ETTRICK, Va. – Virginia State University Athletics will light up the night when Trojan Football opens the 2026 season against Barton College on Thursday, August 27, at Rogers Stadium. 

Following the conclusion of the 6 p.m. season opener, fans are invited to remain in Rogers Stadium for a 15-minute postgame drone show presented by Visual Advantage Drone Shows, a Richmond, Virginia-based company. 

The show will illuminate the sky above Rogers Stadium with a specially designed Virginia State University experience, providing a memorable conclusion to VSU's only home night football game of the 2026 season. 

Fans are encouraged to WEAR BLACK for the season opener and help create a Black Out atmosphere inside Rogers Stadium. 

Postgame Drone Show Information 

The drone show will begin immediately following the conclusion of the game and will last approximately 15 minutes. 

For safety and optimal viewing of the show, the visiting-side bleachers will be closed during the drone show. Fans will not be permitted to remain in or enter the visiting bleachers once the game concludes. Additional instructions will be provided inside the stadium prior to the start of the show. 

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear black and be part of a special night as Virginia State kicks off the 2026 football season under the lights at Rogers Stadium. 

Virginia State vs. Barton College 
Thursday, August 27, 2026 
Kickoff: 6 p.m. 
Rogers Stadium 
WEAR BLACK