Valdosta State University is gearing up for another exciting football season as they prepare to build off last year’s success. The Blazers, who made it to the national quarterfinals and secured a share of their 10th Gulf South Conference title, have launched season ticket sales for 2024.
The upcoming season promises to be historic, featuring six home games at the beloved Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. The season kicks off on August 31, with the first game against their long-standing rival Albany State, marking the first time VSU has opened the season at home in August since 2008, and the first overall August opener since 2009.
Pricing for the season has been set to make it accessible for various groups. Adult season tickets are priced at $100, with reductions to $90 for VSU faculty, staff, and seniors above the age of 65. Youth tickets for those aged 5 to college students are available for just $55. Fans can purchase tickets through the official website, ensuring they don’t miss out on the home games.
Valdosta State's home schedule includes exciting matchups against teams such as Fayetteville State on September 14, West Alabama on September 28, and Mississippi College on October 19 during Homecoming Week. The game against Fayetteville marks the first encounter between the Blazers and the Broncos of Fayetteville State.
The Blazers will also play host to Chowan on November 2 and celebrate Senior Day against West Florida on November 16.
Despite these optimistic developments, the program is also facing significant changes. VSU’s recent loss to Ferris State, where they were defeated 49-14 in the Division II Football National Championship, has led to the departure of Head Coach Tremaine Jackson, who left to become the head coach at Prairie View A&M just 24 hours after the game. This marks another change for VSU, who previously lost head coach Gary Goff to McNeese State following their 2021 national championship game.
The timing of this change is particularly challenging for the Blazers. With just four football-playing institutions remaining in the Gulf South Conference, the coaching search is set to be closely watched as VSU looks to maintain its competitive edge.
Speaking on this transition, sports analyst Tony Duckworth reflected, “VSU has lost its second coach within 24 hours of playing in the NCAA D-II national championship games. It will be interesting to see how they rebuild and recover from these losses.”
The stakes are high, as Valdosta State has historically been competitive at the national level, with four titles to their name and now three narrow misses. Their fans remain hopeful for a swift recovery and are eager to support their team as they adapt to this new chapter.
Following their successful run to the national quarterfinals, the Blazers’ fanbase remains steadfast and optimistic. The community support for the team is pivotal as they head toward this new season. Youth engagement and support at the games only reaffirm the meaning of the team within the local culture.
Alongside the anticipated excitement of the season, Blazer fans have reportedly continued to express pride about the team’s accomplishments, eager to see how the team can bounce back from adversity. The history of VSU is built upon resilience, and with new leadership on the horizon, fans are hopeful for another championship run.
With the sellout crowds expected to fill Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, the aura of community pride and engagement will undoubtedly serve as motivating factors for the team. Fans can visit the official VSU athletics website to secure their tickets early and prepare for the exciting matchups on the 2024 schedule.
The upcoming football season is not just about wins and losses; it’s also about fostering community spirit and tradition which the VSU Blazers have long represented.
Regardless of the challenges from the previous season, it’s clear the Valdosta State Blazers are not just players on the field but role models within their community, showcasing the essence of teamwork and perseverance.
