What fans should know about the Lakers' 2021 football season

UPDATE: Grand Valley athletics officials announced August 30 that the season-opening game with Edinboro University on September 4 has been canceled due to COVID-19 protocols with the Edinboro program. For more information, visit the Lakers' football website .

By the time Grand Valley opens its 2021 football season, it will have been more than 650 days since the Lakers last played a game.

COVID-19 restrictions ended the Lakers’ 2020 season, but with safety and security measures in place, head coach Matt Mitchell and his team are ready to take another run at a GLIAC championship, particularly during a milestone season.

Grand Valley will soon begin its 50th season of competition.

Masks and vaccinations are not required for entry to Lubbers Stadium, but fans should complete a COVID self-assessment screening form before arriving on campus.

“We are obviously excited to get the entire team together for the 2021 season,” said head football coach Matt Mitchell.

“I have been so impressed with what our young men have done off the field during some tough times. They have stayed together with the focus of becoming not only better football players, but better human beings. This is a special group, and I am so pleased they stayed the course and showed a lot of grit and perseverance.”

Tickets

Tickets for athletic events are now digital, allowing fans to print copies or view on their smartphone.

Season ticket holders can access their tickets via their online account or confirmation email while single-game tickets will also be digitally accessible.

The athletics department recommends either downloading and printing tickets, or viewing them via your smart device and taking a screenshot prior to arrival on campus.

For assistance, please contact the GVSU ticket office at 616-331-3200 or email [email protected].

Parking

Parking passes are available for purchase online, and it is strongly recommended fans purchase passes before game day. 

Parking passes are $10 before game day, but $15 on game day. Space is limited in paid lots C, F and G.

For more information or to purchase your individual or season parking pass, visit the Lakers Football Parking website.

Cashless Campus Initiative

Grand Valley is converting to a cashless campus for the 2021-22 academic year, giving fans greater security with transactions, improving safety for students and employees, and allowing greater efficiency in services.

Cashless payments — credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Tap-and-Go — will be transitioned through the 2021 season. Guests can purchase tickets, merchandise, parking and concessions via cashless methods.

More details are available on the Cashless Campus Initiative website.

Clear Bag Policy

To improve security of guests at games this season, Grand Valley athletics is implementing a clear bag policy for football games. The policy will also improve guest traffic into Lubbers Stadium.

Guests may bring a clear tote bag measuring 12 inches long, 12 inches deep, and 6 inches wide or a 1-gallon clear plastic bag. They can also bring a handbag, up to 6.5 inches long and 4.5 inches deep.

Medical bags or necessary medical equipment as well as diaper bags and strollers are exempt from the policy. Exempted items are still subject to search by security staff.

The GVSU Clear Bag Policy website has more information available.

Football 2021 schedule

Saturday, Sept. 4 vs. Edinboro, 7 p.m. [CANCELED]

Saturday, Sept. 11 vs. Colorado State-Pueblo, 7 p.m. (WGVU-TV, streaming GVSN)

Saturday, Sept. 18 vs. Wisconsin-La Crosse, 3 p.m. (ESPN3)

Saturday, Sept. 25 at Michigan Tech, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 2 at Saginaw Valley State, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 9 vs. Northwood, 7 p.m. (ESPN3)

Saturday, Oct. 16 vs. Ferris State, 7 p.m. (WGVU-TV, streaming GVSN)

Saturday, Oct. 23 at Northern Michigan, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 30 vs. Michigan Tech, 3 p.m. (WGVU-TV, streaming GVSN)

Saturday, Nov. 6 at Wayne State, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13 vs. Davenport, 1 p.m. (WGVU-TV, streaming GVSN)