Columbia gets to celebrate its home opener one week early. On Aug. 19, Columbia Athletics announced on X that its Week 1 road game against Independence was moved to Columbia Station.
The game is scheduled to take place Aug. 23 at Columbia’s Southwest General Stadium. “It is always good to play at home,” Columbia coach Michael Rice said.
“Ultimately, it does not change a whole lot other than being in a more familiar place.” According to former football coach and current Athletic Director Jason Ward, Independence is in the process of installing new bleachers for its fans. “(Independence) reached out a couple of months ago and just said that they were getting new bleachers, they might not be ready and if we would mind hosting the game if need be.
We said, ‘No problem,’” Ward said. With Columbia hosting another home game, Ward enjoys the idea of the community experiencing another home game. “I am sure that everybody is excited.
It is a good jolt (of energy) knowing that normally we play a couple of games before school starts,” Ward said. “Putting this out there, I hope that everyone is talking about it, is excited about it and I hope that we get a great crowd. It should be a beautiful night based on the early forecast.
Hopefully, Raider Nation turns out the way that they always do.” Rice was aware of the schedule change in the before. Prior to the announcement, the news leaked within the community.
When he told the team, he saw the room light up with smi.