BEAUMONT, Texas – Six home dates and a trip to Texas Tech highlight the 2018 Lamar University football schedule announced head coach Mike Schultz Tuesday afternoon. The home dates consist of one non-conference opponent and five Southland games.

“We’re excited about the 2018 schedule,” said LU head coach Mike Schultz. “It is going to be a very challenging schedule, but I think this one sets up a little better for us. We get to open up at home before heading to Texas Tech, but then we get to come home for two games — as a coach, you always like having that ability. The fact that we have six home games this season is nice. Last year we only had five dates at home.”

The Cardinals open the season at home Saturday, Sept. 1 against Kentucky Christian. The home opener will be followed up with a trip to Texas Tech on Saturday, Sept. 8. The game time against the Red Raiders has not yet been set.

Big Red will open conference play Saturday, Sept. 15 against Northwestern State. The game against the Demons will be the first of two consecutive league home games for the Cardinals as Southeastern Louisiana will make its way to the Golden Triangle the following week (Sept. 22). The Red and White close out the month of September in Thibodaux, La., against Nicholls.

“The Southland Conference is a very tough league,” said Schultz. “Once you get into conference play, there are no easy games – they’re all tough. We’re excited about how this schedule lays out and both the coaches and players are looking forward to it.”

Following the trip to Nicholls, the Cardinals will have two weeks to prepare for their second two-game homestand.  The Cards will open that homestand against Incarnate Word Saturday, Oct. 13. Big Red will be back in the friendly confines of Provost Umphrey Stadium the following week to host Sam Houston State (Oct. 20).

Following the game against the Bearkats, the Cardinals will prepare for their only two-game road swing of the season. LU will be in Nacogdoches, Texas Saturday, Oct. 27, to take on Stephen F. Austin, followed by a trip to Central Arkansas the following week.

Senior Night will take place Saturday, Nov. 10 against Houston Baptist. The game against the Huskies will be the final tune-up before the annual rivalry game against McNeese in Lake Charles, La.

There will be one noticeable change to the 2018 schedule compared to previous seasons at Provost Umphrey Stadium. All September home games will be starting at 6 p.m., and all home dates in October and November will now be kicking off at 3 p.m.

“I like the times we’re playing,” said Schultz. “I like the 6 p.m. start in September because I believe that is easier on our media. It gives them the time to cover our games as well as to be able to meet their deadlines. It will also be easier on our kids and our fans as well. I’m really excited about the new game times this year.”