College football returns to Joe Davis Stadium; UNA vs. Samford

HUNTSVILLE – Since its multi-million dollar renovations and reopening in 2023, Joe Davis Stadium will host a college football game as it was announced by the Huntsville Sports Commission the longtime structure in Huntsville will entertain the North Alabama Lions taking on the Samford Bulldogs on Aug. 29 to open the 2026 season for both programs.

Wicks Family Field within the stadium was built to host an array of sporting events including college football. High school games have been held at the locale, but is the first for a college game to be played on the renovated playing field.

The Lions are coming off a 2-10 season in 2025 under third-year head coach Brent Dearmon and were 1-7 in the United Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs were just 1-11 a season ago and 1-7 in the Southern Conference. The Samford 2025 schedule included both major programs Baylor and Texas A&M. Samford lost both games by a combined score of 90-7. Its only victory came against VMI in a close contest that went Samford’s way 24-22.

Samford will have a new head coach on the sidelines in its 2026 season with John Grass who replaced Chris Hatcher during the off-season.

Tickets for the game will be announced at a later date.

Joe Davis Stadium opened in 1985 hosting professional baseball as home of the Double-A Huntsville Stars. After professional baseball left the stadium it was closed in 2015. After the extensive renovations, the stadium reopened in 2023 hosting professional soccer and other sporting events including football.