In the past few years, CCU football games have started taking up a pretty big chunk of my fall calendar. Gamedays are pretty much a full-day affair with the tailgate, the actual game and, of course, packing everything I'll need into the car the night before.
As fun as gamedays are, they can also be a little stressful if you're not prepared. With a new head coach, new gameday traditions and six home games on the 2026 schedule, there are plenty of reasons to make it to Brooks Stadium this fall. Here are a few of my tips for making the most of your CCU gameday.
Check the Schedule
The Chanticleers have six home games at Brooks Stadium this season, starting with the home opener against Fordham on Saturday, September 12. The rest of the home schedule includes Liberty on September 24, Georgia Southern on October 3, Appalachian State on October 16, Old Dominion on November 7 and Arkansas State on November 14.
A few kickoff times are already set, including the 7:30 p.m. home opener against Fordham, the 7:30 p.m. Thursday night matchup against Liberty and the 8 p.m. Friday night game against Appalachian State. The remaining kickoff times will be announced throughout the season.
Plan Your Gameday Outfit
Whether you have a lucky jersey or like to put together a trendy outfit in your school's colors, plan your gameday look ahead of time and lay it out the night before. The last thing you want is to be digging through the dirty hamper on gameday only to find your lucky jersey has a chili dog stain.
And don't forget to check the theme before you pick your outfit! This year's promotional schedule gives fans plenty of opportunities to dress for the occasion:
- September 12 vs. Fordham: White Out & Beach Bash
- September 24 vs. Liberty: Teal Out
- October 3 vs. Georgia Southern: Family Weekend & Hall of Fame
- October 16 vs. Appalachian State: Wait ’Til You See This Game
- November 7 vs. Old Dominion: Black Out & Homecoming
- November 14 vs. Arkansas State: Senior Day & Salute to Service
Prepare for the Tailgate
Whether you're hosting or attending a tailgate, you'll want to come prepared. Pack your chairs, tables, games, decorations and anything else you'll need the night before so that the only thing you're worried about grabbing on gameday is the food.
Don't forget your parking pass, either! Make sure you have it with you before you leave home and know where you're headed once you get to campus. CCU also has shuttle routes connecting several parking areas to Brooks Stadium, so check the parking information before gameday to see which option works best for you.
And if you're planning to tailgate, there are a few rules to keep in mind: each pass allows one vehicle and one space, charcoal grills aren't permitted, and tailgates should stay within your designated space or adjacent green space without blocking traffic.
Take Advantage of Free Concessions
One of my favorite things about CCU gameday is back again this season: free concessions!
The CCU Kickoff Meal Deal is returning for every home game, giving ticketed fans complimentary hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks at designated concession stands. You can make unlimited trips, but you'll receive one of each item per visit and will need to have your game ticket available in the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers App to be scanned. Free concessions are available through the end of the third quarter.
That's one less expense to worry about when you're planning your gameday budget — and definitely something worth taking advantage of!
Get to Know Coach Ryan Beard
This season also brings a new era of Coastal Carolina football as Ryan Beard begins his first full season as head coach. After opening the season on the road at West Virginia, the Chants will return to Conway for their home opener against Fordham.
If you want to get to know Coach Beard and hear what's happening with the team throughout the season, you don't have to wait until Saturday.
Make Teal Tuesday Part of Your Week
One of the newest additions to CCU football this year is Teal Tuesday, a weekly pep rally in downtown Conway. Beginning September 1, the free event will take place every Tuesday from 5:30–7:30 p.m. outside Chanti's Pizza, with The Ryan Beard Show airing live from 6–7 p.m.
The event will feature the CCU pep band, cheer and dance teams, football players, coaches and special guests, along with autograph opportunities. Food, drinks and local vendors will also be available, making it a fun way to get into the football spirit before Saturday's gameday.
Have a Plan for Your Tickets
Your gameday outfit and delicious tailgate snacks won't matter if you can't get into the actual game! CCU uses digital tickets, so make sure you have the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers App downloaded and your phone charged before you leave home. You'll also want to make sure your parking pass is easy to find when you arrive.
A little preparation the night before can save you a lot of stress the next day.
With new traditions, themed games, free concessions and a new coach leading the way, there's plenty to look forward to at Brooks Stadium this fall. Whether you're a longtime Chanticleer fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a fall Saturday, I'll see you in Teal Nation!
