Michigan State is heading back to Ford Field this season.

Announced Wednesday morning, the university will move its final regular-season game against Maryland to the home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions. The game remains scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29, with a start time to be announced.

“Playing at Ford Field is an exciting opportunity for Spartan football,” Michigan State athletics director Alan Haller said in a release circulated by MSU Athletics. “The 2023 game proved that this can be a successful and enjoyable venture. I heard from fans, donors, students, and media, all of whom universally raved about their experience at Ford Field. We witnessed what the Detroit Lions experience every game, that Ford Field can be a tremendous home field advantage. Our student-athletes dream of playing in the NFL and to have the opportunity to play in that stadium is a thrill for them as well.”

Added Lions President and CEO Rod Wood, “We are excited to welcome Michigan State Football back into Ford Field for another Spartan season finale. Thanksgiving and football have been a staple in Detroit for the past 91 years and this year will be a true celebration of the game at every level. It is an honor to connect all levels of the game by kicking off the weekend with the Lions and featuring the Big Ten and MHSAA State Championships throughout an amazing four days of football.”

Two years ago, Michigan State hosted Penn State at Ford Field for its final game of the season — a 42-0 loss attended by 51,927 fans. That loss came under the direction of interim head coach Harlon Barnett, who took over when Mel Tucker was fired by Michigan State amid a sexual harassment scandal. Second-year head coach Jonathan Smith will coach the return trip, the bookend to a season that follows up his 5-7 debut wearing the headset.

“Playing at Ford Field is an exciting way to close out the regular season,” Smith said in a release.

“We will have an opportunity to play in one of the best venues in the NFL in front of our fans, which will create a great atmosphere and a home field advantage for our players.”

This year’s game will be Michigan State’s third at Ford Field — in 2010, a game against Florida Atlantic was moved there due to building delays for what is now FAU Stadium. Michigan State won that game, 30-17.

Thanksgiving weekend traditionally sees the Lions host an NFL opponent Thanksgiving Day, followed by Michigan High School Athletic Association state championship games over the weekend. The MHSAA changed its schedule to accommodate the Michigan State game, with games to be played on Friday and Sunday.

“We have strong relationships with both Michigan State and Ford Field, and with moving our traditional Saturday games to Sunday we still have a valuable opportunity to play two days of football indoors,” MHSAA communications director Geoff Kimmerly said.

“We are very thankful for Ford Field and the Detroit Lions, and all their work to host this game,” Haller said. “Beyond that, we’re grateful for our ongoing partnership with the MHSAA and their accommodations in shifting their weekend schedule. Together, we’re able to provide a great four-day weekend of football in a terrific setting.”

Playing at Ford Field is closer for many Michigan State students and fans, including more than 100,000 alumni and students in the Metro Detroit area.

Ticket sale dates will be announced in the future, but there are plans to designate sections of the lower bowl for student seating. Season pass holders will get priority.

Spartan fund donors and season ticket holders can purchase tickets based on Spartan Fund priority order.

The event is sold as a standalone event.