Five home games, including a season opener under the lights, are on the schedule for the 2018 Hope College football season.
The Flying Dutchmen open the season on Friday, August 31 against Millikin, Illinois at Ray & Sue Smith Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. for the nonleague game that is part of special men's soccer and football Community Day doubleheader.
"We are excited to take on a traditional powerhouse in Millikin University to open the 2018 football campaign," head coach Peter Stuursma said. "With many of the high school football programs playing on Thursday night, we felt and Milliken agreed that a Friday night kickoff to the season was a tremendous platform to showcase college football at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. We are expecting a capacity crowd to begin the fall football season."
Community Day celebrates the long-standing relationship between Holland residents and the faculty, students, and staff of Hope College. Community Day debuted in October 1966 and subsequent Community Days have provided an opportunity for the city of Holland and Hope College to come together.
Ticket information for the season and more Community Day details will be announced at a later date.
This is the fifth all-time meeting between Hope and Millikin. The Flying Dutchmen won the last meeting with their foe from the College Conference Illinois and Wisconsin 41-7 in 2013.
"The Big Blue Football Family is excited to renew our rivalry with Hope," Millikin coach Dan Gritti said. "It will be a great test for us to open the season against a winning program on the road and look forward to the increased atmosphere that the Friday night kickoff will bring."
On September 8, Hope travels to Defiance, Ohio for play the Yellow Jackets for the eighth time. Kickoff time is to be announced. The Flying Dutchmen trail in the all-time series 5-2 but won last season's meeting 38-0 at Smith Stadium.
On September 15, the Flying Dutchmen play at Wisconsin-Lutheran from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in the MIAA-CCIW Challenge series. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Central. Hope leads the series 10-1, including a 37-7 victory in their last meeting in 2013.
A week off following a bye, Hope opens MIAA play on September 29 against defending league champion Trine at Smith Stadium. Kickoff is 5 p.m. The Flying Dutchmen lost 50-14 last season at Trine.
On October 6, Hope visits Albion. Kickoff is 1 p.m. The Flying Dutchmen won last season's MIAA game 48-10 at Smith Stadium.
On October 13, Hope welcomes new MIAA affiliate member Finlandia University for their first meeting. Kickoff is noon.
On October 20, the Flying Dutchmen host MIAA rival Olivet for homecoming. Kickoff is 5 p.m. at Smith Stadium. Hope won last season's meeting 42-20 at Olivet.
On October 27, the Flying Dutchmen travel to Alma. Kickoff time for the MIAA game is to be announced. Hope won last season's meeting 34-14 at Alma.
On November 3, the Flying Dutchmen will play MIAA rival Kalamazoo on Senior Day. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at Smith Stadium. Hope won at Kalamazoo 50-0 last season.
On November 10, the Flying Dutchmen conclude the regular season with an MIAA game at Adrian. Kickoff time is to be announced.
