James Madison University's athletics department unveiled a comprehensive promotional schedule for the 2026 women's soccer campaign, promising a vibrant mix of sport, community outreach, and fan celebration at Sentara Park.
The Dukes will host nine regular‑season contests on their home turf, marking the fifth year of their affiliation with the Sun Belt Conference. Each matchup will be paired with a distinct theme designed to engage diverse audiences and highlight local causes.
Opening Night and Early Season Highlights
The season kicks off on August 12 with a showdown against NC State, setting the tone for a schedule that blends competitive fixtures with festive activities. A week later, on August 16, the team will welcome campers from the 2026 soccer camps to cheer on the squad against George Mason.
Themed Nights and Community Partnerships
September brings a series of high‑profile events, beginning with First Responders Night on September 6, where attendees receive a JMU First Responders Night Rally Towel, followed by Sentara Swingin' on September 3 against Georgetown, featuring a commemorative poster. The celebration of cultural diversity arrives on September 24 under the banner of Sentara Worldwide, spotlighting the international backgrounds of the players.
October continues the momentum with Dukes Think Pink on October 1, a breast‑cancer awareness initiative, and Pack the Pitch on October 11, presented by TowneBank, which will also host Socctoberfest, a family‑friendly festival of games and inflatables. The month concludes with Senior Day on October 25, honoring graduating seniors and faculty members recognized as the "Most Valuable Professors."
Special amenities include postgame autograph sessions after the August 16, September 6, and October 11 matches, as well as opportunities for fans to serve as ball kids or anthem buddies by contacting Jax Campbell or visiting JMUSports.com.
James Madison Athletics will maintain a cashless environment for all home competitions, accepting every form of mobile payment while discontinuing reverse ATMs, ensuring a streamlined transaction experience for supporters.