Emporia State to Provide Free Tickets to Athletic Events
ESU Hornets: A Year of Celebration Begins!
Emporia State University is proud to kick off the Year of Celebration with a game-changing announcement:
For the entire 2025–26 academic year, General Admission to all ESU regular season athletic events is absolutely free!
That’s right—whether it’s Football, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, Softball, or Baseball, we’re opening the gates so the Hornet faithful can show up, get loud, and celebrate all we’ve accomplished—together. Don’t miss our Cross Country, Track, Tennis and Disc Golf team competitions that have always been complementary to enjoy.
This is our way of saying thank you to the students, faculty, alumni, fans, community and families who bring the buzz to campus. We want to see you in the stands, filling Welch Stadium, roaring in White Auditorium, and rallying across every field and court.
And while our students already enjoy free admission, this provides them with the opportunity to afford to bring the entire family to one or more games during the season.
It’s also your chance to help grow Hornet Nation.
Invite someone new to the game—someone who’s never felt the electricity of a Saturday at Welch or the roar of White Auditorium. They can experience it all, for free. What better way to welcome new fans, create lasting memories, and build the next generation of Hornets?
Prefer the premium or reserved experience? We’ve still got you covered. Season Reserved, VIP Packages, and Single Game Reserved tickets for Hornet Football and Basketball are still available—[check out those options here].
Plus, our Live at the Hive VIP tailgate experience returns for all home football games—[learn more about it here].
The season kicks off Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m. when Hornet Football hosts Minot State at Welch Stadium. Let’s pack the house and launch this year in true Hornet Fashion – with a blackout – wear black to the first game and let’s show that Stinger’s Up pride!
Details on how the complimentary ticket program works—as well as answers to common questions—are available below.
Year of Celebration Q&A
Q: Which athletic events are offering free General Admission tickets?
A: All ESU sports are included! As part of the Year of Celebration, General Admission tickets will be free for all Emporia State University regular season home athletic events during the 2025–26 academic year. This includes Football, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, Softball, and Baseball.
Q: Are you issuing physical GA tickets this year?
A: No, GA areas will not be ticketed. Fans can simply show up and enter the designated GA areas—no tickets required. Reserved seating will still go through our normal ticketing system.
Q: Can I still purchase reserved seats or VIP experiences?
A: Yes, those options are still available. Reserved season tickets, single-game reserved seats, and VIP packages for Hornet Football and Basketball remain on sale for fans who prefer premium seating. Our Live at the Hive tailgate experience also continues for all home football games.
Q: I already purchased GA season tickets. What happens now?
A: You’ll automatically receive a full refund. Please contact us if you do not see that on your account by August 15, 2025. If you previously purchased GA season tickets, you’ll be issued a full refund. Your account will remain active and eligible for easy renewal next season, and you’ll still have full access to all GA areas during this celebratory year.
Alternatively, if you would like to upgrade to a chairback reserve season ticket package, there are several options available. To do this, visit esuhornets.com, locate our ticketing tab at the top of the page, click "Tickets," and select "Football 2025." Should you need any assistance, please call us at 620-341-5350. If you don’t get an answer, leave a short voicemail, and we will return your call promptly.
Q: I am a reserved season ticket holders, are my seats still saved for me?
A: Yes, we have you covered! If you purchased reserved season tickets, don’t worry – we have them set for you, and you can count on the same great experience. Thank you for being such a loyal supporter of Hornet Nation!
Q: How does parking work now that GA is free?
A: Parking remains unchanged. Fans will still have access to the same options of free and paid parking as in previous years. Information can be found here.
Q: Will “Live at the Hive” still be offered this season?
A: Yes, it’s back and better than ever! The Live at the Hive VIP tailgate experience will continue during home football games. Enjoy food, fun, and front-row energy—tailgate tents are also available for rental.
Q: Can groups still attend games together?
A: Yes, and it’s easier than ever. Groups are encouraged to self-organize and attend under the complimentary GA model—just show up and sit together! For groups interested in a reserved experience, discounted reserved blocks for football and basketball are available, along with tailgate tent rentals in the Live at the Hive area. You can learn more on the reserved group options here.
