DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson Football returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium for the final time this season on Saturday, Nov. 14, as the Hatters welcome Valparaiso for a 1 p.m. Pioneer Football League matchup. The afternoon will feature Senior Day and Military Appreciation festivities, along with a special halftime ceremony recognizing two of Stetson's championship programs.
Prior to kickoff, Stetson will recognize 16 members of its football program during a Senior Day presentation celebrating their contributions on and off the field. Saturday's game will also serve as Military Appreciation Day presented by Culver's, with the Hatters honoring active-duty service members, veterans and military families. Fans will have an opportunity to receive a special military-themed Stetson hat while supplies last.
The celebrations will continue at halftime as Stetson recognizes its Beach Volleyball and Men's Tennis programs with a special ring ceremony, providing fans with an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of two Hatter teams.
Here's everything fans need to know before heading to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium for Saturday's home finale.
GAME DAY TIMELINE
- 9:00 a.m. – Tailgate lots open
- 10:30 a.m. – HatterWalk performance
- 10:40 a.m. – HatterWalk
- 12:00 p.m. – Stadium gates open
- 12:25 p.m. – Senior Day presentation
- 12:50 p.m. – National Anthem
- 1:00 p.m. – Kickoff vs. Valparaiso
- Halftime – Beach Volleyball and Men's Tennis ring ceremony
SENIOR DAY AT SPEC MARTIN
Saturday's matchup will mark the final home appearance of the 2026 season for Stetson Football, providing an opportunity to celebrate the graduating members of the program and recognize their commitment to the Hatters.
Stetson will honor 16 players during a special Senior Day presentation scheduled for 12:25 p.m., recognizing the group alongside their families before the Hatters take the field against Valparaiso. The ceremony will highlight the contributions these student-athletes have made throughout their collegiate careers, both as members of the football program and as representatives of Stetson University.
Among those being recognized are senior captains Wyatt Rogers and Kyle Elphick, who have provided leadership and experience throughout the season. The group has played an important role in the program's continued development under second-year head coach Mike Jasper, helping guide a roster that has also seen numerous younger players step into significant roles.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be in their seats ahead of the ceremony to help recognize the seniors and their families as they celebrate their final home game at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY PRESENTED BY CULVER'S
Stetson will also recognize the service and sacrifices of the military community during Saturday's Military Appreciation Day festivities presented by Culver's.
The afternoon will provide an opportunity for the Hatter community to honor active-duty military personnel, veterans and military families, with special recognition and military-themed presentations taking place throughout the game.
As part of the day's promotional activities, fans will have an opportunity to receive a military-themed Stetson hat presented by Culver's. Giveaway quantities are limited and available while supplies last, so fans interested in receiving one are encouraged to arrive early.
Stetson Athletics looks forward to welcoming military members and their families to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium as the Hatters celebrate their service during the final home football game of the season.
WELCOME THE HATTERS AT HATTERWALK
Fans are encouraged to arrive early Saturday morning and help welcome the Hatters to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium ahead of their final home contest of the season.
The morning's festivities will begin with a HatterWalk performance at approximately 10:30 a.m., followed by the team's HatterWalk at 10:40 a.m. Supporters can line the route to greet the players and coaches as they arrive for the afternoon's matchup against Valparaiso.
HatterWalk has become a familiar part of the Stetson Football game-day experience, providing fans with an opportunity to show their support and help build the atmosphere before kickoff.
SENIOR DAY PREGAME CEREMONY
Saturday's pregame activities will feature a special presentation honoring Stetson's 16 graduating football players and their families, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at approximately 12:25 p.m.
The presentation will take place following the opening of stadium gates at noon, allowing fans time to enter the stadium and find their seats before the recognition begins. The ceremony will celebrate the dedication and contributions of the players who have represented the Hatters throughout their collegiate careers.
Following the Senior Day presentation, pregame activities will continue toward the National Anthem at approximately 12:50 p.m. before the Hatters and Beacons take the field for the 1 p.m. kickoff.
Fans are encouraged to plan their arrival accordingly so they can take part in recognizing the graduating players during this special occasion.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL & MEN'S TENNIS RING CEREMONY
Saturday's halftime festivities will provide another opportunity to celebrate Stetson Athletics as members of the Beach Volleyball and Men's Tennis programs are recognized during a special ring ceremony.
The presentation will honor the accomplishments of both programs, bringing student-athletes and coaches onto the field to celebrate their achievements in front of the Hatter community.
Fans attending the game are encouraged to remain in their seats during halftime and join Stetson Athletics in recognizing the student-athletes and staff who have represented the university through their success in competition.
TICKETS & ENTRY
- Single-game tickets for Saturday's home finale 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.
- Stadium gates will open at 12:00 p.m., one hour before kickoff.
- All guests are subject to security screening prior to entering Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
- Fans planning to attend the Senior Day ceremony are encouraged to enter the stadium before its scheduled 12:25 p.m. start.
- Those hoping to receive the limited-quantity military-themed Stetson hat giveaway should plan to arrive early.
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.
- Tailgate lots will open at 9:00 a.m., four hours before kickoff.
- Tailgating is permitted in designated areas and must conclude no later than 15 minutes before kickoff.
- Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, stadium entry and the day's pregame activities.
With Saturday featuring Senior Day recognition and several additional game-day activities, fans are encouraged to allow extra time to reach the stadium and find their seats. Parking and traffic updates will be communicated through GoHatters.com and Stetson Athletics' official social media channels as needed.
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 throughout Saturday's game.
- 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 at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. 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 the 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
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible seating and parking accommodations are available for guests attending Stetson Football games at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
Fans needing assistance or additional information regarding accessible seating, parking or stadium access are encouraged to contact the Hatter Ticket Office in advance at 386-738-4287 or HatterTickets@Stetson.edu.
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 additional information surrounding Saturday's matchup with Valparaiso.
The digital program offers fans another way to follow the action and learn more about the Hatters and Beacons during the final home game of the 2026 season.
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, lightning, parking or other game-day information.
CAN'T MAKE IT TO SPEC MARTIN?
Saturday's game against Valparaiso 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.
Live statistics will also be available throughout the game, with links to the broadcast and live stats accessible through 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, including Senior Day recognition and the halftime ring ceremony.
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.