NORFOLK, Va. – Over the next three weeks Old Dominion Athletics will announce the gameday activities for each of this year’s six home games, beginning with the home opener against North Carolina Central.
Game Info
The home opener on Saturday, Sept. 6 against the Eagles is set for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The Monarchs will play the Eagles for the third time in program history but for the first time since 2010. ODU holds a 2-0 series lead over NCCU, while the Eagles went 8-3 during the 2024 season.
ODU’s Community Day Celebration is a tribute to the people and organizations that make Hampton Roads special. The game will feature special ticket offers for community-based groups, making it easier for youth leagues, civic organizations and local nonprofits to experience Monarch Football together. As part of Band Day, local high school band students will have the unique opportunity to perform alongside the ODU Marching Monarchs and sit with them in the stands, creating an electric and unified gameday atmosphere. The evening will also include recognitions for Hometown Heroes, honoring first responders, military members, educators and other everyday champions from across the region who make a lasting impact on our community.
In partnership with SURF, the game will also serve as the third annual Hudson Blue Out to Beat Prostate Cancer, raising awareness and encouraging fans to wear blue in support of early detection and cancer research.
Furthering the community unite theme, this game will help with the annual Monarchs Give Back Initiative. Monarchs Give Back is a campus and community-wide food drive to benefit individuals experiencing food insecurity. This annual effort Lead by First Lady and President not only highlights the University's commitment to partner with the Hampton Roads community but also shows the care and compassion of our university and the 757 as we come together to provide support. The year's goal and targeted beneficiaries will be announced later this year.
Tradition T-Shirt
For the third-straight year, Old Dominion has a tradition t-shirt. The shirt can be purchased at the ODU Bookstore on Monarch Way later this summer. The bookstore is currently closed.
Kaufman Mall
The exciting pregame atmosphere returns at Kaufman Mall beginning four hours prior to kickoff. A local band will perform live on Kaufman Mall beginning at 2:45 p.m. Stop by Kaufman Mall to enjoy the beer garden, the top food trucks in Virginia, games, and interactive experiences in the Kids Zone.
Stop by the ODU marketing tent for giveaways and special activations from our partners and stay tuned for additional programming. At 3:30 p.m. the Monarch March Band, under the direction of David Enloe, will get the crowd roaring with a 15-minute performance. At 3:45 the football team will come through Kaufman Mall on their way to the stadium as fans lineup to cheer on the Monarch March to the stadium.
Full-service tailgating packages are available all season long right on Kaufman Mall — we’ll handle the setup and breakdown, you just show up and enjoy the game day vibes. Reserve your spot today at odusports.com/kaufman-fb-tailgate-packages.
Game Day Timeline (note: time is subject to change)
o Kaufman Mall will open: 2 p.m.
o Live Band Performance (Band TBA): 2:45 p.m.
o Marching Band Performance: 3:30 p.m.
o Monarch March: 3:45 p.m.
o S.B. Ballard Stadium Gates Open: 4:30 p.m.
Tickets
Season tickets are they best way to secure the best seats and are currently available starting at $200 for one of the best home schedules in program history. Season tickets are available by clicking here. Home opponents include NCCU, Liberty, Coastal Carolina, App State, Troy and Georgia State.
Interested in single game tickets? Sign up here to get on the waiting list!
Have a group of 10 or more interested in attending the game or a special experience? Submit your group interest form here and a member of our team will reach out.
Premium Seating options are available at S.B. Ballard Stadium for an upscale game day experience. Donations to the ODAF serve as qualifiers for other Hospitality Areas in the stadium as well for donors to enjoy. Very limited availability. Click here for more information or contact The ODAF Office at 757-683-6963 or email Ashley Vellines: avelline@odu.eduor ODAF@odu.edu.
With unbeatable sightlines and premium amenities for members, The Priority Automotive Club and the Cox Business Lounge offers ODU fans a comfortable, memorable, and unmatched gameday experience. Limited seating is still available, contact ODAF for more information.