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2017 NCAA DIVISION II FOOTBALL PLAYOFF CENTRAL
Round 2 - Super Region Four Semifinal
No. 5 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions at No. 1 Central Washington Wildcats
Saturday, November 25 | Ellensburg, Wash. | Tomlinson Stadium | Noon PST (2 p.m. CST) |
For the first time since the 1990 season, Texas A&M University-Commerce has won a NCAA Division II Playoff game on the road. The Lions have advanced to the regional semifinal round to take on top-seeded Central Washington.
This is your one stop information source for all things related to the Lions' 2017 NCAA playoff berth. This will provide as much initial clarity as possible, and will be updated with information in advance of the game as more specific communication from NCAA representatives and Central Washington University becomes available.
How do the playoffs work?
The NCAA Division II Football Committee announced the field of 28 teams for the 2017 NCAA Division II Football Championship with seven teams filling out each of the Super Region brackets. 12 first-round games were conducted on the campus of the higher seeded institution in each region last weekend. One team per super regional earned a first-round bye.
The first-round winners have advanced to the second round with games on the campus of the higher seeded competing institutions. Second-round winners will meet in the quarterfinals at various campus sites. Quarterfinal winners will advance to play in the semifinals on the campus of the higher seeded competing institutions. The championship game will be played December 16, at 4 p.m. at Sporting Park in Kansas City and will be broadcast live on ESPN2 HD/ESPN3.
Who is remaining in our region?
The No. 1 seed in Super Region IV is Central Washington. CWU had a bye in the first round and is 11-0. The other two regional semifinal is: Midwestern State (No. 3) at Minnesota State (No. 2)
What do we know about Central Washington?
Athletics Website:
http://www.wildcatsports.com/
Central Washington University, is a regional, comprehensive public university located on a 380-acre campus in Ellensburg, Washington. Founded in 1891, the university consists of three chief divisions include the Office of the President, Business and Financial Affairs, and Academic and Student Life (ASL). Within ASL are four colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business (Ellensburg campus and centers in the Puget Sound and central regions), the College of Education and Professional Studies, and College of the Sciences.
CWU is located about 110 miles east of Seattle on Interstate 90 in the Kittitas Valley. In addition to being the fastest growing public university in the state of Washington, CWU is considered an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution with 15 percent Hispanic students.
The Wildcat football team is a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and finished with a 11-0 overall record, including 4-0 at home. They were the GNAC champions. The teams share two common opponents, each defeating Texas A&M-Kingsville and North Alabama.
TRAVEL
Is there a travel package for Lion fans?
NCAA Travel provides an easy and affordable way for family and fans to follow our student-athletes and team as we head to Central Washington. Travel arrangements completed through NCAA Travel help support NCAA student-athletes. Please visit www.ncaa.com/travel to search and book online hotel, car and air travel, all in one easy transaction.
TICKETS
How much are tickets?
Ticket information is available HERE. General admission tickets will be $15 for adults and $5 for students.
A&M-Commerce will have 500 seats reserved for Lion fans directly behind the visitor bench.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
I cannot make the game, will it be on TV?
The game will be live-streamed by CWU. A direct link is
HERE.
Will the game be on radio?
Yes. The Lion Sports Radio Network - 89.9 KETR - will broadcast the game with Charlie Chitwood (Play-by-Play) and Brock Callaway (Color) on the call. Pre-game begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Lions Roar Weekly Radio Show will air one hour prior to kickoff. You can stream the broadcast at
www.KETR.org.
Will there be any watch parties in the area?
Yes. Here are the details:
COMMERCE
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| Luigi’s |
Mugs on the Square |
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LION CHAMPIONS FUND – Official Dallas Area Watch Party
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Lakewood’s First and 10
6465 E. Mockingbird, #316
Dallas, TX, 75214
Kickoff at 2 p.m. (Opens at 1:30 p.m.)
A&M-Commerce Reserved Spirit Section
Food and drink specials if dressed in Lion spirit wear
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The watch party begins at noon and will feature Lion drink and appetizer specials, and several Lion spirit giveaways during the game. For more information, contact
Lion Champions Fund Executive Director Taylor Phelps.
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DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
From Seattle and points west
Take Interstate 90 East to exit 106. Go straight through four-way stop and follow University Way into Ellensburg, passing through three stoplights until you reach D Street (the west edge of campus). Take a left at the stoplight onto D Street. Go north six blocks to a four-way stop (the second stop sign you will see going north on D), and take a right onto Dean Nicholson Blvd. Follow Dean Nicholson Blvd. for approximately three blocks to Walnut Street. Nicholson Pavilion with be on your left.
From Spokane and points east
Take Interstate 90 West to exit 109. After exiting the freeway, take a right at the stoplight onto Canyon Road. Follow Canyon Road into town all the way until you go through downtown and reach University Way. Take a right onto University Way, and turn left at your second stoplight onto D Street (the west edge of campus). Take a left at the stoplight onto D Street. Go north six blocks to a four-way stop (the second stop sign you will see going north on D), and take a right onto Dean Nicholson Blvd. Follow Dean Nicholson Blvd. for approximately three blocks to Walnut Street. Nicholson Pavilion with be on your left.
From Yakima and points south
Take Interstate 82 West until it ends at Interstate 90. Go west on Interstate 90 to exit 109 (should be your first immediate exit after Interstate 82 ends). After exiting the freeway, take a right at the stoplight onto Canyon Road. Follow Canyon Road into town all the way until you go through downtown and reach University Way. Take a right onto University Way, and turn left at your second stoplight onto D Street (the west edge of campus). Take a left at the stoplight onto D Street. Go north six blocks to a four-way stop (the second stop sign you will see going north on D), and take a right onto Dean Nicholson Blvd. Follow Dean Nicholson Blvd. for approximately three blocks to Walnut Street. Nicholson Pavilion with be on your left.
NAVIGATING AROUND THE CWU ATHLETICS COMPLEX
The street address for Tomlinson Stadium is 1610 N Walnut St.
OTHER INFORMATION
What time do gates open?
This will be confirmed Monday.
Where do I purchase official Lions gear?
Officially licensed gear for Lions fans can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Since it is a special accomplishment to achieve an NCAA playoff berth, is there a way to support the postseason excitement?
Absolutely! You can contact Lion Champions Fund Executive Director Taylor Phelps directly and discuss options to support our talented student-athletes and coaches.
