Utah vs Kansas State: Senior Day Showdown

Utah vs Kansas State: A Pivotal Senior Day Showdown

No. 12 Utah Utes (8-2) host Kansas State Wildcats (7-3) in a critical College Football Playoff elimination game this Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium. With conference championships and playoff hopes on the line, this Senior Day matchup promises fireworks as the Utes aim to extend their remarkable home winning streak while honoring their departing seniors.

Game Day Essentials: Where to Watch & Key Details

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City
Time: 2:00 PM MST
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN App

Fans can access the official Utah 360 app for digital tickets, real-time concessions ordering, and stadium navigation. A limited number of tickets remain, with the Utes seeking their 95th consecutive home sellout since 2010. Gates open two hours pregame, with digital tickets required for entry.

Pregame Festivities: Senior Day & MUSS Appreciation

The day kicks off with The Arrival at 11:35 AM as fans welcome team buses at Gate L on 500 South. Pregame ceremonies commence at 1:30 PM with Senior Day celebrations honoring departing players, followed by MUSS Appreciation Day recognizing the Mighty Utah Student Section's incredible support.

Key new features for 2025 include:

Red Thunder II: The iconic cannon returns to the northwest corner field entrance
Mobile Concessions: Dedicated pickup stands (Stand 32 east, Stand 15 west) for order-ahead service
Grab-and-Go Stand: Touchless AI checkout near Gate D
Improved Security: NFC ticket scanning with streamlined entry

Utes run onto the field during pregame festivities - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Utah+Utes+football+team+run+out+pregame+ceremony+Rie-Eccles+Stadium&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fdailyutahchronicle.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F09%2FSL_0829_17-1200x801.jpg

The Utes' run-out will feature the Pride of Utah Marching Band amid anticipated pyrotechnics for every touchdown.

Key Matchups & Playoff Implications

Utah's College Football Playoff hopes hinge on this contest. The Utes must contain Kansas State's physical running game while pressuring their quarterback. For Utah, quarterback Devon Dampier will look to connect with star receiver Avery Johnson against the Wildcats' secondary. The winner positions themselves strongly for the final CFP rankings, with Kansas State seeking to bolster their Big 12 resume.

"This is a must-win for our playoff aspirations. We're honoring our seniors while knowing every play matters for our season." - Utah Coaching Staff

Fan Experience Enhancements

Rice-Eccles Stadium offers upgraded amenities:

Free WiFi: Connect to "RiceEcclesWifi" throughout the stadium
Premium Terrace: All-you-can-eat concessions available for single-game purchase
Family Amenities: New lactation pods on east/west concourses
Clear Bag Policy: Only 12"x18" clear bags or small clutch bags permitted

Fans entering with enhanced security protocols - Image from https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP._T9kBMm7qEf-3VjtIATBhQHaHa?pid=Api

Fans should arrive early for enhanced security screening and consider the no-bag express lanes at main gates.

What's Next for the Utes

Regardless of outcome, Utah's senior class leaves a legacy of 95 consecutive home sellouts and multiple Pac-12 championships. A win would likely secure a New Year's Six bowl bid, while a close loss could still keep CFP hopes alive depending on other conference results. The Utes' final road game follows against Colorado next week.

Plan Your Visit

For comprehensive game-day planning, visit Gameday.UTAH.edu for parking, transportation, and policy details. Download the Utah 360 app to manage tickets, order concessions, and access exclusive content.