This summer, Missouri State University entered a new era of intercollegiate athletics – welcome to the Conference USA era, Bears fans.

After three and a half decades as part of the Missouri Valley Conference, the move means a lot of changes for the university – and the Springfield community.

Mo State Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell says one of the biggest changes fans will notice comes out of Plaster Stadium and will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN – get ready for weeknight football games.

“ESPN and CBS, they were looking for content in the month of October which is why they cut this deal with Conference USA,” he said. “We’re excited because it gives us an exposure that we normally would not be privy to.”

Kicking off the new year, the community is invited to Party in the CUSA tonight starting at 6 p.m. in the BearFest Village area of campus. Activities include a pep rally, food trucks and inflatables.

Read the full transcript.