The University of Cincinnati and Michigan State University have scheduled a home‑and‑home football series for the 2030 and 2031 seasons, with the first game set for September 14, 2030 in Cincinnati and the second for September 13, 2031 in East Lansing.
Financial and logistical details
Under the agreement, the host institution will remit $400,000 to the visiting school for each matchup, while ticket allocations, broadcast rights and officiating responsibilities are detailed in a comprehensive contract administered by the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences.
The arrangement grants the University of Cincinnati exclusive rights to retain all revenue when it serves as the home team in 2030, and it also outlines a $1.5 million liquidated damages clause should either side cancel without an act of force majeure.
A look back at the rivalry
The two programs are tied 1‑1 in their all‑time series, having split two encounters in East Lansing during the 1930s and 1940s, including a 32‑0 shutout by the Spartans in 1930 and an 18‑7 victory by the Bearcats in 1946, a game that propelled Cincinnati to its first bowl appearance.
University officials, including Neville Pinto, Jason "J" Batt, John Cunningham and Wes Miller, were present at the announcement and emphasized the importance of preserving the historic connection between the schools.
Ticket provisions require the visiting team to receive 400 complimentary tickets and the option to purchase up to 3,000 additional seats, with unsold tickets to be returned by defined deadlines, and the contract allots 60 sideline passes for coaches, trainers and working personnel.
Officials for the 2030 game in Cincinnati will be assigned by the Big Ten, while officials for the 2031 game in East Lansing will be assigned by the Big 12 Conference.
Implications and next steps
The contract includes a clause that allows either party to cancel without penalty if the other school ceases to be a member of a conference with an automatic College Football Playoff bid before September 14, 2030; otherwise, cancellation outside of uncontrollable events triggers a $1.5 million penalty, and the agreement is null and void if terminated by mutual consent.
Beyond the financial and procedural details, the series is seen as a chance to rekindle a rivalry that has not been contested since the 1940s, offering both fan bases a high‑profile matchup and providing the universities with additional revenue streams and exposure.