VILLANOVA, Pa.—The countdown continues to the start of the 2026 Villanova University football season when the Wildcats make their highly anticipated Patriot League debut on Friday, August 28 at 6 p.m. against William & Mary at Villanova Stadium.  In advance of what will be another exciting season of Wildcats Football, Villanova Athletics has announced several new activities and game day experiences for fans of all ages in 2026 that begin hours before kickoff and continue through the game:
 
Pre-Game Tailgate Area (A-2 Parking Lot Behind Villanova Stadium)
 
Live Radio Broadcast: Before every home game, iHeart Radio stations 102.5 FM and 1480 WDAS-AM will broadcast live from Tailgate Lot A-2.  Fans can enjoy game previews, coach interviews, exclusive insights, and more, as the anticipation builds for kickoff. This one-hour show will conclude approximately two hours before kickoff, making way for the always-popular "Wildcat Walk," when the Football team, spirit squad, and marching band parade through the parking lot, greeting fans and building gameday excitement.
 
Live Music: Following the "Wildcat Walk," fans can keep the excitement going with live entertainment provided by a cover band performing fan-favorite hits all the way up to kickoff. 
 
Free Fan Tailgate: Starting three hours before kickoff for games on August 28, October 3, November 7, and November 21, the Villanova University Alumni Association (VUAA) will host a free tailgate in Lot A-2.  Fans can enjoy complimentary light snacks, water, and soft drinks while connecting with the Villanova community.  Guests are welcome to bring additional food and beverages of their choice. The first 100 attendees in person at the tailgate on each of the selected game days will receive an exclusive giveaway sponsored by the VUAA and the Villanova Athletic Fund (VAF). Click here to register.
 
Inside Villanova Stadium
 
Premium Field Level Seating: In 2026, fans can upgrade their gameday experience. Four (4) exclusive field-level tents, accommodating groups and organizations of up to 40 people, are available for purchase.  Located directly behind the end zone, these outdoor premium spaces offer an unmatched view of the on-field action while guests enjoy a selection of stadium favorites including snacks, vegetable crudité, hot dogs or sliders, desserts, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Each suite also comes with one (1) parking pass for Tailgate Lot A-2.  For pricing, availability, and package options, contact the Ticket Office at 610-519-6700.
 
The Wildcat Den: Experience Villanova Football from one of the most exciting vantage points in the stadium.  Located directly behind the end zone, The Wildcat Den is an exclusive premium outdoor hospitality space that combines the energy of game day with a first-class fan experience and includes a field level ticket, one (1) craft beer, and one (1) food item (brat, sausage, or BBQ platter).  Bring your friends and celebrate every big play in style. For pricing and availability, contact the Ticket Office at 610-519-6700. 
 
'Cats Corner: Get in the game at 'Cats Corner! Opening 30 minutes before kickoff, this exclusive student hangout behind the west end zone puts you just feet from the action. Grab complimentary food and drinks (while supplies last), rally with fellow Wildcats, and experience every big hit, touchdown, and game-changing moment from the best student spot in the stadium. 
 
Seatbacks: Fans can show their pride and cheer on the Wildcats with added comfort with a Villanova-branded seatback, available for rent in limited quantities at the Guest Services Gazebo inside the stadium (northeast corner) on game days.    
 
Value Menu: Each game will feature different discounted food and/or beverage items for sale.  For the season opener on August 28, fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs as well as $2 Bud Light and seltzers through the end of the first quarter.
 
Kickoff Combo Deals: Available for every game, these affordable, value-packed offers include a game ticket plus food and beverage items including hot dogs, pretzels/chips, and soda/bottled water. It's the perfect option for families and groups looking to enjoy the full gameday experience at a great value.  For pricing and additional details, please call the Ticket Office at 610-519-6700. 

New Menu Items: Fans should come hungry!  Each game will feature a delicious new menu item.  For the home opener on August 28, fans can enjoy a hearty Hot Roast Pork Sandwich topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone, or indulge in a BBQ Sampler featuring smoked brisket, pork ribs, kielbasa, turkey burnt ends, cole slaw, potato salad, and Texas Toast.

Bud Light Garden: All fans ages 21 and older can elevate their gameday experience in the Bud Light Garden inside the stadium (southeast corner) featuring a wide selection of beers, refreshing hard seltzers, and handcrafted specialty cocktails.  
 
50/50 Raffle: Fans can take a shot at a big payday by participating in the electronic 50/50 raffle at every home game. Tickets can be purchased in the stadium by visiting the 50/50 raffle sales locations (east and west end zone areas) or via one of the roaming sellers in the stands.  Raffle tickets will be sold by credit card only, and fans do not need to be present to win.  Proceeds from the raffle will support the Villanova Athletics Fund (VAF), helping provide resources and opportunities for Wildcat student athletes.    
 
Fan Zone: The prior area known as the "Kids Zone" has been rebranded to the "Fan Zone" and will move locations to the northeast side of the stadium. The "Fan Zone" will once again feature activities for the entire family including inflatable games, balloon making, face painting, lawn games, a coloring station, the opportunity to meet and receive autographs from other Villanova Athletic teams, and the ability to interact with and receive giveaways from sponsors.   
 
Group Experiences: Groups of 20 or more people can take part in a variety of unforgettable gameday opportunities including a pre-game tour of Villanova's Athletic facilities including Finneran Pavilion and the football locker room in the Talley Athletic Center; high-fiving the team as they take the field; performing the national anthem as a school or choir group; participating in a halftime scrimmage on the field with a youth football team; or showcasing a dance or cheer routine with your team during halftime. Please call the Ticket Office at 610-519-6700 for more information. 
 
"Throughout the offseason, we have worked hard to enhance the gameday experience for our fans, students, families, and community," said Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations/CRO Scott Walcoff.  "We've had an incredibly successful football program at the national level over the years and are focused on introducing a wide range of fan-friendly initiatives so the entire Delaware Valley can be a part of our rich history of winning. Villanova Football offers affordable, family-friendly entertainment on the Main Line, and we're excited to welcome more fans to experience the energy of our game days."
 
Villanova was predicted to finish atop the now 10-team Patriot League in a preseason poll of league head coaches. The Wildcats 79 total points in the preseason poll included seven first-place votes. The team is ranked No. 8 nationally in the Stats Perform Preseason FCS Top 25 and is coming off a 2025 campaign in which Villanova reached the FCS semifinals. The Wildcats finished with a 12-3 record last season and won 11 straight games in their final season as a member of CAA Football.
 
Great seats are still available for all games and include season tickets, group tickets, and single game ticket options.  For more information, fans can contact our Ticket Office at 610-519-6700 or via email at tickets@villanova.edu.