South Dakota State and Butler (Ind.) have agreed to a one-game contract in which the two teams will open the 2013 football season at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium.
"As a program, we are really excited to add a home game with Butler to our 2013 schedule," Jackrabbit head coach John Stiegelmeier said. "Most importantly, it gives our players one more FCS contest to compete in and also gives our great fans one more home game to enjoy. We appreciate our administration for making the commitment to secure this contest with Butler."
The addition of the Aug. 31 game versus Butler, which is the defending Pioneer Football League champion, completes the Jackrabbits' 2013 football schedule. SDSU will play a total of 12 games — six at home and six on the road. The Jackrabbits also will host Southeastern Louisiana in non-conference action on Sept. 14, while traveling to North Dakota on Sept. 7 and Nebraska on Sept. 21.
"Football scheduling is tough and we've worked hard for several years to get a sixth home game," SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell said. "To be able to fill what was an open date with another quality opponent like Butler completes an exciting home schedule for us this season."
Missouri Valley Football Conference action begins Sept. 28, when the Jackrabbits host defending league and Football Championship Subdivision national champion North Dakota State. The following week, on Oct. 5, SDSU will host Southern Illinois in the 100th Hobo Day game.
Completing the home schedule are an Oct. 26 matchup against Northern Iowa and a Nov. 9 contest versus Indiana State. All kickoff times are to be determined.
The road portion of the league schedule begins Oct. 12 at Western Illinois, followed by an Oct. 19 trip to Missouri State. The Jackrabbits will play their final two regular season games on the road — at South Dakota on Nov. 16 and at Youngstown State on Nov. 23.
With the addition of the sixth home game, the season ticket price will be $130. For season ticket holders who already paid for their season tickets, a ticket representative will be in contact in the coming days. Season ticket holders receive all six home games as part of the season ticket package, as well as postseason preference and other benefits.
SDSU earned its second berth in the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs in the last four years, finishing the 2012 season with a 9-4 overall record and 6-2 mark in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
