The Salukis will make history on Sept. 21 when they face Southeast Missouri State University at the St. Louis Cardinals’ Busch Stadium.

It will be the first time the ballpark will host a college football game within its walls. St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said the organization is excited about the opportunity.

“We are thrilled to host our first football game in Busch Stadium with two great schools that have such a large following in St. Louis,” he said. “We are excited to showcase the versatility of Busch Stadium as a multi-use venue ideally suited for special football games, like this historic game between two longstanding rivals.”

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In the last match between the Salukis and Redhawks, SIU won 35-14 with senior quarterback Kory Faulkner setting a new career-high in passing yards and touchdowns.

Senior wide receiver John Lantz chipped in three catches for 38 yards in the game. Lantz, a Springfield native, said it will be exciting to play against their rival in Busch Stadium.

“I have a lot of family close to St. Louis, so I’m sure a lot of my family and friends will be able to go to the game,” Lantz said. “I think it is going to be a great environment and a great opportunity for a Division 1 AA school to play in an arena like that.”

According to a Cardinals release, Saluki football head coach Dale Lennon said the team has been waiting since January to hear if they would play SEMO at Busch Stadium.

“This something that is really exciting to be a part of,” Lennon said in the release. “When I announced that this press conference was to announce our game being at Busch Stadium against Southeast Missouri, you could see the smiles on the players’ faces. This is something that they were hoping that could happen — they are extremely happy that this has come to be.”

The game will start at 1 p.m. with tickets going on sale June 3 at SIU Arena. Tickets will also be available through the Saluki Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals websites.