DeLAND, Fla. –
Stetson Football is set to deliver an exciting game day experience this fall, as the Hatters announced their promotional schedule for the 2026 home season at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
The five-game home slate features a variety of themed events designed to engage students, alumni, families and the greater DeLand community while complementing another exciting season of Hatter football under second-year head coach Mike Jasper. Highlighted by Friends & Family Weekend presented by Insight Credit Union and Homecoming presented by Watson Realty Corp., the schedule also includes Band Day, Hatter Halloween, Military Appreciation Day and more, giving fans plenty of reasons to spend their Saturdays at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
The season opens on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Hatters welcome Webber International for the 2026 home opener. The day will also feature Band Day, inviting high school band members from across the state to participate in a pregame clinic before performing alongside the Stetson Hatter Band during the game. Stetson will also officially welcome the Class of 2030, as incoming freshmen will join the football team for a special pregame run into the student section, creating a new tradition to kick off the academic year.
Stetson returns to Spec Martin on Saturday, Oct. 3, to host Marist during Friends & Family Weekend presented by Insight Credit Union. The celebration begins the evening before with the second annual HatterFest, taking place in Downtown DeLand from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. The community event showcases the many facets of Stetson University through athletics, student organizations, music, dance and more. Saturday's game will also recognize Hilinski's Hope, joining institutions across the country in promoting mental health awareness and encouraging conversations surrounding student-athlete wellness.
Homecoming presented by Watson Realty Corp. returns to DeLand on Saturday, Oct. 17, as the Hatters host Presbyterian in one of the most anticipated weekends of the season. In addition to welcoming alumni back to campus, Stetson and DeLand High School will once again join together for Paint DeLand Green, celebrating both schools throughout Homecoming week while bringing the community together in support of Hatter athletics. Alumni and fans are invited back to campus for a full week of Homecoming festivities before packing Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Halloween weekend brings another exciting atmosphere to Spec Martin when Stetson hosts Dayton on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Hatter Halloween game will feature festive family-friendly activities, while Cheer Day will welcome young cheerleaders for a morning clinic before they perform during the game alongside the Stetson Cheer Team. The Hatters will also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring those impacted by breast cancer and raising awareness throughout the afternoon.
The home schedule concludes on Saturday, Nov. 14, when Stetson welcomes Valparaiso for Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day. Prior to kickoff, the Hatters will honor the senior members of the football program and Stetson Cheerleading before recognizing active-duty military members, veterans and their families for their service to the nation.
Fans looking to elevate their game day experience can once again purchase access to the HatterZone presented by Insight Credit Union. The premium hospitality area includes a Sonny's BBQ meal voucher, access to purchase additional beverages, a climate-controlled lounge with comfortable seating, and a high-energy atmosphere just steps away from the action. HatterZone access is available as a $25 single-game add-on with the purchase of a game ticket or as a $125 season pass for all five home contests.
Additional promotional giveaways, fan experiences and game day activations will be announced throughout the season.
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting GoHatters.com, contacting the Hatter Ticket Office at (386) 738-4287, or emailing hattertickets@stetson.edu. Supporters can also follow @StetsonFootball and @GoHatters on social media for the latest news, behind-the-scenes content, promotional announcements and game day updates leading into the 2026 season.
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.
