The Shadow
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Athletics is excited to announce that its annual Meet the Dukes Day, presented by MARTIN’S, is set for Saturday, Aug. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bridgeforth Stadium. This interactive event is free to the public and will be the first opportunity for fans to meet student-athletes from JMU’s 2025-26 sports programs. The evening will feature on-field activities, games and autograph stations on Zane Showker Field. There will be a photo station for fans to show their JMU pride, and inflatable games will be set up for additional entertainment. Teams will be on hand to interact with fans in activity stations on the field. Fans may enter the stadium through Gate B and are encouraged to park in Lots F, G and P for the quickest access into Bridgeforth Stadium. Additional parking is also available in the Champions Deck.
Meet the Dukes Day serves as an opportunity for fans to register for 2025-26 memberships for JMU’s official Kids Club, the Puppy Pound, presented by Chick-fil-A Harrisonburg. Puppy Pound members (8th grade and below) enjoy numerous perks, like invitations to Puppy Pound parties with catered Chick-fil-A, complimentary tickets to select JMU football and basketball games, and much more. Registration for the 2025-26 Puppy Pound will be opening soon. All membership packs for the 2025-26 season will be mailed after registration and will not be available for pickup at Meet the Dukes Day.
Members of the Athletics Ticket Office and the Duke Club will also be in attendance to provide information on single-game ticket options. The Duke Club is the fundraising arm of JMU Athletics, and all donations help support JMU student-athlete scholarships and the general athletics operating budget. In the event of inclement weather, a decision will be made Saturday afternoon and will be communicated through JMUSports.com and on JMUSports social channels.
JMU football opens the 2025 season, presented by CarMax, on Saturday, Aug. 30 when it hosts Weber State at 6 p.m. Single game tickets are now on sale at JMUtickets.com. For all other fall-sport season schedules, visit their team pages on the dropdown bar on JMUSports.com.
