WVU Calls for Big Turnout at 2026 Gold-Blue Spring Festival

Head coach Rich Rodriguez urges fans to attend annual event with on-field action and country music performance.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of gold and blue, depicting fragmented and overlapping scenes of a college football spring game, capturing the dynamic atmosphere of the event.An artistic interpretation of the energy and excitement surrounding West Virginia's annual Gold-Blue Spring Festival, where fans can connect with the team and enjoy additional entertainment.Morgantown Today

The West Virginia Mountaineers football team is set to hold its annual Gold-Blue Spring Festival this Saturday, April 18, 2026, featuring a scrimmage, fan activities, and a post-game concert by country star Jake Owens. Head coach Rich Rodriguez is encouraging a strong turnout, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement and revenue generation for the program.

Why it matters

The Gold-Blue Spring Festival is a key annual event for the WVU football program, allowing fans to connect with the team, see new players in action, and enjoy additional entertainment. In the current era where athletic department revenues are crucial, driving strong attendance and engagement at these types of events is vital for the Mountaineers.

The details

The festival will kick off at 9:30 AM with a gear sale and pre-game festivities, followed by the football scrimmage from Noon to 1:30 PM. Fans will then have field access from 1:30 to 2:30 PM before country star Jake Owens performs a concert from 2:30 to 3:30 PM to cap the day's events.

  • The Gold-Blue Spring Festival is set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The football scrimmage will take place from Noon to 1:30 PM.
  • Fans will have field access from 1:30 to 2:30 PM.
  • Jake Owens' concert is scheduled from 2:30 to 3:30 PM.

The players

Rich Rodriguez

The head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers football team, who is encouraging a strong turnout for the annual Gold-Blue Spring Festival.

Jake Owens

A country music star who will be performing a concert at the end of the Gold-Blue Spring Festival.

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What they’re saying

“I know our players are really looking forward to it, our Blue-White deal, and I've talked to a lot fans that are really excited about coming up here and seeing some of the new guys and some of the activities we have.”

— Rich Rodriguez, Head Coach

“Bring your whole family, bring your kids.”

— Rich Rodriguez, Head Coach

What’s next

Fans can purchase tickets and find more information about the 2026 Gold-Blue Spring Festival on the West Virginia Mountaineers athletics website.

The takeaway

The annual Gold-Blue Spring Festival is a crucial event for the West Virginia Mountaineers football program, allowing them to engage with fans, showcase new players, and generate important revenue through ticket sales and concessions. Head coach Rich Rodriguez's call for a strong turnout underscores the significance of these types of fan-focused events in the modern college sports landscape.