Flames fans get hyped for 2025-26 school year with preseason events
August 16, 2025 : By Christian Shields - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
Two weeks before Liberty University Flames Football kicks off the 2025 campaign with a home matchup against the University of Maine, Liberty Athletics offered two opportunities over the weekend for both new and returning fans to get hyped for the upcoming season.
On Friday evening, Liberty incoming freshmen converged at Liberty Arena for the 2025 Flames Kickoff, where Liberty Athletics coaches and staff welcomed new students into Flames Nation, teaching them game day traditions and cheers along with how to live out the individual callings God has for their lives.
On Saturday afternoon, Liberty fans of all ages and backgrounds were invited to a free Fan Appreciation Day at Williams Stadium to watch Flames Football in action for a team scrimmage, followed by an autograph session in the Liberty Indoor Practice Facility.
The event also included Fan Fest activities, inflatables for children, and a performance by the Spirit of the Mountain marching band.
[For tickets to upcoming football games and special season ticket packages, visit LUFootball.com or call/text the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-5015.]
During the Flames Kickoff on Friday night, Liberty President Dr. Dondi E. Costin encouraged students to attend athletics events throughout the year and join the LUnatics fan club.
“This is one exciting — and excited — university,” he said. “Welcome to Liberty University. Part of what you get to do is be part of Flames Nation. I guarantee you this is big-time athletics, so don’t miss a single thing.”
Vice President and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw told them Liberty has the fastest rising athletics program in the country, which is “only possible because of the incredible support we receive from our students.”
Flames Football Head Coach Jamey Chadwell asked students to show up to support the team in its first home matchup of the 2025 campaign on Aug. 30, when they take on the Maine Black Bears.
“One of the best feelings our program has and our players have is when we run out of the tunnel, the band is there, the cheerleaders are doing their thing, and we look over at the student section, and it’s full,” he said. “You are the best students in Conference USA, and you give us purpose every time we go out and play.”
Lady Flames Softball Coach Dot Richardson shared her personal experience as a student-athlete and encouraged each student to find God’s calling for their lives.
“Congratulations. You are at the largest Christian university in the world,” she said. “I come up here to declare Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I’m here to remind you that God will give you amazing gifts in abundance. Use those gifts and talents to honor him.”
The Liberty Cheerleading team, Liberty Dance team, and Spirit of the Mountain marching band also performed.
“I feel like I’m really prepared now for the games,” said freshman Ava Webster, who is from Loudon County, Va., and plans to study elementary education. “I know the chants, I’m ready to get hype, and I see everyone around me has the same energy.”
“God is at the center of it all (here),” she added. “Every football game, in class — everything is all about God. It’s so unique that at Liberty we talk about following Christ (well). I’m really excited about that.”
