Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina football returns to the practice field on Monday as the squad's annual spring drills resume following the University's spring break. WCU is scheduled for four sessions this week alone, two in uppers – or helmets and shoulder pads – and a pair of fully-padded practices on the turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
 
The Catamounts held the first of two NCAA-mandated acclimation period, helmet-only practices on March 2 and 4, before putting on the shoulder pads for the first time on March 5 ahead of spring break. Each weekday practice is scheduled for 4 p.m., with 9 a.m. on Saturday (schedule subject to change).
 
Unless otherwise noted, each WCU spring football practice is open to the public. It is respectfully requested that spectators observe from the stadium seating area and avoid being either on the field or the sidelines. Also, please note that the upper grandstands on the West side of the stadium are also closed during the ongoing construction of the Western Skybox.
 
Football season ticket renewals for returning season ticket holders begin on Monday, March 16, at 10 a.m., through the Catamount Athletics Ticket office for WCU's six-game 2026 home schedule. The priority purchase period for returning season ticket holders from the 2025 season and Catamount Club members is March 16-22, with season tickets publicly on sale on Monday, March 23. The deadline to renew season tickets is May 29, at which time seats may be released to the public for purchase.
 
Returning season ticket holders can contact the Catamount Athletics ticket office by phone at (828) 227-2401 or online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. WCU and Catamount Nation averaged a Southern Conference-best 10,987 fans through the gates in 2025, 20th nationally in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.
 
Additional seating options available for Catamount Club members include Paws Porch, Catamount Corner, End Zone Suites, and the Chancellor's Club. Each area has a minimum contribution requirement to the Catamount Club, and availability is limited. Previous ticket holders in these areas will get first right to renew until May 29. Beginning on May 30^, Catamount Club staff will begin reaching out to those who have added their name to an interest list for the 2026 season.
 
Improvements for the 2026 season include the completion of the Western Skybox, which houses both a new press box, football coaches' office, and the Chancellor's Club on the top level. Other facility enhancements include new stadium lighting, new field turf, and a new state-of-the-art videoboard. The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band will move to the East side of the stadium alongside the WCU students to help enhance the best gameday atmosphere in the SoCon.
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/CatamountSports), Twitter (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB), and Instagram (wcu_catamounts).
 
Catamount Football – Spring Practice Schedule:
Practice 4: Monday, March 16 – 4 pm (uppers)
Practice 5: Wednesday, March 18 – 4 pm (full pads)
Practice 6: Thursday, March 19 – 4 pm (uppers)
Practice 7: Saturday, March 21 – 9 am (full pads)
Practice 8: Tuesday, March 24 – 4 pm (full pads)
 
March 25, 2026 – One Day for Western
 
Practice 9: Thursday, March 26 – 4 pm (uppers)
Practice 10: Saturday, March 28 – 9 am (full pads)
Practice 11: Tuesday, March 31 – 4 pm (uppers)
 
Easter Break – April 1-3
 
Practice 12: Tuesday, April 7 – 4 pm (full pads)
Practice 13: Thursday, April 9 – 4 pm (uppers)
Practice 14: Friday, April 10 – 4 pm (helmet only)
Practice 15: Saturday, April 11 – Noon – SPRING GAME (full pads/scrimmage)