GAMEDAY SCHEDULE: Penguins vs. Lakers
8/25/2026 2:30:00 PM | Football
Gameday Promotions
- Car Coach Display Day
- Football Schedule Magnet Giveaway
- YSU Student T-Shirt
The Youngstown State football team plays their 2026 opener against Mercyhurst at Stambaugh Stadium on Thursday night. Kickoff for the contest is set for 6 p.m.
With YSU classes in session, fans are advised to be aware of a lot of activity on campus for the opener on Thursday.
Tailgating festivities are set to begin at 2 p.m. in the M-70 (Gault Heating and Cooling) and M-81 (Youngstown Tile Retail Design Center) Tailgate Lots. Beer will be on sale in all tailgate lots at that time. Parking will be available in various surface lots around the Stadium and in the M-30 Deck.
Handicap parking in the M-60 Lot located south of the stadium will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. YSU Parking Services will offer golf-cart shuttle service to the South concourse elevator.
Again this season, YSU will be doing a hybrid of acceptable tickets for entry. Mobile and printed tickets will both be accepted, however mobile tickets are highly encouraged to decrease wait times. All student tickets for the 2026 campaign will be digital.
The YSU Bookstore, which is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., will also be selling merchandise at the game on the West Stands Concourse. They will be accepting credit cards for purchases.
Throughout the game members of the softball team will be selling 50/50 Raffle Tickets. The 50/50 raffle is also available online. The YSU women's and men's golf teams will be selling game programs.
As always, YSU students are admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets on gameday are $25 for reserved seats, but only $20 in advance (Youth - $12/10 and Seniors $10). The YSU Athletic Ticket Office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
For those individuals who cannot make Saturday's game can follow the game via LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO | LIVE AUDIO. Fans need a subscription to ESPN+ to watch the contest.
Thursday's Schedule
- 9 a.m. - Athletic Ticket Office opens
- 9 a.m. - YSU Bookstore opens
- 2 p.m. - Tailgate Lots (M-70 & M-81) open
- 3:30 p.m. - YSU Football Team walks through M-70 Gault Heating and Cooling tailgate lot
- 4:30 p.m. - Stambaugh Stadium Gates Open
- 4:30 p.m. – Car Coach Display (West side of Stadium)
- 5 p.m. - YSU Marching Pride performance adjacent to the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center
- 5 p.m. – Raising Cane's Tailgate Radio Show Live From M-70 Gault Heating and Cooling tailgate lot
- 5 p.m. - Mosure Hall of Gridiron Glory Opens on Concourse Level
- 5:45 p.m. - YSU Marching Pride Pregame Show
- 6 p.m. - Tailgate Lots Close
- 6:02 p.m. - YSU vs. Mercyhurst
Halftime: YSU Marching Pride
Postgame: Bryant Heating & Cooling 5th Quarter Radio Show on AM 570 WKBN
Fans are encouraged to use #GoGuins and #PenguinNation when posting gameday photos and videos on Instagram and X. If you need assistance in the tailgate lot, contact YSU Police at (330) 941-3527.
Fan Services and credit card sales are available at the YSU Athletic Ticket Office inside Stambaugh Stadium.
