Kent State University’s field hockey team will open its 2026 campaign with a ten‑game schedule that is entirely free to attend, giving fans across the region a chance to experience the action at Murphy‑Mellis Field without a ticket price.
A season built on community
The first test comes on August 23, when the squad hosts an exhibition against Slippery Rock, setting the tone for a season that emphasizes community engagement as much as on‑field performance.
A highlight arrives on September 11, designated Military and First Responder Day, where current and former service members are honored and attendees receive a complimentary 2026 schedule poster.
A week later, on September 13, Youth Day invites local youth teams to the stadium, and every participant walks away with a free Kent State‑branded pair of sunglasses.
The International Student Game on September 18 celebrates the program’s diverse roster, offering free candy and mini flags to fans who join the celebration of global cultures.
On September 20 the Cancer Awareness Game sees the team sport ribbon colors and distribute free awareness t‑shirts, while the following week’s Team Impact Game on September 25 spotlights members of the program’s impact initiative, including Arianna.
Later in the month, Alumnae Day on October 2 pays tribute to championship squads from 2014, 2015 and 2016, handing out free knit caps to the crowd, and the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game on October 9 follows with a similar cap giveaway for educators.
Mental health takes center stage on October 11 with the Morgan’s Message Game, distributing free t‑shirts to promote dialogue around stigma, and the event titled Everyone Watches Kent State Women’s Sports on October 18 provides another complimentary shirt for supporters of the matchup against Appalachian State.
The season culminates on October 25 with Senior Day, a showdown against Big Ten opponent Ohio State that honors the graduating class and caps off a year of themed celebrations.