Hailey
Imagine going to your favorite college football game without having to pay for tickets. Sounds exciting, right? Well, this is now a reality at Emporia State University in Kansas.
In 2025, Emporia State is offering free general admission (GA) tickets for all home games in multiple sports. Whether you’re into football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, or softball, you can now enjoy the thrill of live college sports without spending a single dollar.
This isn’t just a discount — it’s a completely free experience for fans. Whether you’re a loyal Hornets fan or someone who has never watched a live college game, this move is a game-changer.
Why Is Emporia State Offering Free Tickets?
This decision is part of Emporia State’s “Year of Celebration”, a special time for the university to appreciate its recent achievements. Here’s what they’re celebrating:
- The university cleared a $19 million budget deficit.
- Tuition has remained flat for two years, which means no increase in fees for students.
- University president Ken Hush is retiring on December 17, 2025, after leading the school through several challenges.
This free-ticket move is a way to say thank you to students, families, alumni, and the entire community.
The university believes that now is the perfect time to give back to its community. According to Steve Rodecap, Emporia State’s interim athletic director:
“We felt like we’ve had a lot of wins. So, let’s have a year of celebration — and we wanted athletics to be a vehicle in this.”
What Is Free General Admission (GA)?
General Admission means that fans can sit in any open seating area that is not reserved. Normally, this type of ticket costs money. For example, last year:
- Adults had to pay $14 per person
- Children or students had to pay $12
So, a family of four would have spent about $50 just to attend a single football game at Francis G. Welch Stadium.
Now, that same family can walk in for free. Starting with the first home football game on August 28, 2025, against Minot State, this free access applies to four other home football games, plus all home games for other sports.
This change makes it easier and more fun for families, students, and fans to attend live games.
Which Sports Are Included?
Here are all the sports included in Emporia State’s free GA offer for 2025:
| Sport | Free General Admission? |
|---|---|
| Football | ✅ Yes |
| Men’s Basketball | ✅ Yes |
| Women’s Basketball | ✅ Yes |
| Volleyball | ✅ Yes |
| Soccer | ✅ Yes |
| Baseball | ✅ Yes |
| Softball | ✅ Yes |
Reserved seating in football and basketball will still cost money, but everything else is open and free.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters
By removing ticket costs, Emporia State is doing something unique in college sports. Here’s why it’s a smart move:
Families save money, making it easier for parents to bring their kids.
More fans in the stands mean louder support for the teams.
No ticket sales to manage, so the school saves on staffing and software.
Local businesses (like food vendors) could benefit from higher attendance.
It helps the school build a stronger fanbase and bring in new supporters.
As Rodecap put it:
“Maybe we can create some new Hornets fans — some people who might not have been able to make it before.”
Key Dates to Remember
Here are the main upcoming events:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Free Football Game | August 28, 2025 |
| Home Game Against Minot State | August 28, 2025 |
| University President Ken Hush Retires | December 17, 2025 |
Who Benefits the Most?
This free GA offer is great for:
Students looking for fun weekend plans
Families wanting affordable entertainment
Alumni coming back to support their old teams
First-time visitors to the stadium
Sports lovers living in or near Kansas
For a smaller college, Emporia State is doing something big — making sports accessible, affordable, and fun for all.
A Big Win for the Fans
Emporia State’s decision to provide free general admission tickets is not just generous — it’s strategic. It’s about building community, celebrating success, and giving everyone a chance to enjoy the thrill of college sports.
In a time when most schools are raising prices, Emporia State is saying, “Come in, the gates are open. Let’s celebrate together.”
Whether you’re a longtime Hornets supporter or just curious to catch a game for the first time, 2025 is the perfect season to do it — without spending anything on tickets!