Introduction
If you’re a fan planning your season around the St Thomas University football schedule, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about game dates, kickoff times, TV and streaming details, home and away matchups, and practical tips for following the Tommies all year long. Whether you’re heading to the stadium, watching from home, or syncing games to your calendar, these easy-to-follow sections will help you stay on top of the season.
Why the St Thomas University football schedule matters
The schedule is more than a list of games: it shapes travel plans, tailgate parties, broadcast windows, and recruiting momentum. The St Thomas University football schedule determines prime rivalry dates, non-conference matchups, conference battles, and opportunities to climb rankings. For parents, students, and alumni, knowing the schedule early helps with tickets, lodging, and choosing which televised contests to prioritize.
Understanding the basics of the schedule
Before diving into dates, it helps to know what a typical schedule includes and how to read it. Here are elements you’ll commonly see and what they mean:
- Opponent — The team St Thomas will play. Look for conference foes and notable non-conference opponents.
- Date — The day of the game; often the most dynamic element if weather or TV changes occur.
- Kickoff time — Start time in local time. Kickoff times can shift as TV windows confirm.
- Location — Home or away. Home games may list the stadium name; away games list the opponent’s venue.
- Broadcast/Streaming — TV networks, conference digital platforms, or school streaming services where the game will be shown.
- Conference vs. Non-conference — Conference games often decide standings and postseason eligibility.
Knowing these parts makes the St Thomas University football schedule easier to use for planning travel, meetups, or viewing parties.
How to read and use the St Thomas University football schedule effectively
Fans should treat the schedule as a living document. Here are practical steps and tips to make the most of it:
- Subscribe to official calendars: Add the athletics department calendar to Google Calendar or iCal. That way you get real-time updates if kickoff times or TV windows change.
- Check broadcast details early: Networks often release TV schedules later. If a game is likely to be televised, confirm the network at least a week in advance.
- Note home/away patterns: Look for back-to-back away games or long road trips. These influence travel fatigue and tailgate planning.
- Plan ticket purchases: Popular rivalry or homecoming games sell out. Buy early and use official ticket accounts or trusted resale platforms.
Example: If the St Thomas University football schedule shows a late kickoff on a Friday night away game, you might book hotels and arrange travel differently than for a Saturday afternoon home game. Small details like kickoff time impact lodging and travel costs.
Key matchups and must-see games on a typical Tommies schedule
While the exact opponents change year to year, certain matchups consistently draw attention:
- Season opener — The first game sets the tone. Fans often organize watch parties and pre-game events.
- Rivalry games — Local or historic rivals create intense atmospheres and usually sell out stadium seats.
- Homecoming — Expect special halftime shows, alumni events, and larger crowds.
- Conference showdowns — Games that determine standings and postseason possibilities.
- Televised matchups — Games on national or regional TV can attract attention from recruits and the broader NCAA community.
Tip: Mark these must-see games on your calendar as soon as the schedule is released. That way you can align travel plans, buy tickets early, and invite friends.
Where to find the most reliable schedule updates
To avoid surprises, use official sources and trusted outlets. Recommended places to check regularly:
- Official athletics website — The primary source for schedule releases, changes, and official statements.
- School social media accounts — Quick updates about postponements, TV confirmations, or weather delays often appear on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Conference site and broadcasters — Conference pages list TV windows and league-wide scheduling notes. Broadcasters post playlists and networks that will carry the games.
- Local sports media — Local newspapers and radio stations often provide context and previews for each matchup.
Example: If a late-season game gets moved due to TV preferences, the athletics site and social channels usually publish the change first, followed by broadcasters and local media.
How to watch: TV, streaming, and in-person tips
Watching the Tommies is easier than ever, but each option has pros and cons. Use these tips to choose the best viewing method for you.
In-person (attending home and away games)
- Buy tickets in advance for rivalry and homecoming games to avoid sold-out sections.
- Arrive early to enjoy pre-game tailgates and to secure parking. Campus lots fill fast.
- Check stadium policies for bags, re-entry, and prohibited items.
- Bring layers and sun protection; kickoff times vary and weather can change.
Watching on TV or stream
- Confirm TV networks as the season approaches. Regional networks may carry conference games; national networks take marquee matchups.
- Use official streaming services if games are on conference digital platforms. Some require subscription or single-game purchase.
- Set reminders on your streaming app or phone so you don’t miss kickoff when the schedule is updated.
Hosting viewing parties
- Create a watch checklist: game start, halftime, key players to watch, and postgame recap time.
- Coordinate potluck dishes and snacks so everyone can enjoy the game without missing key moments.
- Use multiple screens for alternate camera angles or live stats if you host larger groups of hardcore fans.
Managing schedule changes: practical tips
Schedules change for many reasons: TV demands, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. Here’s how to manage shifts without stress:
- Enable official alerts — Sign up for push notifications from the athletics website or mobile app.
- Follow key accounts — Athletic director, head coach, and athletics communications staff often post immediate updates.
- Build flexibility into travel plans — If you’re driving to an away game, avoid non-refundable options until the TV schedule is final.
- Check NCAA and conference policies — Postponement and rescheduling rules can affect ticket exchanges and refunds.
Tip: Keep a checklist for each game that includes tickets, parking plan, and broadcast confirmation. Update it 48 hours before kickoff.
Sample weekly game planner for St Thomas University fans
Use this simple planner the week of a game to make sure nothing slips through the cracks:
- 7 days out: Confirm game date, time, and viewing option (in person, TV, or stream). Buy or transfer tickets where necessary.
- 5 days out: Book travel or lodging for away games. If hosting, finalize guest list and game day menu.
- 3 days out: Check the weather and stadium policies. Charge cameras, radios, and phones.
- 1 day out: Reconfirm TV/stream availability and parking lot opening times. Set calendar reminders.
- Game day: Arrive early, enjoy pre-game traditions, and follow live updates if watching remotely.
Common mistakes to avoid with the schedule
- Assuming kickoff times won’t change — networks sometimes adjust schedules late.
- Waiting until the last minute to buy tickets for high-demand games.
- Ignoring parking and entry rules at the stadium; these can add significant delay.
- Not syncing changes to personal calendars; schedule updates can easily be missed.
FAQ
Q1: Where can I find the official St Thomas University football schedule?
A1: The most reliable source is the school’s official athletics website. The schedule is also posted on conference sites, national college football calendars, and the team’s official social media accounts.
Q2: How do I get notified if the schedule changes?
A2: Sign up for email or app notifications on the athletics site, follow the team on social platforms, and subscribe to the conference or broadcaster alerts. Adding the team calendar to your phone’s calendar will also push updates directly to you.
Q3: Are games usually televised or streamed?
A3: Many games, especially conference matchups and featured non-conference contests, are televised or streamed. Networks and streaming platforms confirm broadcasts closer to game dates, so check broadcast listings weekly.
Q4: When should I buy tickets for popular games?
A4: Buy early — as soon as tickets go on sale — for rivalry games, homecoming, or games against high-profile opponents. If you must wait, use verified resale platforms and confirm refund or transfer policies.
Q5: Can I sync the schedule to my calendar?
A5: Yes. Many athletic departments offer calendar exports for Google Calendar, iCal, or Outlook. Use these to automatically receive updates to game times or locations.
Conclusion
The St Thomas University football schedule is your roadmap for a successful season of Tommies football. By understanding how to read the schedule, where to find reliable updates, and how to plan for travel or viewing, you’ll enjoy every kickoff more fully. Use the tips here—subscribe to official calendars, buy tickets early, confirm broadcast info, and build flexibility into your plans—to stay ahead of changes and make the most of each game day. Whether you’re cheering in the stands or watching from home, being prepared turns every matchup into a memorable Tommies experience.
Go Tommies!