Five Things to Know: Virginia Tech vs. ODU

BLACKSBURG, Va. – After a dominant season-opening win against VMI on Sept. 5, Tech football will look to claim consecutive home wins as they welcome Old Dominion to Lane Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12 at noon ET. The matchup will serve as James Franklin’s second appearance in front of the Hokie faithful as head coach after what was a strong debut against the Keydets this past weekend. 

The game is now sold out, but fans still seeking tickets are encouraged to visit SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics.

Virginia Tech Football is just beginning what promises to be a program-defining season. To stay prepared for what is expected to be another can’t-miss contest, here are Five Things to Know for an unforgettable visit to Blacksburg and Lane Stadium this upcoming Saturday. 

Salute to Service – Virginia Tech Football is proud to recognize and honor past and present military service members, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and ROTCs and the military community home and abroad in the annual Salute to Service regular-season game. The initiative, which includes appreciation for first responders and hometown heroes, will be celebrated through moments across the contest on Saturday afternoon. Join the Hokies in saying “thank you” to those who continue to make profound sacrifices on this special day! 

White Effect – Tech fans are encouraged to wear white on Saturday in celebration of the White Effect themed contest. Don’t forget to dress in your best and brightest white alongside thousands of lively Hokie fans in Lane Stadium! 

An Unparalleled Gameday Experience – Backed by program-changing support alongside a plethora of advancements, Virginia Tech Football has excelled in its rise to national relevance as a rising championship contender. Because of this, the gameday experience at Lane Stadium has continued to change, meaning Hokie fans should stay up to date on the latest and greatest elements of Saturdays in Blacksburg.  

• Industry-leading technology has been installed in Lane Stadium, giving the videoboard, audio systems, and light displays upgrades that bring the biggest moments of gameday to life.  

• Hokie Village is thrilled to welcome new musical artists and a variety of new food trucks to its pre-game celebration on Thompson Field.  

• The first wave of cellular connectivity upgrades in Lane Stadium will debut in the 2026 regular season, allowing fans to stay connected while supporting the Hokies throughout gameday. 

• Hokie fans are encouraged to take advantage of fan favorite concessions, such as hot dogs, nachos, soda, and popcorn for just $5 at Lane Stadium. Additionally, new concessions offerings – such as “Enter Fryman” loaded fries, the “Gobbler Bowl” macaroni and cheese bowl and beef barbacoa quesadillas – are now available. Visit the concessions directory for more information. 

• Contactless NFC digital ticketing will allow fans to easily gain access to Lane Stadium by using their cellular devices at venue entry points. Fans are encouraged to download their tickets prior to gameday to ensure efficient access. For more information, visit the Mobile Ticket landing page. 

Visit the Virginia Tech Gameday Experience landing page for a more comprehensive look at the upgrades fans can enjoy in and around Lane Stadium.  

Pregame Moments and In-Game Celebrations – The excitement of gameday starts long before kickoff at Lane Stadium. Hokie Village, which opens its doors on Thompson Field yet again for Hokie fans and families, boasts an array of games, activities, live music, food trucks and more on Saturdays in Blacksburg! The free fan fest will open at 9 a.m. and close at 11:15 a.m. this upcoming Saturday, giving fans plenty of time to soak in all the excitement right across Beamer Way.  

Be sure to find your seats before kickoff as a flyover – featuring four T-6 Training Planes from the U.S. Air Force – takes place in the skies above Worsham Field. Additionally, be sure to join Virginia Tech Athletics in recognizing student-athletes from the AD Honor Roll, the 2026 ACC Champions Virginia Tech Wrestling Team and women’s golfer Valentine Delon for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements.  

Gameday Timeline – Seeking to maximize your time in Blacksburg while celebrating everything gameday has to offer? Look no further. Cite the Gameday Timeline for a play-by-play schedule of the biggest and brightest events taking place this upcoming Saturday.