DeLAND, Fla. – The wait is over—Stetson Football returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Saturday night for the 2025 season opener against Webber International. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m., but the gameday excitement begins well before the opening whistle. Here's a look at what fans can expect throughout the day:
2:00 p.m. – Parking Lots Open
Fans are invited to arrive early and take advantage of free parking at Spec Martin Stadium. Lots open four hours prior to kickoff, providing plenty of time for tailgating and pregame festivities with fellow Hatters.
3:40 p.m. – Hatter Walk
Line the path and cheer on the Hatters as the team makes its traditional arrival at Spec Martin. The Hatter Walk is a fan favorite, offering an up-close look at the players and coaches as they head into the stadium.
5:00 p.m. – Gates Open
Stadium gates officially open one hour before kickoff. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early to catch all the pregame action and take in the new enhancements to the Spec Martin gameday experience.
5:45 p.m. – Trent Stewart Scholarship Presentation
The Hatters will pause pregame warmups to honor the legacy of former Hatter Trent Stewart with a special scholarship presentation on the field.
5:50 p.m. – Hatter Band Pregame Show
The sounds of Stetson's own Hatter Band will fill the stadium as they perform a spirited pregame presentation, setting the stage for the team's entrance.
6:00 p.m. – Team Entrance
The Hatters storm the field for the first time in 2025, bringing the energy of a new season to Spec Martin.
6:01 p.m. – Student Stampede
Moments after the team takes the field, Stetson freshmen students will charge onto the turf in the annual Stampede tradition, adding to the electric atmosphere.
6:05 p.m. – Kickoff
It all builds to this—Stetson vs. Webber International under the lights at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
A variety of new, affordable ticket options are available by visiting the Hatter Ticket Office website at https://www.gohatters.com/tickets, calling the office during weekday business hours at (386) 738-4287 or contacting ticket office staff via email at hattertickets@stetson.edu.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, the Hatter athletics program has introduced a few new features to its football gameday experience. Parking is free for all Stetson athletic events, including Hatter football. Parking lots at Spec Martin Stadium will be open four hours prior to kickoff and fans are encouraged to tailgate and enjoy fellowship and fun with fellow Stetson fans.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
