James Madison University announced on April 22 that the annual Spring Football Game will take place on Saturday, April 25 at Bridgeforth Stadium. The event, presented by Dukes Mayo, will begin with a kickoff at 2 p.m., and both admission and parking are free for all attendees.
The Spring Game offers fans an early look at the 2026 James Madison football program. Gates A and B will open at 1 p.m., while general parking in the Champions Deck and tailgating in Lots C5, P, and G will be available starting at 10 a.m. The university’s clear-bag policy remains in effect; although metal detectors will not be used, all bags will be checked upon entry.
Concessions and alcohol sales are set to take place on the lower concourse near Gate A until the end of the third quarter. Fans can also visit a marketing table to receive keychains from Dukes Mayo, while Door Gorilla is providing rally towels to the first 1,000 attendees. In case of rain or other inclement weather, umbrellas are permitted inside Bridgeforth Stadium but should not be opened in seating areas so as not to obstruct views.
Representatives from the JMU Athletics Ticket Office will staff a Guest Services Booth on the lower concourse to answer questions about season ticket renewals for 2026 as well as premium seating options like APC Suites and East Side Premium areas. The deadline for season ticket renewal and Duke Club Priority Point Entry Process is May 15.
Fans unable to attend can listen live with Dave Riggert on the Morris Insurance & Financial JMU Radio Network starting with pregame coverage at 1:30 p.m. The game itself features two teams—Team Purple and Team Gold—selected by coaching staff playing four quarters of running-clock football under standard scoring rules.
