Game Day Enhancements Set for JMU Football at Bridgeforth Stadium

As James Madison football begins a new era under Head Coach Curt Cignetti, several game day enhancements have been enacted intended to improve the overall experience of fans visiting Bridgeforth Stadium.

With these new initiatives in mind, fans are encouraged to enter Bridgeforth Stadium early to avoid the busiest influx of guests, enjoy the pregame Marching Royal Dukes performance and greet the JMU football team loudly as it enters the stadium.

Fans with questions regarding any stadium policies are encouraged to call 540-568-3853 or email athletic-ticket@jmu.edu in advance of game day. Questions on game day can be directed to the game day hotline at 540-568-4381 or by texting 78247 with "DUKES" followed by a space, a brief description of the issue and current location.

Clear Bag Policy

All fans entering Bridgeforth Stadium wishing to use a bag to carry loose items will be required to use a clear bag measuring no greater than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches. A maximum 4.5-inch by 6.5-inch clutch or wallet is also allowed. Items such as blankets are allowed to be carried loosely without a bag. All clear bags will be searched for prohibited items as follows:

Metal Detectors

Beginning with the 2019 season, everyone who enters Bridgeforth Stadium must pass through a metal detector. Most small items will not be required to be removed unless the alarm is triggered and a more in-depth scan is required. Shoes, belts, cell phones and small key rings will not need to be removed. Per stadium policy, no concealed weapons may enter Bridgeforth Stadium regardless of weapon permits. For individuals who cannot pass through the metal detectors for health or accessibility reasons, alternative screening will be available.

Alcohol Sales

Also new for 2019, alcohol sales will be available in various locations in Bridgeforth Stadium. Please see the Stadium Seating & Amenities Map for specific locations for arm banding (labeled as "ID Check Point") and alcohol sales (two on upper concourse, one on lower concourse, one on ground level). All ID and sales locations are on the West side stands of Bridgeforth Stadium.

Guests wishing to purchase alcohol must first visit an ID check point to obtain both an arm band and a hand mark as validation of appropriate age. Guests may then purchase up to four total alcoholic beverages during the game with a maximum of two in one transaction. Procedures for alcohol sales in the club and suites will not change from previous seasons. No alcoholic beverages may be transferred between the club, suite and other general seating areas of the stadium.

All alcohol sales will cease at the end of the third quarter.

Home Opener Alcoholic Beverage Offerings (all 16 oz cans)
$7 – Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite
$8 – Bold Rock Hard Cider, Devil's Backbone Vienna Lager, Three Notch'd Minute Man IPA

[*Note: Offerings listed are for the Sept. 7 opener vs. Saint Francis. Availability can change from game to game throughout the season.]

Duke Club Hospitality

The Duke Club pregame hospitality experience has been upgraded for the 2019 season and offers members at the Silver Proud and True Level or higher a premium pregame experience. Passes are $60 for the season or $15 per game and include themed menus from Wood Grill Buffet, two alcoholic drink tickets, beer/wine tastings, music, televisions for watching other games, traditional tailgating games and more. Order online or call 540-568-3853.

Fourth Quarter Meal Punch

New in 2019, in an effort to encourage students to remain loud and present for four quarters, students will have the opportunity to use a meal punch at concession stands during the fourth quarter of all home football games. Two available options include: 1) hot dog, Route 11 chips and 22 ounce fountain beverage in a souvenir cup or 2) loaded baked potato with vegetarian chili and cheese sauce and 22 ounce fountain drink in a souvenir cup.

Promotional Schedule

JMU Athletics recently announced the comprehensive schedule of game promotions for the season. Please take a look to see what's happening for each game.

Game Posters

As a new promotion for 2019, game-specific giveaway posters are available in the University Outpost Fan Zone on the Godwin Hall patio. Collect all six during the regular season!

102955 — The 2019 football season poster (above) will be complemented by a game specific collectible poster.

Season Tickets

Season tickets for the 2019 season, presented by CarMax, are still available and can be purchased at JMUTickets.com. Season tickets offer the best pricing and seating options in Bridgeforth Stadium and include complimentary game day parking.

Game Day Ticket Booth Hours

The JMU Ticket Office, located in the Convocation Center, is open 8 a.m. to noon for all home football games (with the exception of Family Weekend, due to earlier start time). The Gate A ticket booth at Bridgeforth Stadium opens four hours before kickoff while remaining ticket booths open two hours prior.

Mobile Ticketing

Mobile ticket entry is available at all gates. Fans are encouraged to have their tickets preloaded on their phones before approaching entry points.

Student Ticket Reservations

JMU students may begin reserving their free game tickets on the Monday two weeks before each home game. Reservations for the Sept. 7 opener vs. Saint Francis already started on August 26. More information on student ticketing and a link for reservations is available at JMUSports.com. Tickets for student guests can also be obtained through the student reservation process.

Parking & Shuttle Changes

All parking lots open at 8 a.m. with reserved lots closing two hours postgame.

The East Campus Parking Deck, adjacent to the under-construction Atlantic Union Bank Center, is open, offering 1,500 parking parking spaces available for general access. A shuttle service will pick up at the Festival bus stop, adjacent to the new deck, as well as at a new bus turnaround at the brand-new Paul Jennings Hall, adjacent to the Convocation Center lots.
G Lot, adjacent to Godwin Hall and the JMU Bookstore, has been reconfigured for the 2019-20 academic year and offers an improved layout for tailgating and game day navigation.
A courtesy drop-off area is available in front of Showker Hall pregame and in G Lot postgame should any guests need to be dropped off or picked up closer to Bridgeforth Stadium. This is a good option for ride sharing operations such as Uber and Lyft.
A reminder that shuttles operate to most Harrisonburg-area hotels and student off-campus housing complexes beginning two hours pregame through one hour postgame.

Other Game Day Reminders

Greet the JMU football team and encourage them to victory during the pregame Dog Walk. The team departs from Bluestone Drive near Showker Hall two hours and 45 minutes before kickoff, walking through P and F Lots leading to the team locker room in the Plecker Athletics Performance Center.
The Marching Royal Dukes perform pregame, halftime and postgame for all home football games and are a key element to the first-class game day experience at Bridgeforth Stadium. Pregame and halftime shows are also available on JMUSports Facebook Live.
Bridgeforth Stadium gates open 90 minutes before kickoff.
Win or lose, join the JMU football team and Marching Royal Dukes in singing the JMU alma mater after the final whistle.