GOLDEN, Colo. - Colorado School of Mines and West Texas A&M have announced a future football series, with the two teams meeting in the 2024 and 2025 season openers.

West Texas A&M will visit Marv Kay Stadium for the first time ever to open the 2024 season in a Thursday night game on Sept. 5. Mines will return to Canyon, Texas on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. Exact kickoff times will be announced at a later date.

"Mines is very excited to open the 2024 and 2025 football seasons against West Texas A&M," said Director of Athletics David Hansburg. "The Buffs have a great football program and the series will highlight two of the best stadiums in NCAA Division II for our fans. We have many alumni in west Texas, as well, which adds to the excitement of the matchup."

Mines was slated to host the Buffs in 2020 before the pandemic caused the cancelation of the season. The Orediggers did make a trip to the panhandle in 2021, however, for their only meeting with the Buffs, defeating them 21-13 at Buffalo Stadium.

"We are looking forward to this series for our fans and players," said WT Director of Athletics Michael McBroom. "Golden, Colo. and Canyon, Texas are not only home to two premier NCAA Division II athletic programs, they also offer other activities and attractions for fans to enjoy around the game. I'm sure Mines fans will enjoy the Palo Duro Canyon and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, just as our fans will enjoy the Rocky Mountains and historic downtown Golden."  

The Orediggers (13-3) advanced to the NCAA Division II championship game in 2022 after winning their fourth consecutive RMAC championship. West Texas A&M (5-6) looks to the future in 2023 with new head coach Josh Lynn, who arrived from Nebraska-Kearney. 

Earlier in February, Mines announced their 2023 schedule which includes the final meetings in non-conference series with Grand Valley State (home) and Angelo State (away).