A schedule packed with rivalry, community and celebration
The 2026 women's soccer season at Eastern Kentucky University begins with a home opener on August 16 against Cleveland State, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET. Fans will be able to pick up a commemorative 2026 team poster at the stadium, setting the tone for a year that blends competitive play with vibrant fan experiences.
Two season‑long promotions will run throughout the campaign. Every Thursday fans can enjoy Food Truck Thursdays featuring vendors such as Lillie Mae's BBQ and Bert's SpeakCheezy, while the Ball Assistant Program invites local youth aged 10‑12 to help retrieve balls, gain field‑level access and receive a complimentary t‑shirt.
Key matchups dot the calendar. A rivalry game against Morehead State arrives on August 27, marking the 19th Bluegrass Cup meeting, and Senior Day will be celebrated on September 6 when South Carolina Upstate visits. The schedule also includes a high‑profile contest against Xavier on September 17, anticipated to be the highest‑ranked opponent ever faced by EKU. Conference play opens on September 24 with a home game versus Austin Peay, the first United Athletic Conference home match in program history, and fans are encouraged to wear maroon for Maroon Platoon Night to earn Double Big E Rewards Points.
The Pink Out match on October 8 will support breast cancer awareness, inviting supporters to don pink attire and participate in halftime recognition activities. A day later, Youth Soccer & Sports Day on October 11 will offer anthem buddies, inflatables, yard games and post‑game autographs, with the first 20 children receiving a complimentary bag of donuts.
The season culminates with a Homecoming & Alumni Weekend matchup against North Alabama on October 25. The game will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Ohio Valley Conference championship team, providing a nostalgic backdrop for current players and former alumni alike.