Game 3: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | Michigan vs Central Michigan | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 12:00 PM
Michigan hosts Central Michigan this weekend as the Wolverines celebrate their 600th televised game. While the action on the field draws the crowds, the matchup also highlights the shared economic and community strengths of Ann Arbor and Mt Pleasant. These regions might be rivals for a day, but together they contribute to Team Michigan from an economic development perspective.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & Mt. Pleasant Connections
- This is the fifth all-time meeting between Michigan and Central Michigan.
- U-M and CMU prepare graduates in complementary fields, from engineering and mobility to education and health.
- Both regions support entrepreneurs: Ann Arbor SPARK with U-M Innovation Partnerships and CMU through its Research Corporation and Translational Accelerator.
- Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor and CMU’s College of Medicine together strengthen the state’s healthcare pipeline.
- Ann Arbor is known for Zingerman’s, the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and Michigan Stadium, while Mt Pleasant is home to Soaring Eagle Casino and community festivals.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor is home to nearly 124,000 residents with a median household income of $76,207 and one of the most highly educated populations in the country. Mt Pleasant, with about 22,000 residents, has a lower cost of living and a strong sense of community anchored by Central Michigan University. Together, these cities reflect the diversity of Michigan’s regions, combining world-class research and innovation with local vitality and affordability.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan enrolls more than 52,000 students and invests nearly $2 billion annually in research, ranking fourth in the nation for R&D expenditures. Central Michigan University enrolls about 14,400 students and graduates more than 4,200 each year, playing a vital role in training teachers, business leaders, and healthcare professionals who serve communities across Michigan. While U-M is nationally ranked across engineering, business, and computer science, CMU is recognized for leadership in teacher education and health professions, offering an important complement to Michigan’s higher education landscape.
Beyond the Field
Ann Arbor, anchored by the University of Michigan and with support from organizations like Ann Arbor SPARK, is known for cutting-edge research, startups, and a highly educated workforce. Mt Pleasant, through CMU and the Middle Michigan Development Corporation, supports regional entrepreneurship and workforce development while offering a welcoming, affordable community. Both regions contribute to the balance of global innovation and local vitality that makes Michigan competitive nationwide.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on our previous posts from this season:
Game 1: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Game 2: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
