Colorado Mesa University Football Home Opener to Honor First Responders and Veterans with Special Fly-In Ceremony
Colorado Mesa University will open its 2025 football season with a powerful tribute to first responders and veterans in honor of September 11. The Mavericks’ home opener is set for Saturday, September 6, at 6 pm at Stocker Stadium against Eastern New Mexico University.
The pregame ceremony, organized by CMU Football Alumni Chapter lead Lenton Thomas, will begin at 5:40 pm with an unforgettable helicopter fly-in. The helicopter flight crew will carry the official game ball to midfield where Robin Brown, CMU Senior Vice President of Development, CMU Foundation CEO and former US Army Captain will personally deliver the ball to the referees.
As part of the recognition, Jennifer Holdren, CMU alumna (Class of 2005), nurse and Community Hospital’s Director of Surgical Services will present the flight crew with an autographed football signed by the Maverick football team. Community Hospital is the exclusive sports medicine provider of CMU Athletics, and Holdren is a past member of the CMU Alumni Association Board and continues to serve the community through her leadership in health care.
All first responders and veterans will receive free admission for themselves and one guest to Saturday’s game. A moment of silence will be held to recognize the sacrifices made since September 11th and to honor the courage and resilience of local heroes.
This season also marks the 100th anniversary of CMU football and the launch of the CMU Century Celebration, a yearlong initiative that honors Maverick spirit, tradition and community. Fans can learn more and get involved at CMUCentury.com.
CMU invites the Grand Junction community to arrive early and be seated by 5:40 pm to witness this historic fly-in moment and kick off a new season of Maverick football with pride.