BEAUMONT, Texas – While Lamar University just kicked of the 2019 Southland Conference slate Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana, the athletics department released several future non-conference dates for the program.
 
Beginning with the 2021 season, the Cardinals inked a home-and-home series against Northern Colorado. The series will begin with the Cardinals traveling to Northern Colorado in 2021 with UNC making a return trip the following season.
 
The 2022 season will see the Cardinals travel to in-state rival SMU (Sept. 10) a week prior to Northern Colorado's trip to Beaumont. The following season, the Cardinals will travel to Monroe, La., to take on ULM. The game against the War Hawks – a former Southland member – will take place Saturday Sept. 9.
 
Two schools will be first-time opponents with LU having never faced Northern Colorado or SMU on the gridiron. The Cardinals are 6-9-1 (.406) all-time against Louisiana-Monroe but have not faced each other since the 1988 season.
 
The Cardinals return home after being on the road for the past two weeks. Big Red (2-2/0-1 SLC) will host Stephen F. Austin Saturday for its annual Homecoming game, as well as the Southland home opener.