Joe Davis Stadium updates bring NCAA Div. I college football to Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE – “This is why we did this,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle at a recent press conference and referring to renovations to 40-year old Joe Davis Stadium and the announcement of a NCAA Div. I college football game scheduled for the 2026 college football season.

Numerous organizations responsible for the announced Aug. 29 game between North Alabama and Samford came together at newly renovated Joe Davis Stadium to pave the way for the first ever Div. I game to be played at the long-standing facility. Battle added, “College football is deep in the culture in Alabama and Huntsville is proud to be part of that and happy to start the 2026 season.”

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 artificial turf 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.

“The vision for this moment started five years ago with UNA alumni who set up a visit with the Huntsville Sports Commission and Mayor Battle, and with other UNA sports already being held in Huntsville, the idea seemed to be a good one,” said UNA athletic director Josh Looney. “After meeting, I can say promises made, promises kept from the Mayor’s office.”

“I was told by our head basketball coach, Lennie Acuff, a Huntsville native, you won’t meet a better group of folks than those in Huntsville and we have been impressed with the renovations at this stadium and it means a lot to be part of this event,” added Martin Newton, athletic director at Samford University of Birmingham.

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, the vacant stadium underwent extensive renovations, with the stadium reopened in 2023 hosting professional soccer and other sporting events including football. Chad Emerson, managing director for the Huntsville City FC and Joe Davis Stadium, spoke of being totally committed to the August event, which is week zero of the college football season. “With all of the renovations we’ve made here, it will be electric when those teams run out of the tunnel that night.”

“The growing relationship with Samford has been incredible, and looking at week zero, my first call was to Samford and Martin said let’s do it,” said Looney, who also spoke on the newly built on-campus Bank Independent Stadium at North Alabama and the exit of Braly Stadium, home for the Lions’ program since 1949. “Our new stadium is expected to be open for our first home game in September and will host six games during the 2026 season.”

Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission said everything is in place for the 6:00 p.m. start on Aug. 29. He added, “Ticket information, tailgate details and premium experience details for the game are coming soon.”

“We’re excited to be here,” added Newton.