It’s officially called Week Zero in the college football season.

However, that will be a misnomer, as far as the University of North Alabama, Samford University and the city of Huntsville are concerned.

It will be a real week in the schedule when the two schools meet Aug. 29 on Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

The intrastate contest will be the first NCAA Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision) game hosted by the city. The UNA Lions are members of the United Athletic Conference; the Samford Bulldogs are in the Southern Conference.

“This is why we renovated Joe Davis Stadium,” said Mayor Tommy Battle, who was introduced as the city’s “head coach” by Joel Lamp, the sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“This exciting day wouldn’t be possible with the tremendous team we have here,” Battle said. “Hosting the matchup reflects the commitment of the city’s partners. Sports tourism had a $50 million economic impact on Huntsville.”

Dr. Josh Looney, UNA director of athletics, said talk of the Lions playing in Huntsville started about five years ago.

“Count us in for football at Joe Davis,” he said, noting the city has seen the Lions host women’s soccer, beach volleyball and cross-country events in Huntsville.

UNA is opening Bank Independent Stadium – its first on-campus football stadium – this year and Looney said an element of its design – the end zone berm – was influenced by Joe Davis Stadium, when the Lions were there for a soccer game.

“We will have a tiered berm, identical in size to Joe Davis Stadium,” he said.

In seven months, the Lions will hit the field at The Joe.

“Promises made; promises kept,” Looney said. “We’re playing a college football game here.

“Can’t wait to kick things off. Roar Lions.”

Samford Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton said the Bulldogs under first-year Coach John Grass are eager to make the trip from Birmingham.

“We are excited about the opportunity to open the 2026 season and the John Grass era at this great venue in Huntsville,” he said. “Taking on a quality in-state opponent at a neutral site is a great way to kick off the season and we are thankful to the city of Huntsville and the Huntsville Sports Commission for this opportunity.

“We look forward to a great experience at Joe Davis Stadium on Aug. 29.”

Stewart jokingly responded to UNA being familiar with Huntsville in general and Joe Davis Stadium in particular, referring to the “neutral site” game. But, he did say current Samford and former UAH head basketball coach Lennie Acuff gave a good recommendation about Huntsville.

“He said ‘you will not meet a finer group of people’,” Stewart said. “The only thing I ask is that UNA’s football team be as gracious and hospitable as you have been.”

Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, said information on tickets, tailgating and other game-related issues will be forthcoming.

“We will have the information, a meet-the-coaches and other activities this summer,” he said.

Battle said he anticipates an exciting clash at The Joe.

“Whether you’re cheering for the Lions or Bulldogs,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the stadium filled with energy and fierce competition and team spirit.”