DeLAND, Fla. – Hatter Football returns to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Saturday as Stetson welcomes Webber International for its 2026 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:05 a.m.
Saturday is about more than the game itself, with a full morning of activities surrounding the return of Hatter Football to DeLand. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, tailgate, welcome the team during the Hatter Walk and enjoy Band Day and the Welcome Class of 2030 celebration before kickoff.
Here's everything fans need to know before heading to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
GAME DAY TIMELINE
- 7 a.m. – Parking lots open and tailgating begins
- 8:20 a.m. – Hatter Walk performance
- 8:30 a.m. – Hatter Walk
- 10 a.m. – Stadium gates and ticket booths open
- 10:50 a.m. – Hatter Band pregame presentation
- 10:55 a.m. – National Anthem
- 11 a.m. – Team entrance and Class of 2030 Run with the Hatters
- 11:05 a.m. – Kickoff
ARRIVE EARLY & WELCOME THE HATTERS
Fans can get game day started well before kickoff, with parking lots surrounding Spec Martin Memorial Stadium opening at 7 a.m. Tailgating is encouraged beginning when the lots open and will continue until 15 minutes prior to kickoff.
The Hatter Walk begins at approximately 8:30 a.m. as the team arrives at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. Fans are encouraged to line the route and welcome the Hatters to the stadium, with the Stetson Hatter Band and cheerleading team helping build the game day atmosphere beginning approximately 15 minutes before the team's arrival.
HOME OPENER, BAND DAY & WELCOME CLASS OF 2030
Saturday's home opener will feature several special events surrounding the game.
As part of Band Day, high school musicians from the surrounding area will join the Stetson Hatter Band for a special game day experience that includes performances throughout the day.
Stetson will also welcome its newest students to Hatter Football with the Class of 2030 Run with the Hatters. Members of the freshman class will join the team on the field for Stetson's pregame entrance at approximately 11 a.m., just before kickoff.
Saturday will also mark the first Stetson Football game played on the newly renovated field at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
TICKETS & ENTRY
- Single-game tickets for Saturday's home opener 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 and the North and South ticket booths will open at 10 a.m.
- 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.
- Parking lots will open at 7 a.m. Saturday.
- Tailgating may begin when the lots open and must conclude no later than 15 minutes before kickoff.
FOOD, DRINKS & MERCHANDISE
- A variety of food and beverage options will be available inside Spec Martin Memorial Stadium beginning when gates open.
- 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.
- Officially licensed Stetson merchandise will be available for fans looking to gear up for the 2026 season.
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
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?
All five Stetson home games during the 2026 season will be streamed live and free of charge on YouTube. Saturday's broadcast can be watched on the Stetson Hatters YouTube channel from computers, smartphones and tablets, as well as compatible smart TVs and other connected devices.
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.