CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Ahead of the 2026 regular season opener at Fortera Stadium against Gardner-Webb, Austin Peay State University Athletics is proud to unveil a myriad of enhancements to the gameday experience in Stacheville. 

Tailgate Alley Presented by Wyatt-Johnson Toyota 

An Austin Peay football tradition in its 15th year, Tailgate Alley is back in Lot 6 (Foy Lot) and sponsored this year by Wyatt-Johnson Toyota. Wyatt-Johnson will offer free food to fans in Tailgate Alley and running an offer during the first game where fans can receive $1,000 off the best internet price for a vehicle at Wyatt-Johnson Toyota by scanning the QR code set up at different vehicle displays. 

Student Affairs also will host a student-tailgate as well, with food, giveaways and yard games. In addition to tailgates, food trucks from Janae's Italian Ice, Fryz Wit Dat and Windy City Vibez will be set up in Tailgate Alley. 

Returning again for another year, the Kids Zone will be located adjacent to Morgan Bros. Field and will feature inflatables, face-painting and more for our youngest Governor fans! While you're there learn more about the Junior Govs Club, presented by Spring Creek Pediatric Dentistry, and register for the 2026-27 season! 

Throughout pregame, various partners of Austin Peay athletics will be active in Tailgate Alley. In addition, our friends from Tennessee Kids Belong will be in Tailgate Alley raising awareness for their mission of working to improve the experiences and outcomes of kids in Tennessee's foster care system. 

The Gov Walk begins promptly at 3:30 p.m.; head coach Jeff Faris will lead his team through Tailgate Alley and into Fortera Stadium. All Governors fans are welcome to Tailgate Alley to cheer on Coach Faris and the Govs on their way into The Fort!

Getting Inside 

Gates open one hour prior to the 6 p.m. kickoff, except for the Maynard Gate, which opens 90 minutes prior to gametime. The first 1,000 fans will receive a replica Austin Peay football jersey, sponsored by Coca-Cola. 

Fortera Stadium introduced a clear bag policy ahead of the 2025 season. Clear bags must be no larger than 12 x 12 inches, and non-clear bags must be no larger than 6.5 x 4.5 inches. Upon entrance to the stadium, fans also will pass through metal detectors, which were introduced in 2025. 

The City Forum Family Zone 

The City Forum Family Pack is the best deal in town for families in the Clarksville-Montgomery County community to experience Clarksville's Hometown Team on gameday!

Located in section Q, The City Forum Family Zone offers a great experience to cheer on the Governors for an excellent price. When you buy four season tickets to The City Forum Family Zone, you will also receive four attraction passes to use at The City Forum, all for $150!

The City Forum Kids Zone will be located in the southeast corner of Fortera Stadium, which is full of games and entertainment for kids during Austin Peay football games. It is FREE for ALL kids!

Food and Drink 

Back for another year, the Blazin' VIPeay Endzone Experience by Buffalo Wild Wings puts fans on the field behind the south end zone, with all-you-can-eat wings and beer provided by Budweiser of Clarksville. Contact the ticket office for more information on how to secure your spot and become a VIPeay! 

In addition to the concession offerings fans have come to know and love at The Fort, Chick-Fil-A of Madison Street will be selling sandwiches and nuggets on the Level 2 concourse on the home side of the stadium. Marcos Pizza also will be on the concourse, selling pizza by the slice. 

Pregame 

The Governors Own Marching Band begins its pregame show at 5:43 p.m.; be in your seats to see what Dr. M. Cory Schmitt and the GOMB have in store this year! 

Prior to the game, all Austin Peay freshmen are being invited to run out onto the field before their first home game as Austin Peay students. 

Tickets

Still need tickets? Visit www.LetsGoPeay.com/buytickets or call the Austin Peay ticketing office at 931-221-PEAY (7329) to secure single-game or season tickets today!