No spring game for Western Michigan football

Fans can get an early glimpse of the 2018 Western Michigan football team this spring, but those hoping to see the Broncos in game action will have to wait a little longer.

Western Michigan has announced it will conclude its spring season with a practice open to the public, Saturday, March 31, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Waldo Stadium. Should weather force the practice inside to the Seelye Center, only student-athlete families and club level ($500) ticket holders will be permitted due to seating capacity limitations. The decision to move the practice inside will be made no later than March 28.

“We are hopeful the weather cooperates and we are able to give our fans a sneak peek of the 2018 Broncos,” WMU coach Tim Lester said in a release. “While the practice will not be a game, per se, we will have some live, full contact team periods toward the end of practice.”

Western Michigan held a non-traditional spring scrimmage in 2017 - the first under Lester - where it didn't record the score, stats or attendance. In 2016, the spring game drew 2,950 people to Waldo Stadium on a sunny, 70-degree day.

The Broncos are hosting their second annual Fall Fan Fest on Aug. 11. The event is free and open to the public, and will include sport challenges, face painting, photo booths, inflatables, facility tours and a poster giveaway/autograph session.

“We had a great turnout and really positive feedback in regards to our Fan Fest last year, and we are excited to continue to build on that,” Lester said. “In reality, August is the first chance to see our team at full roster, as our freshmen and newcomers will be on campus then. We can’t wait to make it another great event this fall."

Western Michigan is coming off a 6-6 season in which it was one of three bowl-eligible teams in FBS to not receive an invitation to participate in a postseason contest. The Broncos kick off the 2018 season against Syracuse at Waldo Stadium on Aug. 31.

Nick Buckley can be reached at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley