BROWNWOOD – September 2, 2026 – Howard Payne University (HPU) is challenging the Brownwood community and surrounding Heartland communities to fill Gordon Wood Stadium when Yellow Jacket football kicks off its home schedule Sept. 12.
The Yellow Jackets will host opponent Clutch City Preparatory at 6 p.m., followed by a professional, Fourth-of-July-style fireworks show immediately after the game. Sept. 12 is the team’s only night game of the 2026 season.
HPU is setting an attendance goal of 5,000 fans, which would establish the largest crowd for an NCAA Division III football game in Texas during the 2026 season.
The current Texas Division III attendance high from the 2025 season was approximately 3,500 fans.
“We want this to be a great night for Howard Payne, our football program and the entire region,” said Adam Bright, HPU’s director of athletics. “We have a goal of 5,000 fans, and we believe the Heartland can come together to support the Yellow Jackets and make this a memorable night.”
The Sept. 12 game will be the Yellow Jackets’ first home game following a season-opening trip to the West Coast.
The Yellow Jackets are entering the season strong and ready to compete for an American Southwest Conference championship, Bright said.
“Football & Fireworks” is made possible through the support of partners Underwood’s Cafeteria, Grooms Seed, Waldrop Construction and Brasher & Co.
Visit the HPU online box office to purchase tickets.
ABOUT HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Howard Payne University, founded in 1889, is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for lives of faith, leadership and service. With more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools, serving three locations, HPU combines academic excellence with meaningful personal connection in a close-knit campus community.
Guided by its five core values — centered on Christ, focused on community, called to service, committed to excellence and dedicated to stewardship — Howard Payne prepares students through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student life, competitive athletics and service opportunities that equip graduates to make an impact in their communities and professions.