rapids at FSU's Top Taggart Field.
At the game, the two teams will battle it out for the Calder City Classic trophy.
In 2025, the rivalry will return to Davenport's home field.
Come 2026, plans call for the matchup to happen at a neutral site in the Grand Rapids area. The idea is for every third game in the series to be played somewhere near Grand Rapids so neither team has a home-field advantage.
Davenport President Richard J. Pappas and FSU President Bill Pink were at the event to support the creation of the new rivalry.
“Ferris State University has a rich athletic tradition,” Pink said. “This game will give us a chance to establish a new tradition. West Michigan sports fans will have the opportunity to see two outstanding football programs go head-to-head, and also learn more about the excellent educational programs each of our great universities have to offer.”
Pappas said he's excited for the rivalry to kick off.
“We are looking forward to this named rivalry between our institutions,” Pappas said. “We expect the Calder City Classic to be an example of fierce competition for our student-athletes who will show teamwork, discipline, compete well and win graciously.”
More details about the Calder City Classic will be announced by the November game. These details include what the rivalry logo and trophy will look like.