RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University athletics has announced its promotional schedule for the 2026 EKU women's soccer season.
 
The Colonels will host 10 home matches at EKU Soccer Field, beginning with the home opener on Aug. 16 and continuing through late October. The full 2026 schedule is available online here
 
Fans can enjoy two season-long promotions throughout the year, including Food Truck Thursdays and the debut of the Ball Assistant Program for local youth.
 
Food truck vendors will be on site for every Thursday home match, while youth participating in the Ball Assistant Program will assist with returning balls from the sidelines and receive field-level access and a complimentary t-shirt. Sign-ups for the Ball Assistant Program is online here and only available for kids aged 10-12.
 
EKU's Home Opener will be on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. ET against Cleveland State, where fans can pick up the 2026 EKU women's soccer team poster while supplies last.
 
EKU welcomes rival Morehead State for the 19th Bluegrass Cup on Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. Fans and students are encouraged to pack the stands to earn Double Big E Rewards Points and enter the student raffle for a chance to win prizes. Lillie Mae's BBQ will kick off the Food Truck Thursday series.
 
The Colonels celebrate Senior Day on Sept. 6 against South Carolina Upstate at 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for pre-game festivities and receive the 2026 EKU Soccer Scarf presented by Coca-Cola, while supplies last.
 
EKU hosts Xavier on Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. in what is expected to be the highest-ranked opponent ever to play at EKU Soccer Field, entering the 2026 season receiving votes in the national top 25 poll. Bert's SpeakCheezy will be featured as the evening's Food Truck Thursday vendor. Fans can earn points for Double Big E Rewards Bonus Night & Pop-Up Shop for bonus points and prize redemption.
 
Conference play begins Sept. 24 as the Colonels host rival Austin Peay in the first United Athletic Conference home match in program history. Maroon Platoon Night will encourage fans to wear maroon while earning Double Big E Rewards Points. Comete Alguito Colombian Street Food will be the featured food truck.
 
EKU continues the week on Sept. 27 hosting West Georgia at 1 p.m. for its annual Pups at the Pitch match presented by the EKU Pet Club. Fans bringing their furry friends will receive a For Paws Unleashed giveaway bag while supplies last. All guests bringing dogs must complete a waiver at the EKU athletics marketing table upon entry.
 
The Colonels continue UAC play on Oct. 8 against Central Arkansas at 4 p.m. with its Pink Out match. Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness while EKU honors survivors and those impacted by the disease during a special halftime recognition. Anyone interested in participating in the on-field recognition may email Wyatt Boggs at wyatt.boggs@eku.edu. Food Truck Thursday vendors will include Comete Alguito Colombian Street Food, Old Town Grill American Food and Stillwater Provisions.
 
Youth Soccer & Sports Day returns on Oct. 11 as EKU hosts Little Rock at 1 p.m. Promotions include anthem buddies during the national anthem, inflatables, yard games and post-game autographs. The first 20 children in attendance will receive a complimentary small bag of donuts courtesy of DonutNV.
 
The Colonels conclude the home schedule on Oct. 25 against North Alabama at 1 p.m. during Homecoming & Alumni Weekend. EKU will welcome back women's soccer alumni and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program's 2016 Ohio Valley Conference championship team. Fans will also have their final opportunity to receive the 2026 EKU Soccer Scarf presented by Coca-Cola, while supplies last.
 
Fans interested in learning more about the 2026 EKU soccer promotional themes can view the EKU athletics marketing page online here.