It’s time for kickoff! The Virginia football team opens the 2026 season against NC State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Fans are expected to pack Scott Scott Stadium for a game that has been announced as a sellout.
Here are some fan updates you need to remember for this ACC showdown.
First, for those of you planning to be on the site for the game. As most know by now, The Sabre rolled out a new website and message board refresh this week. This weekend’s game will be the first with that in place. There have already been tests down to simulate a game day situation, but if any issues arise, the site is being actively monitored and can be adjusted as needed. If anything comes up, it should only take a few minutes to make adjustments so have patience. Fingers crossed this will go smoothly.
If you’re headed to the game, there is a big parking change that will impact how fans get to the stadium. The Hoos made a move to digital parking passes this season, meaning no more hanging tags. That means you will need to have your digital pass available via a mobile device as you arrive into a VAF parking lot. The wording indicates that screenshots will not be accepted and must be accessed through a mobile wallet or ticketing account.
Here is the official wording on parking from UVA:
“Upon arrival at a VAF parking lot, the parking attendant will scan your permit to gain access into the lot. For all reserved lots with numbered spaces, after entering the lot, a parking attendant will verify your parking space and provide a dashboard placard to display in your vehicle for that day’s game. There is no re-entry after scanning.
Please note that screenshots of digital parking passes will not be accepted for entry. To ensure access to your parking lot on game day, your parking pass must be accessed through your mobile wallet or ticketing account.”
An athletic department spokesperson indicated that the digital pass should be ready to display at any turns near the stadium beginning two hours before kickoff. For example, if you are coming in through the VAF recommended route to an orange lot, then your pass should be ready to display there at the turn from Ivy on to Alderman. (Same for other turns on a green or blue lot route.) Treat it just like a hanging tag where you can have it quickly visible through the window as you approach.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early!
Remember, UVA now uses digital tickets at events as well and all venues are now cashless. For Scott Stadium A-Z information and frequently asked questions, click here. An interactive Scott Stadium map is available here. Additional information on free fan shuttles from free parking lots can be found here.
Another change is that fans are now allowed to bring a reusable water bottle to home games. The bottle must be clear plastic, less than 40 ounces, and empty at entry. There are water stations throughout the stadium that can be used to fill the bottle. That’s likely welcomed news for some fans attending this late August game set for mid-afternoon with temperatures forecasted in the 80’s.
With that in mind, make sure you’re rowdy in the stands. You could be picked as the Fans of the Game or a future Fan of the Week!
Fan(s) Of The Week
Always more cowbell.
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
Need this kind of first game energy at Scott Stadium this weekend.
Feature Photo Of The Week
Montino Williams and Virginia open the season against NC State on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Scott Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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