Fall is the busiest stretch on Richmond’s sports calendar. Baseball wraps up as college football gets going, high school stadiums fill on Friday nights, and by late fall the Siegel Center is loud again.
Quick Answer
Richmond’s fall sports scene runs on four tracks: University of Richmond Spiders football at Robins Stadium, VCU Rams basketball starting late fall at the Siegel Center, Richmond Kickers soccer at City Stadium, and Virginia High School League football on Friday nights. The Flying Squirrels finish their season at The Diamond in September. Schedules, tickets, and parking rules change year to year, so check each team’s official site before planning around a game.
College Football: Richmond and Virginia Union
The University of Richmond Spiders play FCS football at Robins Stadium on campus in the West End, off River Road. It is one of the better game-day environments in the region precisely because it is not enormous: a pretty campus, good sight lines from most seats, and a short walk from parking.
Tailgating is part of the culture, generally in designated campus lots that open a set number of hours before kickoff. Rules on lot access, grills, alcohol, and passes are set by the university and are not worth guessing at. Look them up on the official Richmond Spiders athletics site first.
Across town, Virginia Union University plays NCAA Division II football at Hovey Field on its Northside campus along Lombardy Street. VUU game days carry the full HBCU tradition, band included, and the atmosphere is worth experiencing whatever your rooting interest. North of the city, Randolph-Macon College fields a Division III program in Ashland, an easy drive up I-95 into a charming small-town setting.
VCU Basketball
Basketball is Richmond’s signature spectator sport, and VCU is why. The Rams play in the Atlantic 10 at the Stuart C. Siegel Center on West Broad Street, and the building has earned its reputation: compact, steep, extremely loud, with a student section that is a real factor rather than a marketing line.
The season starts in late fall and runs through winter into the conference tournament. A few practical notes:
- Tickets can be tight. Season demand is strong and single-game seats for marquee opponents move fast. Check the official VCU Athletics site rather than relying on resale.
- Transit works here. The GRTC Pulse runs the Broad Street corridor, making the arena unusually accessible for a Richmond venue.
- Parking is a downtown problem. Decks near campus fill early. Arriving early and eating in the neighborhood solves both at once.
- Richmond also plays A-10 basketball at the Robins Center, which makes for an in-city rivalry locals take seriously.
Richmond Kickers and the End of Baseball Season
The Richmond Kickers play professional soccer at City Stadium near the Museum District, off Maplewood Avenue. It is an old, small, character-filled ground, and the supporters’ section brings real noise. The season runs spring into fall, so early football weekends and late soccer overlap, and it is one of the most affordable live sports options in town.
Meanwhile the Richmond Flying Squirrels wrap up at The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard in September. Double-A baseball here is as much social event as sport, and the last homestands land on some of the most comfortable evenings of the year. If you have been meaning to go all summer, September is last call until spring.
Friday Night High School Football
The Virginia High School League governs high school athletics statewide, and around Richmond, Friday night football is a serious community event. Public schools across the city, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover field teams, and several long-standing independent programs play their own schedules.
If you are new here, it is the cheapest and most authentic way to plug into your neighborhood. Worth knowing: many schools use digital ticketing rather than cash at the gate, bag policies are common, and games get moved for weather. Check the school’s athletics page during the week rather than showing up on faith.
Planning a Game Day
| Event | Venue | Typical season | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Spiders football | Robins Stadium, UR campus | Fall | Campus lots with posted tailgating rules |
| VCU basketball | Siegel Center, West Broad Street | Late fall through winter | Pulse along Broad, or downtown decks |
| Richmond Kickers | City Stadium | Spring into fall | Drive; neighborhood street parking |
| Flying Squirrels | The Diamond, Arthur Ashe Boulevard | Ends in September | Drive; on-site lots off the Boulevard |
| Virginia Union football | Hovey Field, Northside | Fall | Campus and street parking |
| High school football | School stadiums region-wide | Fall, Friday nights | Arrive early for rivalry games |
Advice that holds across venues: verify date and time the week of the game, since kickoffs move for broadcast; check the clear bag policy; and dress for a Richmond fall, which can mean short sleeves at kickoff and a jacket by the fourth quarter. For city park and event information, rva.gov is the official source.
Tailgating Without Getting Shut Down
- Read the venue’s posted policy first. Alcohol, grills, canopies, and lot opening times vary by school and are enforced.
- Know whether you need a lot pass. Some tailgating areas require a pass separate from your game ticket.
- Bring shade and water. Early-season afternoons here are still hot and humid.
- Plan for charcoal disposal. Never dump coals on grass or in a regular trash can; many lots designate a container.
- Pack out what you bring. Trash left in lots is the fastest way for a school to restrict tailgating.
- Arrange a sober driver before anyone opens a cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest fall sport in Richmond?
College basketball has the deepest following, and VCU drives most of it, though the season does not get going until late fall. For actual fall Saturdays, University of Richmond football is the main draw.
Where do the Flying Squirrels play, and when does the season end?
At The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The Double-A season concludes in September, so early fall is the last chance to catch a game.
Can you tailgate at University of Richmond football games?
Yes, in designated campus areas, subject to the university’s rules on lot access, grills, and alcohol. Confirm the current policy on the official athletics site before you load the car.
Is the Siegel Center accessible by public transit?
It sits on the West Broad Street corridor served by the GRTC Pulse, which makes it one of the easier venues in the region to reach without driving.
Are Richmond Kickers matches good for families?
Generally yes. City Stadium is small, tickets are among the more affordable options in town, and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming.
How do I find high school football schedules?
Start with the school’s athletics page, and the Virginia High School League for postseason structure. Schedules shift for weather more often than people expect.
Where should I look for the actual 2026 schedules?
Go to each program’s official athletics website. We deliberately do not publish dates here, because they change and a stale schedule is worse than none.
Moving here and want to land near the action? Browse available Richmond-area rentals, read up on the City of Richmond and Henrico County, or contact our team about which part of town fits you.
