March 13, 2025

Loud and proud! Ferris State football national championship community celebration includes a parade through downtown

Football celebration — The university is partnering with the city of Big Rapids and the Downtown Business Association for the national championship celebration, which will start on Michigan Avenue at the Big Rapids Public Library at noon and end near City Hall.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —

Ferris State University fans and community members are invited to take part in a parade celebrating the football team’s third NCAA DII national championship in four years with a big parade through downtown on Saturday, April 12.

The university is partnering with the city of Big Rapids and the Downtown Business Association on the event, which will start on Michigan Avenue at the Big Rapids Public Library at noon and end near City Hall

Members of the national championship team will be featured in the parade along with other Ferris State student-athletes and teams, local fire and police vehicles, the Ferris State pep band, cheer team and more.

A special recognition and proclamation ceremony will take place in front of Horizon Bank, 125 N. Michigan Ave., with speakers including Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther, Ferris State President Bill Pink, Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank, head coach Tony Annese and others.

The festivities will continue following the parade and the general public will have an opportunity to greet the national championship team, get autographs, take photos with the national championship trophy and more.

The downtown area from Maple Street to Pine Street will be blocked off until the event concludes and local business are expected to be open for dining and retail shopping.

All Ferris State students, employees and community members are invited to attend the parade and celebration to help honor the champion Bulldogs.

Parade entries are being accepted. All entries will be reviewed prior to approval and must be submitted by Wednesday, April 9.

Local and campus organizations interested in being in the parade should complete the parade entry form located here.

The Bulldogs captured their third NCAA D2 National Championship in the past four seasons this past campaign, finishing the year with a 14-1 record and beating Valdosta State 49-14 in the national title game on Dec. 21 in McKinney, Texas.