Howard Payne University is inviting Brownwood and surrounding Heartland communities to Gordon Wood Stadium on Sept. 12 for a football opener that will end with a professional fireworks show.
The Yellow Jackets will host Clutch City Preparatory at 6 p.m. in the university’s first home game after opening the season with a trip to the West Coast. The fireworks will begin immediately after the game.
Aiming for a record-setting crowd
Howard Payne has set an attendance goal of 5,000 fans. If reached, the crowd would become the largest for an NCAA Division III football game in Texas during the 2026 season, according to the university’s announcement.
The current Texas Division III attendance high from the 2025 season was approximately 3,500 fans. The Sept. 12 matchup is also Howard Payne’s only night game scheduled for the 2026 season.
“We want this to be a great night for Howard Payne, our football program and the entire region,” said Adam Bright, HPU’s director of athletics. “We have a goal of 5,000 fans, and we believe the Heartland can come together to support the Yellow Jackets and make this a memorable night.”
Game, fireworks and ticket information
The event, billed as “Football & Fireworks,” is planned as a Fourth-of-July-style professional fireworks show following the football game. The university said the event is supported by Underwood’s Cafeteria, Grooms Seed, Waldrop Construction and Brasher & Co.
Tickets are available through the Howard Payne University online box office. The university is encouraging residents and fans from across the Heartland to attend as the Yellow Jackets begin their home schedule.
Howard Payne football enters new season
Howard Payne said the Yellow Jackets are entering the season strong and prepared to compete for an American Southwest Conference championship, according to Bright.
Founded in 1889, Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood. The school offers more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools and serves students at three locations. Its stated values include faith, community, service, excellence and stewardship, alongside academics, student life, athletics and service opportunities.