What Happens When the Lights Come On?
Football is only part of the story. This fall, discover a different side of Rockingham County beneath the Friday night lights.
A Different Way to See the Valley
As summer gives way to cooler evenings, Friday nights bring a familiar glow to communities across Rockingham County. Stadium lights brighten the fields, marching bands fill the air with music, and fans settle into the stands as another football season gets underway.
For visitors, a high school football game can be an unexpected addition to a fall itinerary. It is an opportunity to step away from the usual sightseeing stops and spend an evening watching a local tradition unfold. Whether you are traveling with family, visiting friends, or simply looking for something to do on a fall Friday, the atmosphere makes for a memorable night out.
Here's Where the Lights Are This Fall
If a Friday night game sounds like a good addition to your plans, there are several places to find one this fall. Here are the home schedules for Rockingham County's high schools, so you can plan an evening in Broadway, Bridgewater, Elkton, or Penn Laird.
Broadway High School | Broadway
The Gobblers host seven games at Broadway High School Stadium this season, including four straight Friday nights at home in September.
Friday, September 11 — Central Woodstock, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 18 — Spotswood, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 25 — Rocktown, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 9 — Turner Ashby, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 30 — East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
East Rockingham High School | Elkton
The Eagles have six home dates in Elkton, with county matchups filling out the second half of the season.
Friday, September 25 — Harrisonburg, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 9 — Spotswood, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 23 — William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Turner Ashby High School | Bridgewater
The Knights play seven home games at Sam Ritchie Stadium in Bridgewater, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. each time.
Friday, October 2 — William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 16 — East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 30 — Rocktown, 7 p.m.
Spotswood High School | Penn Laird
The Trailblazers play their home games in Penn Laird. Their complete home schedule is still being confirmed. Visit the school’s website for the most up-to-date information regarding their games.
Game dates and times are based on schedules available at the time of publication and are subject to change. Before heading to the stadium, check the individual school's schedule or social media for the latest information, including any changes to kickoff times, tickets, or game-day details.
Don't Stop at the Stadium
A Friday night game can easily become part of a full day in Rockingham County. Spend the afternoon exploring one of the county's towns, visit a local attraction, get outside for a hike or scenic drive, then make your way to the stadium as the evening gets underway.
The location of the game can help shape the rest of your plans. A game in Broadway puts you near downtown shops and restaurants, while games in Bridgewater, Elkton, and the Penn Laird area offer their own opportunities to explore before or after kickoff. Leave a little room in the schedule and see where the day takes you.
The Season Looks Better Under the Lights
This season has a way of making familiar places feel new. There are plenty of ways to experience fall in Rockingham County, from scenic drives and outdoor adventures to seasonal events and local flavors. But sometimes the most memorable part of a trip is something you never planned on putting in the itinerary.
This fall, keep an eye out for the stadium lights. Pick a Friday, find a seat, and experience a piece of the season alongside the people who call Rockingham County home. You may arrive for the football, but the marching bands, Friday night traditions, and unmistakable feeling of a Shenandoah Valley fall might be what you remember most.
