Virginia and Vanderbilt to Play Football Home-and-Home Series

Virginia and Vanderbilt have agreed to a football home-and-home series scheduled for 2028 and 2031, marking the first meeting between the programs since 1975. The first game will take place Sept. 16, 2028, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, according to the agreement.

Why does this series matter?

The agreement ends a nearly 50-year hiatus between the two schools. According to the announcement, the 2028 meeting will be the 22nd in a series that began in 1895. Vanderbilt currently holds a 12-7-2 advantage in the all-time series.

Did You Know? The first meeting between Virginia and Vanderbilt took place in 1895 in Atlanta, where Virginia won 6-4.

The return of the Commodores to Charlottesville in 2031 will mark the first time a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team has visited Scott Stadium since 2002. In that 2002 matchup, UVA defeated South Carolina 34-21 in front of 60,171 fans.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that bringing an SEC opponent back to Charlottesville after a 23-year gap could drive significant fan interest and ticket demand, echoing the high attendance seen during the 2002 South Carolina game.

What happens next for Virginia’s schedule?

Virginia has now secured three non-conference opponents for the 2028 season. These include Vanderbilt on Sept. 16, Richmond on Sept. 23, and James Madison on a date yet to be determined.

The specific date for the 2031 return game in Charlottesville may be announced at a later time. The university’s non-conference strategy for 2028 could be further influenced as the James Madison date is finalized.

How can fans access 2026 tickets and parking?

Season tickets for the 2026 season are on sale, with reserved seats starting at $180 for seven home games at Scott Stadium. Family Four Packs, which cover four to 10 seats, start at $560 total.

Discounts and Tailgating

Discounts: A 20% discount is available for current full-time UVA Faculty and Staff, Young Alumni within five years of graduation, and contributing members of the Alumni Association.
Tailgating: Virginia Athletics and REVELxp offer full-service tailgating at O-Hill Field, including equipment setup and breakdown. Packages are available at revelxp.com.

Parking Requirements

Season parking passes for 2026 are available to those who make a Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) Annual Fund gift between $1,750 and $7,500. The cost for the corresponding permit ranges from $300 to $350.

Virginia Tech vs. Vanderbilt Game Highlights | 2024 ACC Football

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the first game of the Virginia-Vanderbilt series?

The first game is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2028, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.

When was the last time Virginia and Vanderbilt played football?

The two schools last met on the gridiron in 1975.

Who leads the all-time series between the two teams?

Vanderbilt holds a 12-7-2 advantage in the all-time series.

How do you think the return of SEC football to Charlottesville will impact fan attendance?