University of North Texas Athletics
DATCU Stadium at Night
What's New at DATCU 2026
9/4/2026 12:53:00 PM | Football, DATCU Stadium
UNT Launches Number of New Events at DATCU Stadium for 2026 Football Season
Mean Green set for six home games in 2026 football season
For more information contact: Doug Waters, doug.waters@unt.edu, (936) 240-6780
Mean Green set for six home games in 2026 football season
For more information contact: Doug Waters, doug.waters@unt.edu, (936) 240-6780
DENTON, Texas – Mean Green fans can make the most of their gameday experience at DATCU Stadium this season as UNT Athletics introduces a number of new enhancements, experiences and traditions throughout the 2026 campaign.
From new gameday themes and tailgating options to an expanded Mean Green Live experience and new in-stadium production elements, fans will have plenty to enjoy throughout the season.
GAME THEMES
September 12 vs. UNLV – Denton Desert | Stripeout
The Mean Green's first home game of the season will feature Denton Desert and Stripeout themes. Students are encouraged to wear white, while all other fans are asked to wear green. Limited-edition Desert Scrappy gear is available here.
September 26 vs. HCU – Senior Day | Family Weekend
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for a special pregame ceremony honoring the UNT seniors.
October 10 vs. Charlotte – Jammin' at DATCU
UNT Athletics will partner with the UNT College of Music for a special halftime performance, which will be announced at a later date. Mean Green Live will also feature a special performance from The Uppercuts during the pregame tailgate.
October 29 vs. FAU – Halloweentown, TX | Wear Black
Fans are encouraged to wear black for the Mean Green's Thursday night Halloween game. Fans can submit a shirt design for the game here. Finalists will be selected and put to a fan vote during the first week of October, with the winning design featured on the inaugural official Halloweentown, TX T-shirt.
November 7 vs. Rice – Homecoming
UNT's Homecoming celebration will include a bonfire on campus Thursday night. The Homecoming Court will also be recognized during halftime of the game.
November 28 vs. UAB – Salute to Service
The Mean Green will honor those who have served throughout the game with special recognitions. UNT Band and Spirit seniors will also be recognized as they take part in their final home football game.
EARLY ARRIVAL INCENTIVES
Fans who arrive early to each home game will have access to special items and experiences throughout the season.
For the season's first home game against UNLV, a limited number of Desert Scrappy YETI cups will be available for purchase with a beverage at designated concession stands. The cups feature a limited-edition logo created specifically for the game and are presented in YETI's Venom color.
TAILGATING
UNT Athletics has partnered with 5-Star Rental to expand and elevate the gameday tailgate experience with tailgating packages located near DATCU Stadium.
Fans can visit UNTTailgate.com to secure their spot on gameday.
Premium Tailgate Packages include a location in front of Gate 4, adjacent to the Mean Green Live stage and food trucks. Fans who purchase a Premium Tailgate Package will also receive a complimentary parking pass for the Blue Lot. Parking is not included with other tailgate packages.
Game tickets must be purchased separately.
MEAN GREEN LIVE
A new permanent stage will highlight the Mean Green Live experience near Gate 4, thanks to Jeff and Sandra Roeling for their generosity and support!
Created to celebrate Denton's and UNT's rich musical history, the stage will feature a DJ before each home game and serve as a central gathering place for fans throughout the tailgate.
The Uppercuts will perform on October 10 as part of the Jammin' at DATCU game theme.
The Mean Green Live area will also feature new food trucks, a cooling zone and concessions for fans to enjoy before kickoff.
TEAM APPEARANCES AND RECOGNITIONS
UNT's American Conference championship teams in women's indoor track and diving will be recognized at DATCU Stadium this season.
The Mean Green women's indoor track team will be recognized on September 26, while the diving team will be recognized on November 7.
Former UNT women's soccer head coach John Hedlund will also be recognized on September 26 following 32 years leading the Mean Green.
Hedlund started the UNT women's soccer program from scratch in 1995 and is the all-time wins leader among UNT head coaches. He ranks eighth on the NCAA's active wins list and 20th all-time with 406 career victories. Hedlund led UNT to 16 conference championships between the Sun Belt and Conference USA, including nine regular-season championships and seven conference tournament titles. No current or former member of either conference has won more league titles than UNT.
VIDEOBOARD PRODUCTION AND SOUND SYSTEM
Fans will see a new look to the DATCU Stadium videoboard show this season, with an increased emphasis on animated content designed to bring new energy to the in-stadium presentation.
A new wireless camera system will also bring fans closer to the action. The system will allow the stadium emcee to move into the stands and capture up-close shots of fans throughout the game.
Upgrades to the audio system within DATCU Stadium have been made this summer, bringing an enhanced experience to fans this season.
CASHLESS VENUE
UNT Athletics has transitioned to a cashless system at all venues. Cash will no longer be accepted for ticketing or concessions.
CONCESSIONS
Fans will have access to free water at Water Monster stations throughout DATCU Stadium and will be permitted to bring one unopened bottle of water into games when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Fans will also see new menu items and pricing at concession stands throughout the stadium, including The Walking Taco.
Fans are encouraged to visit multiple concession locations throughout the stadium as new vendors and menu options are introduced during the season.
Food vendors include Beth Marie's Ice Cream, Rudy's BBQ, Metzler's BBQ, La Laguna Kitchen, Donut NV, Fletcher's World Famous Corndogs, Kona Ice, and Travelin' Tom's Coffee. 1521 Craft House will feature 19.2 oz. craft beers and local brewery favorites on the concourse.
MEAN GREEN GEAR
Voertman's returns as the Official Team Store of the Mean Green for the 2026 season.
As part of the partnership, Voertman's has launched a special Desert Scrappy apparel line and will work with UNT Athletics to create the first fan-generated T-shirt for the Halloweentown, TX game.
Fans can submit artwork for the Halloweentown, TX T-shirt design competition through October 1 here.
The winning designer will receive tickets to the game, a special in-game recognition, a complimentary official Halloweentown, TX shirt and bragging rights as the creator of the first official Halloweentown, TX T-shirt.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
With construction underway as part of the UNT Athletic Center expansion project, access from the Blue Lots to Gate 1 will be unavailable during the 2026 season.
Fans parking in the Blue Lots should enter DATCU Stadium through Gate 4. Additional metal detectors will be available at Gate 4 to accommodate increased traffic at the entrance.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time to enjoy the Mean Green Live activities and enter the stadium.
City of Denton construction on Bonnie Brae near DATCU Stadium is expected to be completed by Wednesday, September 9, prior to the season opener. Fans should continue to expect ongoing construction on I-35 as part of the State of Texas' work, which could result in delays entering and exiting the highway.
UNT opens the 2026 season on September 5 at 11 a.m. CT against defending national champion and No. 6 Indiana on the road. The first home game is set for September 12 at 2:45 p.m. against UNLV.
Single-game tickets are available at MeanGreenTickets.com.
Season tickets for the 2026 season remain on sale. Season ticket holders receive additional benefits, including guaranteed seat locations when hosting The American Championship Game and VIP presale opportunities for away games, bowl games and other events hosted at DATCU Stadium.
Fans can visit MeanGreenTickets.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Fans can also call the UNT Athletics Ticket Office during normal business hours at 940-565-2527 or email ticketoffice@unt.edu.
-- GMG --
Wednesday, November 24
Wednesday, November 17
Wednesday, November 10
Tuesday, November 09