The University of North Alabama will pair a full 12-game football schedule with a historic first this fall — the Lions’ first season playing home games at their on-campus Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium.
UNA announced its 2026 schedule this week, confirming six home games in Florence and calling the upcoming slate one of the most memorable in program history, anchored by the opening of the new stadium in September.
The Lions will open the season Aug. 29 in a neutral-site home matchup against Samford at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville. The first game inside the new stadium is set for Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. against Alcorn State — a date school officials and fans have been anticipating since construction began.
UNA leaders say the schedule delivers a strong regional lineup and a new gameday setting for the Shoals community, while the coaching staff has emphasized the significance of moving from years of heavy travel to a true campus home field with six home dates.
Early response to the new stadium has been strong. Program officials report that all 13 original stadium suites sold out within weeks of the 2024 groundbreaking.
Due to demand, five additional concourse box suites were added, with only one remaining available at the time of the update. The stadium’s club level — described as one of the largest in FCS football — includes indoor-outdoor space designed to create an open-air premium viewing experience.
Fans can also expect a large video board comparable in size to the one at South Alabama’s stadium, a new premier sound system, and chairback seating throughout the main season-ticket sections. Student and band seating will remain in designated bleacher areas.
Other features include a 360-degree concourse, three concession areas, more than 40 points of sale for local vendors, an end zone building, a players’ tunnel, expanded premium food and beverage options, and beer sales throughout the stadium and concourse.
University officials are also working with student leaders and campus organizations to develop on-campus tailgating plans. Season tickets were announced at a $100 entry price point.
Program leaders also note that reaching six home games in a season is a notable scheduling step at the FCS level, where additional home dates often require financial guarantees to visiting opponents.
UNA 2026 Football Schedule
Aug. 29 — vs. Samford — Joe Davis Stadium (Huntsville) — 6 p.m.
Sept. 5 — at Arkansas — Fayetteville — Time TBA
Sept. 12 — at Southeastern Louisiana — Time TBA
Sept. 19 — vs. Alcorn State — Bank Independent Stadium — 6 p.m.
Sept. 26 — vs. Western Illinois — 3 p.m. (Family Weekend)
Oct. 3 — at Eastern Kentucky — Time TBA
Oct. 10 — vs. Sacramento State — 6 p.m.
Oct. 17 — vs. Abilene Christian — 6 p.m.
Oct. 24 — vs. Austin Peay — 6 p.m. (Homecoming)
Oct. 31 — at Central Arkansas — 4 p.m.
Nov. 7 — Bye week
Nov. 14 — at West Georgia — Time TBA
Nov. 21 — vs. Tarleton State — 3 p.m. (Senior Day)
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
