A Beach‑Themed Spectacle Returns for the 2026 Season
Coastal Carolina University is set to kick off its 2026 football campaign on Saturday, September 12, when the Chanticleers host Fordham at Brooks Stadium. The game marks the first home appearance of the season after the team travels to face West Virginia on September 5, setting the stage for a high‑energy start.
Fans are being asked to wear white for a coordinated White Out, turning the stands into a sea of light. The visual theme extends beyond the crowd, with a beach‑inspired drone show that will light up the sky in three synchronized segments — between the first and second quarters, during halftime, and again between the third and fourth quarters.
The aerial display is being produced by Sky Elements, a specialist in large‑scale drone performances, and is presented by GFL, the waste‑management company that has become a key sponsor of the event. Organizers say the show will feature imagery drawn from Coastal Carolina’s coastal identity, reinforcing the school’s branding.
In addition to the visual feast, ticketed fans can enjoy free concessions throughout the stadium until the end of the third quarter. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks will be handed out at designated stands, with orders able to be placed through the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers App.
The initiative builds on last year’s successful drone debut and expands the fan experience with a full‑scale White Out and a broader food‑service offering. University officials say the combination of visual spectacle, community participation and complimentary food is designed to create a memorable opening night for the Chanticleers and their supporters.