RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University athletics has announced its gameday timeline for Saturday's football game against North Alabama at CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium.
 
Saturday's game marks Eastern Kentucky's opener in 2026 United Athletic Conference play.
 
Additionally, the university will welcome back members of its 1979 and 1982 NCAA Division I-AA national championship teams and its 1980 and 1981 NCAA Division I-AA national runner-up teams as part of a championship reunion weekend in Richmond.
 
The four-year run from 1979-82 marked one of the most successful stretches in college football history, as EKU advanced to four consecutive NCAA Division I-AA national championship games under legendary head coach Roy Kidd.
 
The university is also celebrating Family Weekend on campus. Fans can purchase tickets online here.
 
Parking lots are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. ET, with student tailgate lots opening at approximately 12:30 p.m.
 
EKU's Colonel-Val will begin at 2 p.m. in the Colonel Courtyard in front of the main entrance to Roy Kidd Stadium. Fans can take part in several activities, including inflatables, face painting, yard games, and more.
 
EKU football's Colonel Walk will begin at 3:45 p.m. outside the Moberly Building and Olympic Sports Training Facility before concluding at the RV lot.
 
The Marching Colonels are scheduled to take the field at 5:44 p.m. for their pregame performance.
 
At 5:56 p.m., the Colonels will gather atop the hill next to the Olympic Sports Training Facility for one of Roy Kidd Stadium's signature gameday traditions.
 
Following the intro video and music, EKU will run down the hill and onto the field, debuting a new entrance path that brings the Colonels onto the field closest to the main grandstand.

Kickoff against North Alabama is scheduled for 6:02 p.m. At halftime, EKU athletics will honor members of the 1979-82 teams with a special on-field recognition.
 
Full Gameday Timeline vs. North Alabama
11:00 a.m. – Parking lots open
12:30 p.m. – Student tailgate lots open
2:00 p.m. – Colonel-Val begins at the Colonel Courtyard
3:45 p.m. – Colonel Walk begins at the Moberly Building and concludes at the RV lot
4:30 p.m. – Gates to Roy Kidd Stadium open
5:00 p.m. – Band performance at Earle Combs Stadium
5:44 p.m. – Band pregame performance at Roy Kidd Stadium
5:56 p.m. – Team entrance at the hill
6:02 p.m. – Kickoff against North Alabama
Halftime – 1979-82 team recognition on the field
 
Single-game tickets and other ticket packages are still available. Fans can purchase tickets online or by calling the EKU Ticket Office at 859-622-2122.