Marina
The Border War rivalry between Missouri and Kansas is officially back, and fans are gearing up for one of the most anticipated games of the 2025 season.
With Faurot Field sold out for the historic showdown, Mizzou Athletic Director Laird Veatch has unveiled updated game day guidelines to ensure fan safety and an improved stadium experience.
These changes address stadium entry, ticket scanning, shuttle services, and crowd management after congestion problems during Missouri’s first home game. With more than 60,000 fans expected to pack the stands, the updated measures are crucial for avoiding delays and keeping the event secure.
Why the Guidelines Changed
During Missouri’s first home game of the season, stadium data revealed that more than half of the fans entered within the last 45 minutes before kickoff, many using gates opposite their assigned sections.
This caused severe congestion, creating an “unsafe pedestrian traffic jam,” according to Veatch.
To correct this, ticket scanners will now restrict entry based on seating location, and new shuttle services will help streamline fan movement.
Updated Stadium Entry Instructions
Mizzou Athletics outlined the new rules for entering Faurot Field:
| Seating Section | Required Entry Gate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| East Side (Sections 101–110, 301–315 Tiger Deck, Student Section) | Gates 2E–6E | Students and east-side fans must enter here |
| West Side (Sections 116–125) | Gates 2W–6W | West side ticket holders only |
| South End Zone (Sections 126–132) | Any gate | Flexible entry allowed |
| Premium Areas (Walsworth Family Columns Club, West Tower, Multipli Club) | Gate 7 | No changes from prior rules |
This seating-to-gate policy ensures that fans enter through the correct side of the stadium, reducing traffic jams.
Shuttle and Transportation Updates
To further ease congestion, new shuttle options have been introduced:
- Mizzou Shuttle Service: Starting two hours before kickoff, shuttles will run from Mick Deaver near Lot I to Gate 5W, continuing for an hour after the game.
- Go COMO Shuttle: The city’s free shuttle bus service will operate from downtown Columbia to the stadium, beginning two hours before the game. Return trips start at the third quarter and continue until 30 minutes after the game.
All shuttle rides are free of charge, providing fans with safe and convenient travel.
Kickoff, Gate Times, and Security
- Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.
- Kickoff: 2:30 p.m.
Veatch confirmed that staff and security levels have been maximized for the sold-out game. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to avoid long waits.
Fan Experience Goals
The athletic department emphasized that safety and enjoyment remain top priorities:
- Fan Safety: Avoid overcrowding at gates and concourses.
- Smooth Experience: Encourage organized entry by section.
- Electric Atmosphere: Ensure fans enjoy one of the most exciting rivalry renewals in college football history.
According to Veatch, the Kansas matchup is expected to be “electric and memorable.”
What Fans Should Remember on Game Day
- Check your ticket location and enter through the correct gate.
- Arrive early—over half the crowd tends to arrive within the final hour.
- Use shuttle services for convenience and to avoid parking stress.
- Expect high security with additional staff and scanning.
- Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m., but gates open two hours earlier.
Quick Game Day Guidelines
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Missouri vs. Kansas – Border War 2025 |
| Stadium | Faurot Field, Columbia, Missouri |
| Gate Opening | 12:30 p.m. |
| Kickoff | 2:30 p.m. |
| Entry Rule | Fans must enter via gates assigned to their ticket location |
| Shuttles | Mizzou Shuttle (Lot I ↔ Gate 5W), Go COMO Downtown Shuttle |
| Cost | Shuttle rides are free |
| Security | Maximum staff & security deployed |
| Student Tickets | ZOU Pass issues under review |
The return of the Missouri–Kansas Border War is more than just a football game—it’s a historic event filled with passion, tradition, and anticipation.
To ensure that the sold-out Faurot Field experience is safe and enjoyable, Mizzou AD Laird Veatch has introduced new game day guidelines covering stadium entry, shuttle services, and crowd management.
With over 60,000 fans expected, planning ahead is essential. By following updated entry instructions and arriving early, fans will help create an electric atmosphere worthy of this legendary rivalry.
For Mizzou Athletics, the message is clear: safety, efficiency, and unforgettable fan experiences remain top priorities.