JMU Athletics Launches Puppy Pound Kids Club For The 2026-27 Academic Year

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison University has officially launched its kids club, the JMU Puppy Pound, presented by Chick-fil-A Harrisonburg, for the 2026-27 academic year. A 2026-27 Puppy Pound membership will cost $39, which includes all fees and shipping.

Membership costs have been lowered from 2025/26, with program value increasing to over $160 worth of tickets, gear and experiences. The Puppy Pound returns to a single membership fee, allowing parents the ease of knowing they are taking advantage of the most cost-effective program in JMU Athletics!

New to this year is the abandonment of the tiered membership system. Rather than choosing between two different membership costs, there will be one option for the 2026-27 academic year. This year's Puppy Pound membership is priced lower than both tiers from the 2025-26 academic year, which was a main priority when launching the program for the 2026-27 academic year. Puppy Pound members will be taking advantage of a membership valued at over $160!

Also new to the program this year is the implementation of JMU Women's Basketball season tickets as part of the Puppy Pound membership. Previously, the membership offered a free ticket to one pre-determined JMU Women's Basketball game. This year, every Puppy Pound member will receive a free ticket to all home regular season JMU Women's Basketball games! Members will receive their JMU Women's Basketball season ticket online via their JMU ticket account.

Puppy Pound members can also cheer on their Dukes by taking advantage of a discounted ticket to JMU Football vs Wagner on Sept. 12, as well as a free ticket to a pre-determined JMU Men's Basketball game!

Puppy Pound parties will be returning in 2026-27! Members can register ahead of time to celebrate game days with other Puppy Pound members. Members who attend the 2026 Football Puppy Pound party will also have the opportunity to participate in the Puppy Run! The Puppy Run will take place on the field at Bridgeforth Stadium right before kickoff when JMU Football takes on Wagner on Sept. 12.

Similar to 2025-26, all Puppy Pound packs will once again be MAILED to all members upon purchasing a membership. Each member will receive a JMU Puppy Pound t-shirt, JMU mini hoop set, Puppy Pound credential, activity book, and more!

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