Davidson College football will give Lake Norman residents their first look at the 2026 Wildcats when the program hosts its annual Fan Fest on Friday, Aug. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Davidson College Stadium.

Fans can watch a live football scrimmage, meet players for autograph sessions, and enjoy inflatables, tailgate games, craft beer and concessions at the stadium at 109 Patterson Ct. Cir. in Davidson, according to a Cornelius Today events listing and a promotional post from the Visit Lake Norman Instagram account. No registration is required.

The scrimmage offers a window into what head coach Saj Thakkar has built during preseason camp, which opened July 28 on Field 76 inside the stadium. Thakkar, entering his second season leading the program, told Davidson Athletics after that first practice that he liked what he saw from the veterans.

"I saw our older guys really taking ownership of things," Thakkar said on July 28. "We challenged these guys with leadership and communication, and they did a phenomenal job. They're helping the young guys come along."

Senior wide receiver Andrew Frazier is among the returning players fans can expect to see Friday. Frazier told Davidson Athletics after the opening practice that the early camp grind is about preparing bodies for a 12-game Pioneer League schedule at the FCS level.

"These first couple days are very crucial to the whole season," Frazier said on July 28. "Just getting our bodies acclimated again to playing football, getting used to these intense practices. So then when the season comes, things are a lot easier, guys are a lot more durable and we can finish out the games."

Thakkar has also signaled a new Nike apparel partnership for the program, calling it the "Nike era of Davidson College Football" in a promotional message shared by Visit Lake Norman on Aug. 7.

Davidson's season opener is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, two weeks after Fan Fest.