Six home games at Brown Field, including a Thursday night opener under the lights, highlight the 2012 Valparaiso University football schedule which has been released by head coach Dale Carlson.

The Crusaders will open the 2012 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 with a 7 p.m. contest against longtime Northwest Indiana rival Saint Joseph’s (Ind.) at Brown Field.

Valpo will travel to Youngstown State for the second straight season before hosting Duquesne to wrap-up non-conference action on Sept. 15 as part of Communiversity Day on campus.

Pioneer Football League action opens Sept. 22 at San Diego before the Crusaders have their bye week.  After a week off, Butler comes to town not only for the “Battle for the Hoosier Helmet” but also for Homecoming at Valparaiso.  The Crusaders will host Drake one week later before heading to Dayton on Oct. 20.

Family Weekend is set for Oct. 27 when the Brown and Gold entertains Marist before the Crusaders take to the road for two of the final three weekends.  A trip to Campbell opens the month of November before Valpo returns home for Senior Day on Nov. 10 when Davidson comes to town.  The 2012 season will come to a close Nov. 17 at Morehead State.