Wheeling, W. Va. – With only 15 days left until the start of the 2026-2027 season, final preparations are being made for the start of competition for the Wheeling Athletics fall sports teams. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Wheeling Athletics, the department is welcoming fans to celebrate with an Opening Day Tailgate Party on Saturday, August 29th. Join us in the Alma Grace McDonough Center Parking Lot from 10 AM – 6:30 PM for food trucks, games, and more before a Cardinals doubleheader against Thomas More, which will see both football and men's rugby battling the Saints, kicks off at noon.
"We are celebrating the 70th anniversary of Wheeling Athletics during the 2026-2027 season, and we are so excited to welcome the fans back," said Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Engagement Zack Zeigler. "The Cardinals fans are the backbone of what has made Wheeling Athletics so successful over the years, and we want to thank them for their support as we kick-off another exciting year."
Gates for that afternoon's football game open at 9:30 AM, and the fun begins in the Alma Grace McDonough Parking Lot at 10 AM. Wheeling University student-athletes will join in the festivities, with several of the sports programs setting up tents with games and fun for fans in attendance. Leading the lineup of food for the event will be Wheeling University Campus Dining, who will have two stations throughout the day. They will have their normal concession stand inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center, and will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs in the tailgate area for Cardinal fans. Along with Campus Dining, three local food trucks have already confirmed for the event, with So Nuts 4 Donuts, Dupe's Scoops, and LABowls coming to celebrate. There are still spots open for food trucks wanting to join in on the fun, so reserve your slot by contacting Zack Zeigler at zzeigler@wheeling.edu.
A locally owned donut truck, So Nuts 4 Donuts serves the greater Ohio Valley, serving up donuts the only way they know how, irresistibly delicious and with a smile. Dupe's Scoops has been serving Wheeling and the surrounding area for two years, and they are passionate about being smiles to their community. With delicious frozen treats, gourmet hot dogs, and a fun family-friendly atmosphere, they look to bring smiles to everyone in the Wheeling area. Finally, LABowls is a locally owned family truck, serving fruit bowls and other items to the Wheeling community. The truck was built on family, community, and a lot of love, and they look to bring those values to every event they are at.
On the field, it will be a Cardinal doubleheader, with the Wheeling Football team and the Wheeling Men's Rugby team each opening their seasons. At noon, it is the first of three non-conference games for the Cardinals when they take on Thomas More in their 2026-2027 home opener. It will be the first college football game played on the newly turfed facility, and will be the first time the Cardinals have faced the Saints in program history. The Cardinal doubleheader wraps up under the lights as the Men's Rugby team welcomes in the Saints for a battle of their own at 6 PM. It will be the eighth meeting between the two programs, and the fifth all-time meeting between the two teams in 15's rugby. Both teams will look to start the season out strong, putting a cap on the day of celebration to kickoff the 2026-27 season.
For more information on the Opening Day Tailgate, and to RSVP, visit our event page by clicking HERE. Come join the Cardinals as we kick off another exciting year of Wheeling Athletics.
