The rivalry between James Madison and William & Mary dates back to 1978 and has been going strong ever since. There is no love lost between these two Virginia-based conference rivals, and every matchup is a can’t miss as conference supremacy and bragging rights are always on the line. The Dukes lead the all-time series 22-17, so come out and support them as they try to extend their lead this season.
James Madison Dukes vs Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens
Rival Team: Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens
You won’t want to miss it when James Madison and Delaware square off. These two Colonial Athletic Association rivals first met in 1983, but the rivalry didn’t take off until the two schools became conference rivals in 1993. The Blue Hens hold a 14-10 lead in the all-time series, but the Dukes will look to draw nearer when the two meet his season.
No matter where the two teams are in the standings, the JMU-Richmond game is always one of the best games of the season. Matchups between these two Virginia schools have produced many memorable moments over the years including the Spiders victory over the Dukes when College Gameday was in town in 2015.
James Madison Dukes Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating is a big part of attending football games at James Madison, and it shows. The reserved parking lots open at 8 am so no matter how early the game starts you’ll have plenty of time to tailgate before the game. Tailgate lovers with reserved parking passes will especially be in luck if they’re attending a night game as they’ll have all day to tailgate before the game. The one downside to tailgating at a Dukes game is that the general parking lots don’t allow as much tailgating since tailgating is only permitted in general lots starting four hours before the game.
Everywhere you look on game days you’ll see Dukes fans decked out in purple and gold grilling and throwing back drinks. Whether it’s the alumni or students, Dukes fans go all out on game days making a James Madison gameday an unforgettable experience.
Finally, make sure to attend the Dog Walk as it’s an excellent way to get into the game day spirit when attending a Dukes game. The Dog Walk takes place 2 hours and 45 minutes before kickoff and allows you to greet the Dukes as they make their way to the field.
Tailgating at James Madison is a fantastic time for any college football fan or just anyone who loves tailgating, so arrive early to get the most out of your trip to James Madison.
Before the game, make sure to greet the team as they make their way into the Athletic Performance Center. The Dog Walk takes place 2 hours and 45 minutes before kickoff and is an excellent way for you to get into the JMU spirit before kickoff.
The Fan Zone is located on Godwin Field and is a great place to hangout before the game starts. Here you’ll find all kinds of activities including inflatables, football toss, face painting and much more.
Where to tailgate
Reserved ParkingThose of you who want to experience as much tailgating as possible at a Dukes game will want to secure a reserved parking spot. Reserved parking opens a 8 am on game days and is where you’ll find all the season tickets and diehard tailgaters at Dukes games.
General ParkingIf you can’t get a Reserved Parking spot, don’t worry as the general parking lots still provide plenty of tailgating fun. You can tailgate in the General parking lots up to four hours before the game giving you plenty of time to drink and eat with friends and family.
RV and Bus ParkingOversized vehicles can park in the RV and bus parking lot starting at 5 pm on Fridays before the game. If you’re bringing a tricked out tailgate rig, you’ll find yourself right at home when attending a James Madison football game.
Football HospitalityThe Hospitality area opens two hours before kickoff and is the perfect tailgating spot if you’re hosting a large group or don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up a tailgate. The package provides you with everything you need for a great pregame party including a tent, table, chairs, and a catered meal.
James Madison Dukes Stadium Guide
In Game
The Dukes just won the FCS National Championship in 2016, so you better believe you’ll be in for an exciting game when attending a JMU football game. JMU is home to one of the best football teams in the country, and as a result, you’ll get to see some of the best players take the field when attending a game at Bridgeforth Stadium.
The team’s recent success has also helped make the atmosphere at a Dukes game incredible as well. Fans and students come out in large numbers to support the Dukes and cheer them on to victory. Students and alumni especially have a lot of pride in their team, and all throughout the game, you’ll see fans throwing streamers and cheering.
The band, which is known as the Marching Royal Dukes, is also no slouches when it comes to putting on a good show. They won the Sudler Trophy for best marching band in 1994 and are one of the best parts of any Dukes game. You won’t want to miss any of the band’s three performances, so make sure to arrive early and stay until the end of the post game show to get the full JMU game day experience.
James Madison is home to one of the best game day experiences in the FCS, so start planning your trip to Harrisonburg today.
Stop by the lower concourse and see the murals dedicated to the biggest moments in Dukes football. The murals are a must-see for any JMU fan or college football fans, so check them out during your trip.
Check out the team stores on the upper and lower concourses if you’re looking to get some Dukes gear at the game. The team stores sell a wide selection of merchandise meaning you won’t have to worry about leaving empty-handed.
You won’t want to miss the performance of the Marching Royal Dukes when taking in a JMU football game. The Marching Dukes are one of the best bands around having won the Sudler Trophy in 1994 and put on an incredible pregame, halftime, and postgame show.
Duke Dog made his first appearance in 1982 and since then has become a staple of JMU sporting events. He’s one of the best mascots in college sports, and he was even a finalist for the Capital One Mascot Bow in 2004, so you won’t want to miss any of his antics, which include barking during the singing of the “JMU Fight Song.”
Following every big play made by the Dukes, you’ll see purple and gold streamers flying from the stands. Join in the tradition or at the very least get a picture or video of the streamers to show your friends when you return home.
Join in the cheers lead by the cheerleading squad to show your support for the Dukes. You can see the cheerleaders trying their best to keep spirits high all throughout the game, so join in and how your support for the Dukes.
Fight Songs
JMU Fight Song
Madison, James Madison,
We are the Dukes of JMU
Madison, James Madison,
The fighting Dukes of JMU
Fight for Glory– Honors Won
Brighten the Lights of Madison
Madison, James Madison,
Show your Colors
Proud and True
We are the Dukes of JMU
JMU School Song
Madison, James Madison
We’ll Be Forever True
Our Loyalty Will Always Be To JMU
While Friends Remain Within Our Hearts
And Knowledge Guides Our Way
James Madison Will Lead Us On
To Conquer Each New Day
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