​The Monon Bell Classic, one of the oldest rivalries in college football, has long pitted Wabash against DePauw since 1890. This year, for the first time since 1922, the game will be played at a neutral site: Ball State University’s Scheumann Stadium in Muncie. The shift comes as DePauw’s football stadium—where the 2026 Monon Bell was originally slated to be held—is being demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art athletic facility.
Historically, the contest has bounced between Greencastle and Crawfordsville each year, but it isn’t the alternation of venues that makes the Monon Bell special. According to Stevie Baker-Watson, DePauw’s associate vice president for student wellness and Theodore Katula athletic director, the Monon Bell Classic transcends football. “The Monon Bell Classic has always been about more than a football game,” Baker-Watson said. “It is a celebration of one of the greatest rivalries in college athletics and a tradition that brings together generations of DePauw and Wabash alumni, students, families and fans.”
Scheumann Stadium, which can seat about 22,500, will host the game, while Wabash’s Little Giant Stadium holds around 3,600 and DePauw’s former stadium sat roughly 3,000. The larger venue offers accessibility for fans who previously found it difficult to obtain tickets. To preserve the traditional atmosphere, DePauw will be the designated home team and occupy the home side of Scheumann Stadium, with Wabash as the visiting team; the venue will be shared equitably with both sets of fans.
Additionally, the primary football parking lots around Scheumann Stadium will be opened to support gameday tailgating festivities. Tickets for the 132nd Monon Bell Classic on Nov. 14 will go on sale in September.
In October, DePauw announced an $80 million gift from an anonymous donor and alumnus, one of the largest single contributions in DePauw’s nearly 200-year history and among the most significant gifts in NCAA Division III athletics. The funds are being used to demolish DePauw’s football stadium and construct a 70,000-square-foot athletic facility named Blackstock Stadium and Performance Center.
Demolition of the historic Blackstock Stadium began in June, and the new stadium and performance center are scheduled to open in fall 2028. In addition to hosting the Monon Bell, DePauw will conduct its other four 2026 home games at a temporary facility at Nick Mourouzis Field, though the Monon Bell’s larger crowd sizes necessitated a bigger venue to ensure safe attendance for all fans.
For those unable to attend in person, the Monon Bell will be broadcast live on the ISC Sports Network. Local alumni viewing parties will be announced by October. More information about ticket sales, premium seating, parking and other logistics will be released in the coming months at dépauw Tigers’ official site to keep fans informed.