Xavier Football Returns: Home Opener vs New Haven

**Xavier University Ends 50-Year Hiatus, Kicks Off New Football Era Against New Haven Chargers on August 30**

CINCINNATI, Ohio — After a 51-year absence, Xavier University is officially bringing intercollegiate football back to its campus, setting the stage for a highly anticipated inaugural game on Friday, August 30, 2024. The Musketeers will host the University of New Haven Chargers for a 7:00 PM ET kickoff at Xavier’s Corcoran Field in Cincinnati, marking a historic moment for the institution and its passionate fanbase.

The revival of Xavier’s football program culminates years of strategic planning, extensive alumni engagement, and significant student interest. University President Colleen Hanycz, Ph.D., highlighted the significance of the return, stating, “The return of football is a testament to the enduring spirit of Xavier and our commitment to providing a rich, holistic experience for our students. It’s an opportunity to forge new traditions and strengthen the bonds within our community, offering a new dimension to our athletic excellence.”

This momentous return places Xavier in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), a strategic decision aimed at building a competitive and sustainable program. The Musketeers last fielded a football team in 1973, concluding that season with a 2-8 record before the program was discontinued. The upcoming season signals a fresh start and a new chapter in Xavier’s athletic history.

Leading the charge for the newly formed Musketeers is Head Coach Kirk Thompson. Thompson brings a wealth of experience, having served over a decade as an assistant coach at various levels, including successful stints as an offensive coordinator at prominent Division II programs. Known for his recruiting prowess and ability to develop cohesive team cultures, Thompson is tasked with building the program from the ground up. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to build a program rooted in Xavier’s values of excellence and community,” Coach Thompson said. “We are assembling a team of dedicated student-athletes ready to compete, and facing a strong opponent like New Haven right out of the gate will be an immediate test and an exciting challenge for our entire program.”

The Musketeers will face a formidable opponent in their opener: the University of New Haven Chargers. Under the guidance of Head Coach Chris Pincince, the Chargers are a consistent powerhouse in NCAA Division II football, boasting an impressive 8-3 record last season. New Haven’s disciplined play and strong defensive schemes will provide Xavier with an immediate benchmark as it embarks on its FCS journey. Athletic Director Greg Christopher commented, “New Haven represents the caliber of competition we aspire to. This cross-division matchup is an ideal way to ignite our fanbase and provide our new team with a challenging debut.”

Corcoran Field, traditionally the home of Xavier’s successful soccer and track & field programs, has undergone strategic enhancements to accommodate football, promising an electric atmosphere for the opening night.

Tickets for the historic August 30th game are already on sale, starting at $25, and are expected to be in high demand. Fans can secure their seats by visiting the official Xavier University Athletics website at XavierMusketeers.com/Tickets. For those unable to attend in person, all the action will be available to stream live on ESPN+.

Xavier University’s return to the gridiron marks not just the re-establishment of a sport, but a revitalization of campus spirit and a renewed connection with generations of alumni and the broader Cincinnati community, all eager to witness the Musketeers write their next chapter.