{"id":424053,"date":"2026-09-02T15:26:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:26:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/424053\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T15:26:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:26:11","slug":"troy-football-need-to-know-gameday-at-the-vet-sam-houston-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/424053\/","title":{"rendered":"Troy Football Need to Know; Gameday at The Vet \u2013 Sam Houston Game"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nFootball is back at The Vet on Saturday, when Troy hosts Sam Houston in the 2026 home opener. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. between the Trojans and Bearkats.
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\nTroy Athletics is excited to announce new items\u00a0taking place around gameday this season at The Vet, along with reminders of returning items that will help make your gameday experience the best it can be.
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\nVisit TroyTrojans.com\/Gameday before each visit to campus to see the latest information on parking, traffic flow and tickets for each of Troy’s home games.
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\nTicket Sales \/ Will Call \/ Gate Information
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\nTickets will be sold on gameday at the following locations:
\nMain Ticket Office (Tine Davis Fieldhouse) – 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
\nGate One – 1 p.m. until halftime
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\nWill call is located at Gate One of The Vet; will call will be open from 1 p.m. until halftime.
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\nAll gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, while the Stadium Club and Suites open two hours prior to kickoff.
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\nClear Bag Policy
\nTroy Athletics will implement a clear bag policy beginning with the 2026-27 athletic season for all ticketed athletic events on campus in an effort to enhance safety and security features. Fans can visit TroyTrojans.com\/clearbag for full details.
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\nSeason ticket holders can pick up their clear bag season ticket holder gift at the Ticket Office during normal business hours throughout the season or on gameday at the Gate 1 ticket office until halftime.
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\nUnited in Cardinal
\nAll fans are encouraged to wear CARDINAL for the season opener against Sam Houston as Trojan Nation is United in Cardinal.
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\nFans can purchase a single $15 lower-level seat in sections 104, 106, 204 and 216 by visiting TroyTrojans.com\/Promo and entering the code\u00a0UNITEDCARD.
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\nStudent Ticket Specials \/ Promotions
\nTroy students can purchase $1 student guest tickets by visiting TroyTrojans.com\/StudentTickets, stopping by the Troy Ticket Office, or calling 334-670-3681. Sales run until 5 p.m. on Friday.
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\nTroy Athletics and Coca-Cola will be fueling the Troy Student Section between the third and fourth quarters with free energy drinks.
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\nAmerica 250 \/ Kickoff in the Wiregrass
\nKickoff in the Wiregrass: Celebrating America 250 is the first of three patriotic-themed celebrations at The Vet this season. Troy welcomes Alabama State on Sept. 12 for Patriots Day and hosts ULM on Oct. 24 for Troy’s annual Military Appreciation game.
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\nJoin our official pregame America 250 Block Party by visiting: TroyTrojans.com\/America250

\nTailgaters are encouraged to decorate their tailgate in their favorite Red, White & Blue \/ America decorations.
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\nThe most patriotic tailgate will receive a visit from T-Roy and videoboard recognition inside of the Vet.
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\nT-Roy’s Kids Club Members are encouraged to take part in a Kickoff in the Wiregrass Patriotic Scavenger Hunt.
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\nCommemorative coin giveaway inside Gate 1, featuring Kickoff in the Wiregrass & America 250 logos (while supplies last).
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\nTroy Athletics Letterwinner Day
\nLetterwinners from all of Troy’s athletics programs are encouraged to make their way back to campus for the game, and each former letterwinner will have the opportunity to request up to four (4) complimentary tickets to the football game. Additionally, a pregame tailgate party featuring catered food and refreshments will be held in Tailgate Terrace from 3-5 p.m. for the returning letterwinners before the 6 p.m. kickoff.
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\nThe day’s activities are free for returning letterwinners and culminate in a special in-game recognition as the Trojans take on Sam Houston.
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\nTo RSVP for the tailgate and to secure your tickets, please click here. For more information about the event, contact Adam Godwin via email, akgodwin@troy.edu.
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\nYouth Cheer Clinic
\nThe first of two Youth Cheer Clinics will occur before the game against Sam Houston, with participants receiving instruction from Troy’s cheerleading squad. The clinic is open to all children ages 4-12, and registration is just $35.
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\nRegistration begins at 2 p.m., and the clinic begins at 2:30 p.m. In addition to instruction from the Troy Cheerleaders, participants will take part in an in-stadium performance during the game and join the Troy Cheerleaders at Trojan Walk.
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\nA game ticket is required for family entrance to the stadium (clinic participants receive a free ticket); tickets are available at a discounted rate at TroyTrojans.com\/CheerClinic.
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\nGear Up for Gameday

\nFans who purchase $100 worth of merchandise this week in-store before 5 p.m. on Friday at Barnes & Noble Troy Bookstore, Eagle Eye Outfitters, Heritage 1843, Barefield’s, Confetti Crate, Hazel’s, Trojan Threads, Southern Girls Embroidery or the OneTROY Shop will receive a coupon with a unique promo code for four free general admission tickets.
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\nFreshman Run
\nAs part of an annual tradition, all incoming Troy University students will be able to participate in the Freshman Run prior to the start of the game. Students will gather outside of the Tine Davis Fieldhouse at 5:15 p.m. before running through the T formed by the Sound of the South prior to the game. As a reminder, all Troy students receive free admission to all home games with their student ID.
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\nMobile Ticketing
\nMobile ticketing and parking remain an option for fans to use on gameday.
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\nTicket purchasers can manage their tickets on their smartphones by visiting TroyTrojans.com\/tickets and logging into their account. We strongly encourage all fans to download their tickets before game day. Just before reaching the gates, fans will open their digital wallet on their smartphone, select their game tickets or parking passes, and hold their smartphone near the scanner.
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\nParking
\nAll on-campus parking is reserved for members of the Trojan Warrior Club. Lots are assigned based on annual philanthropic donations to the Trojan Warrior Club. To learn more about parking, contact Gary Wilbert (gwilbert@troy.edu).
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\nSingle-game parking is available for purchase in Lot 5 for $25 per game by visiting TroyTrojans.com\/FBTickets.
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\nHandicap parking is located in the Troy University Rec Center Parking Lot; fans needing access to this lot must have a valid state-issued handicap tag and access the lot via John M. Long Drive.
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\nTraffic Information
\nGeorge Wallace Drive will CLOSE two (2) hours prior to kickoff until one (1) hour after the completion of the game from International Blvd. (traffic light at Charles Henderson High School) to Johnny Long Drive.
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\nFans with access to the National Guard Armory Lot and North End Zone Lot will be granted access to those lots within the two-hour closure with the proper parking pass. ALL traffic to those lots MUST enter from the north end of George Wallace Drive \u2013 from Downtown\/Elm Street, not Highway 231.
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\nTrojan Walk
\nTroy’s traditional pregame march into Veterans Memorial Stadium, Trojan Walk, will begin at the intersection of University Avenue and George Wallace Drive. The Trojans will walk through the brick portal into Tailgate Terrace before entering the stadium at Gate 1. Trojan Walk will begin at 3:45 p.m.
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\nGuardian Credit Union Fan Zone
\nLocated outside The Vet in the South end of the stadium and behind the outfield wall, the Guardian Credit Union Fan Zone (Tailgate Terrace) is the central hub for fans on gamedays.
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\nTroy Athletics Kids Zone
\nThe Troy Kids Zone opens at 2 p.m. in the Riddle-Pace Field outfield. Children of all ages are invited to take part in the fun with free inflatables until 5 p.m.
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\nFood Trucks
\nFood trucks return to The Vet for the home opener, located along University Avenue around Tailgate Terrace. Fans can sample food from various trucks.
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\nHorn Beverage Tailgate Terrace Concert Series
\nTroy’s popular Horn Beverage Tailgate Concert Series returns for the 2026 season with an exciting lineup for each of the Trojans’ six home games at The Vet. The free concert will take place each week in Tailgate Terrace three hours before kickoff.
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\nBand: Carson Carlisle Band
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\nPerformance Time: 3-5 p.m.
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\nBringing a blend of country favorites, Southern rock classics and crowd-pleasing party hits, the Carson Carlisle Band has become a staple on stages across Alabama and the Southeast. Known for their high-energy performances and engaging stage presence, Carson Carlisle and his band keep audiences entertained from the first song to the last. A native Alabamian, Carson Carlisle has built a reputation for delivering an authentic live music experience at tailgates, festivals, fraternities, weddings and venues throughout the region. With a setlist that spans generations, the Carson Carlisle Band offers something for every music fan, making them a crowd favorite wherever they perform.
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\nWater Monsters
\nTwo Water Monsters featuring 150-gallon tanks of cold filtered water, will be located on the South Concourse to assist fans in staying cool and hydrated. Fans are permitted to bring empty, non-glass bottles\/cups inside to fill up at the various water stations and\/or one (1) sealed bottle of water or empty plastic drink container that does not exceed 20oz to be used at these locations.
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\nMisting Fans

\nMisting fans will be strategically located throughout the concourses of The Vet on gameday to provide cooling stations for guests looking to beat the heat. Each of the two main concourses (East & West) will feature two of the fans.
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\nStadium Store

\nThe Barnes & Noble Troy University Bookstore will have two Stadium Store locations around The Vet on gameday. Before the game, a store will be set up in Tailgate Terrace for fans to purchase the latest Troy gear and once the gates to the stadium open, fans will be able to purchase gear at the Stadium Store located on the West Concourse (Press Box side). Barnes & Noble will also have a stadium store setup within the Stadium Club for patrons of this area as well.
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\nTroy Athletics Health Stations
\nTroy Athletics will have free sunscreen stations located throughout the concourse of The Vet in addition to a hand sanitizer in the Stadium Club.
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\nTroy Regional First Aid Stations
\nTroy Regional will have first aid stations located at Gate 7 and Gate 2 throughout the season.\u00a0
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\nConcessions
\nIn addition to the standard concession items, Sodexo will offer specialty items at different locations throughout The Vet.
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\nAlcoholic Beverages
\nAlcohol is sold within the venue. Only those who are of age and have proper identification are permitted to purchase alcohol. No outside alcohol is permitted. Beer will be available to purchase at four locations throughout Veterans Memorial Stadium.
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\nAfter providing proper identification at the point of sale, a band will be placed on the customer’s wrist to indicate the individual is of legal drinking age. Customers are permitted to purchase no more than two beers at a time. Beer sales will be halted at the end of the third quarter.
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\nSodexo Food Services, law enforcement personnel and game management officials reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone.
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\nBeer Garden
\nSponsored by Horn Beverage, Troy fans who are of age can enjoy a beer garden in Tailgate Terrace from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. All drinks purchased in the beer garden must remain in the marked area and all guests must be at least 21 years old to enter.\u00a0
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\nShuttles
\nTransportation Services sponsors game day shuttles from the local motels to Veterans Memorial Stadium for all home football games.
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\nShuttles are available three (3) hours before kickoff. The shuttle will run this route continuously, approximately every fifteen minutes until kickoff. Return service to the motels will begin immediately following the game and will run continuously for one (1) hour following the game.
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\nDrop-off and pick-up for the shuttle service at the stadium will be directly in front of the Alumni House on Highland Avenue. Pickup downtown is located on the Troy Square.
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\nThe shuttle is free when you ride from the motel to the stadium. Drivers will give each rider a coupon for the return trip to the motel.
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\nPrinted Game Day Shuttle information is available at all motels in the Troy area and can be obtained by asking the hotel attendant for the brochure.
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\nLactation Space
\nThe Troy University Title IX office is excited to offer a private lactation space to support nursing parents. This quiet, comfortable and private area provides a place to pump or breastfeed. To access this space on gameday, simply located the closest Swetman security worker for assistance.
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\nTailgating
\nTailgating on Troy’s campus is encouraged by all fans. The central hub for tailgating on gameday is Tailgate Terrace behind the outfield wall of Riddle-Pace Field and the South entrance to The Vet. Each game will feature a pregame concert, food trucks and a Kids Fun Zone all within the vicinity of Tailgate Terrace.
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\nTailgate setup, including tents and similar equipment, may begin at 7 a.m. the day of a home football game or approved athletic event. This is subject to adjustment for early games. All tailgating activities are to conclude an hour after the completion of the game and items must be taken down and removed by 10 a.m. on the following morning to facilitate a smooth post-game campus cleanup.\u00a0
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\nFor complete Troy Football Gameday Tailgating Policies, visit TroyTrojans.com\/FBTailgating.
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\nRV parking will be allowed with the appropriate parking pass and will remain at the Trojan Arena parking lot. Fans can contact the Troy Ticket Office, 334-670-3481, to purchase a spot.
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\nA limited number of tents on Tailgate Terrace for select games remain for the 2026 season. Please contact Dan Heck<\/a> heckd@troy.edu, to inquire about availability or to be placed on a waiting list if additional inventory becomes available for games that are already booked.
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\nIn-Game Promotions
\n\u2022 Durden Dance Cam
\n\u2022 Conecuh T-shirt Cannon
\n\u2022 Half Shell Gift Card for the Half Shell Oyster Shuffle
\n\u2022 Vance Law Firm Made Field Goal T-Shirt Toss
\n\u2022 $333 Vance Law Firm Field Goal Kick
\n\u2022 Student Sumo Wrestling\u00a0
\n\u2022 Durden Question of the Day
\n\u2022 4th Quarter Fireworks
\n\u2022\u00a0Guardian Cash Grab
\n\u2022 ALDOT Drive of the Game
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\nGame Recognitions

\n\u2022 Troy Bank & Trust
\n\u2022 Troy Regional
\n\u2022 Little Miss Peanut Queens
\n\u2022 Publix Game Ball
\n\u2022 Troy Athletics Letterwinners
\n\u2022 Youth Cheer Clinic
\n\u2022 T-Roy’s Kids Club Member of the Game
\n\u2022 ALFA Community Hero of the Game
\n\u2022 Trojan Warrior Club Member of the Game
\n\u2022 Publix Tailgater of the Game
\n\u2022 Children’s of Alabama Jr. Captain of the Game

\n\u2022 Troy Bank & Trust Small Business of the Game
\n\u2022 Guardian Credit Union Community Organization Spotlight
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