Huntsville, AL, Jan. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the first time in its renewed configuration, Division I college football will be played at Joe Davis Stadium.
The 2026 college football season will start on August 29 on Wicks Family Field with the renewal of an in-state rivalry as the University of North Alabama will take on Samford, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
“When we renovated Joe Davis Stadium, we focused on making it a multi-purpose venue that could host professional soccer as well as other sporting and entertainment events. We are excited to welcome our friends at UNA and Samford and are honored they chose Huntsville to kick off their football season,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
For UNA, this is the second time in four years that the Lions have faced an in-state opponent in the Rocket City, having hosted Jax State at Toyota Field in 2022.
“We are thrilled to team up with Huntsville’s leadership to bring marquee neutral‑site events to one of the fastest‑growing markets in the Southeast,” said UNA Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. “Huntsville is home to an incredible base of UNA alumni, Lion supporters, and future students, and opening the 2026 season here as the home team gives us a powerful stage to energize North Alabama. With this matchup, we’ll deliver seven football games across our region next fall, making 2026 one of the most exciting football schedules in recent UNA history.”
Samford is starting a new era on the gridiron after hiring John Grass as its new head coach in December.
“We are excited about the opportunity to open the 2026 season and the John Grass era at this great venue in Huntsville,” said Samford Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton. “Taking on a quality in-state opponent at a neutral site is a great way to kick off the season, and we are thankful to the city of Huntsville and the Huntsville Sports Commission for this opportunity. We look forward to a great experience at Joe Davis Stadium on August 29th.”
Tickets will go on sale in February with several fan-friendly experiences planned inside and outside the stadium.
“We appreciate our friends at UNA and Samford working with us to start the 2026 season in Huntsville and bring college football to Joe Davis Stadium,” said Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “This is more than a game – it’s going to be an event to celebrate the start of college football season, and we will deliver a first-class experience for everyone.”
The matchup continues the momentum for Huntsville as a sports destination and will be part of a busy fall that includes the UCI Paracycling World Championship, AVCA Beach National Pairs Championships, as well as the NJCAA Cross Country and Men’s and Women’s Soccer National Championships.
“Bringing college football to the stadium has been one of our goals, and this is a tremendous matchup to start the 2026 season here in Huntsville,” said Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to make these events happen. Aligning with two great brands like UNA and Samford to kick off the season allows us to showcase our city in a different light, make an economic impact, and give our community a new event to enjoy.”
- Press conference to announce UNA-Samford football game at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama
- UNA versus Samford August 29, 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama