Northwest Missouri to play Central Missouri in Oct. 1 Fall Classic game at Arrowhead

The Fall Classic football game will return to Arrowhead Stadium this fall for the first time since 2013, but with a new team.

The previous 12 Fall Classics pitted NCAA Division II teams Northwest Missouri and Pittsburg State, with the Bearcats winning nine over the Gorillas. This year, Northwest will play Central Missouri at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.

The football game will kick off after the Royals take on the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. That game is scheduled for a 3:15 p.m. first pitch, but Chiefs officials say both stadiums’ parking lots will be used. Ticket information for the football game will be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the Fall Classic tradition back to Arrowhead Stadium in 2016. This event has always delivered a great college football atmosphere and experience while providing plenty of good football games over the years,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said in a release. “We want to thank the Kansas City Royals for their cooperation in working within their schedule to help make this game a reality for the players, coaches, fans and alumni bases for both Northwest Missouri State and Central Missouri.”

Northwest Missouri is coming off a 15-0 finish and a NCAA Division II championship. Central Missouri finished 8-3 last year and missed the postseason.

This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Northwest Missouri to play Central Missouri in Oct. 1 Fall Classic game at Arrowhead."