DeLAND, Fla. – Hatter Football returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Saturday as Stetson welcomes Marist for its 2026 Pioneer Football League opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. 

Saturday's game will be part of Stetson University's Family and Friends Weekend and Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, with the matchup presented by Insight Credit Union. Fans are encouraged to wear green and join Stetson Athletics in supporting student-athlete mental health throughout the afternoon.

The day will also feature several initiatives in partnership with Hilinski's Hope, including opportunities for fans to pick up mental health awareness ribbons and bracelets and participate in the national "3 in the 3rd" tradition.

Here's everything fans need to know before heading to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.

GAME DAY TIMELINE

• 10:40 a.m. – Hatter Walk
• 10:45 a.m. – Pregame music and activities begin
• 12:30 p.m. – Pregame welcome and Student-Athlete Mental Health Week recognition
• 12:45 p.m. – Hatter Band pregame performance
• 12:50 p.m. – National Anthem
• 12:54 p.m. – Stetson Hatters take the field
• 12:57 p.m. – Coin toss
• 1 p.m. – Kickoff

ARRIVE EARLY & WELCOME THE HATTERS

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be part of the pregame atmosphere before Stetson opens Pioneer Football League play.

The Hatter Walk is scheduled for approximately 10:40 a.m. as the team arrives at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. Fans are encouraged to line the route and welcome the Hatters before heading into the stadium for the afternoon's festivities.

Pregame music will begin shortly after the Hatter Walk, with the Hatter Band, cheerleading team and in-stadium entertainment building toward the 1 p.m. kickoff.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS WEEKEND

Saturday's matchup is part of Stetson University's Family and Friends Weekend, bringing families, friends and members of the Stetson community together for a full weekend of activities in DeLand.

The football game serves as one of the weekend's featured events as the Hatters return home for just the second time this season and begin their eight-game Pioneer Football League schedule.

The game is presented by Insight Credit Union, a proud partner of Stetson Athletics.

WEAR GREEN FOR STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH

Fans attending Saturday's game are encouraged to wear green in support of Student-Athlete Mental Health Week.

Throughout the afternoon, Stetson Athletics will join schools across the country in helping raise awareness surrounding student-athlete mental health and the importance of treating mental health with the same care and attention as physical health.

Fans can stop by the Stetson Athletics marketing table to pick up a ribbon or bracelet in support of Hilinski's Hope while supplies last.

The initiative serves as a reminder that student-athletes are more than a score, statistic or jersey number and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

JOIN US FOR "3 IN THE 3RD"

Fans will also have an opportunity to participate in Hilinski's Hope's national "3 in the 3rd" " tradition.

Immediately following the first play of the third quarter, everyone in attendance will be asked to stand and raise three fingers in the air.

The gesture honors the memory of former Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, who wore No. 3, while serving as a visible reminder that nobody should struggle with mental health challenges alone.

Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats following halftime so the entire stadium can participate together.

TICKETS & ENTRY

• Single-game tickets for Saturday's game are available through Stetson Athletics' official online ticketing platform.
• Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and have their digital ticket and barcode ready before reaching the stadium entrance.
• All guests are subject to security screening prior to entering Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FOOTBALL TICKETS

For ticket questions, contact the Hatter Ticket Office at 386-738-4287 or HatterTickets@Stetson.edu. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FREE PARKING & TAILGATING

• Parking is free for fans attending Stetson Football games at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, with designated reserved areas requiring the appropriate parking pass.
• General parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to increased campus activity surrounding Family and Friends Weekend.
• Tailgating is permitted in designated areas, with lots opening at 9 AM and must conclude no later than 15 minutes before kickoff.

FOOD, DRINKS & MERCHANDISE

• Concessions are located behind both end zones at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
• A variety of food and beverage options will be available inside the stadium.
• Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the stadium, with the exception of permitted items and accommodations for special dietary or medical needs.
• Fans may bring one sealed bottle of water into the stadium. Empty reusable cups and bottles are also permitted.
• Official Stetson merchandise will be available at the Stetson Bookstore location under the scoreboard in the south end zone.

WHAT CAN I BRING?

Fans are encouraged to review stadium policies before arriving. All guests and bags are subject to search prior to entry.

Bags larger than 14" x 14" x 6", outside food, alcohol, hard coolers, glass or metal bottles, artificial noisemakers, umbrellas and portable folding chairs are among the items prohibited inside Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.

Permitted items include blankets, binoculars, seat cushions up to 18 inches wide, one sealed bottle of water and empty reusable cups or bottles. Rain apparel is permitted, but umbrellas are not.

CLICK HERE FOR SPEC MARTIN MEMORIAL STADIUM INFORMATION & POLICIES

GAME DAY PROGRAM

Fans can access Stetson's digital game day program from their phones throughout the afternoon. QR codes will be displayed inside Spec Martin Memorial Stadium providing access to team rosters, statistics, schedules and other information surrounding Saturday's matchup.

WEATHER & GAME DAY UPDATES

With Florida weather capable of changing quickly, fans are encouraged to monitor GoHatters.com and Stetson Athletics social media channels before and during Saturday's game for any updates related to inclement weather or lightning in the area.

CAN'T MAKE IT TO SPEC MARTIN?

Saturday's game will stream live and free of charge on the Stetson Hatters YouTube channel. The broadcast can be watched on computers, smartphones and tablets, as well as compatible smart TVs and other connected devices.

Tom James will handle play-by-play duties with former Hatter Davion Belk providing color commentary.

Live statistics will also be available throughout the game. Links to the broadcast and live stats can be found on the Stetson Football schedule page at GoHatters.com.

Fans can also follow @StetsonFootball and @StetsonHatters across social media for game day coverage, updates and content from Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.

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.