ST. JOSEPH – The much anticipated 2016 Griffon Football season is fast approaching. All dates and times for the 47^th season in the program's history have been finalized.
 
The schedule changes slightly this year, with Missouri Western debuting the completely renovated Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. against Nebraska-Kearney. The last two seasons, the Griffons had opened with Central Missouri. The 2016 schedule features five home games for the Griffons, including Family Day and the Military Appreciation Game on Sept. 17 against Central Missouri, the Hall of Fame Game on Oct. 1 against Northeastern State, Homecoming on Oct. 15 against Pittsburg State and Senior Day on Nov. 5 against Emporia State.
 
Missouri Western will play six road games at Missouri Southern, Central Oklahoma, Lindenwood, Fort Hays State, Washburn and Northwest Missouri State.
 
The 2016 season will be the 20^th as head coach for Jerry Partridge. The all-time wins leader at Missouri Western enters the year with a 145-76 career record, the most wins among active MIAA coaches and third all-time in the MIAA. Last season, Partridge led the Griffons to a 6-5 record, the program's 11^th consecutive winning season and Partridge's 16^th overall.
 
MIAA Football Media Day will be held Aug. 2 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets for the 2016 season will go on sale in August.
 
2016 GRIFFON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 1, 7 p.m.                  vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Home Opener)
Sept. 10, 6 p.m.                 at Missouri Southern
Sept. 17, 6 p.m.                vs. Central Missouri (Family Day/Military Appreciation)
Sept. 24, 6 p.m.                 at Central Oklahoma
Oct. 1, 1 p.m.                    vs. Northeastern State (Hall of Fame Game)
Oct. 8, 1:30 p.m.                at Lindenwood
Oct. 15, 2 p.m.                  vs. Pittsburg State (Homecoming)
Oct. 22, 2 p.m.                   at Fort Hays State
Oct. 29, 1 p.m.                   at Washburn
Nov. 5, 1 p.m.                    vs. Emporia State (Senior Day)
Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m.              at Northwest Missouri State