Two-Time Reigning Football Champs Begin 2024 Season on Aug. 29 in Spangler Stadium

Program Celebrates Winning Legacy that Spans Over a Century

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.–The two-time reigning conference champion Gardner-Webb football team opens its 2024 season poised to build on a winning legacy that spans over a century. The first football team took the field in 1920. Since then, the program has earned 18 conference titles. Four of those titles came in Division I play—2002, 2003, 2022 (Big South) and 2023 (Big South-OVC). 

“We love football.  It’s that simple,” emphasized Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. “We are stewards of a storied football history here at GWU, and each new season gives our student-athletes and coaches an opportunity to build their own lasting legacy. Personally, I can’t wait for the sights, sounds, and celebrations of gameday…tailgates, the Marching Bulldog band, our cheerleaders firing up the crowd, competition on the field, and of course a Bulldog victory. It’s been a long nine months since we last played…let’s get it started!”

This year, under the helm of Head Coach Cris Reisert, the Runnin’ Bulldogs will play a four-game non-conference slate and eight-game conference lineup. The 2024 season opens under the lights on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. vs. Wofford College at Spangler Stadium.

“We are excited for the 2024 Runnin’ Bulldogs football team to be on display in front of a packed Spangler Stadium this fall,” Reisert said. “We plan to be the hardest playing and most excited team each week, and we are confident that’ll lead to a successful 2024 season!”

Season tickets for Gardner-Webb’s five home games are now available for purchase. Home games include a big matchup on Oct. 19 against Lindenwood for GWU Homecoming as well the annual Military Appreciation Day game on Nov. 16 against Tennessee State.

A limited number of season tickets are available, here.

For more information on Gardner-Webb football, follow Gardner-Webb Football on Facebook and @GWUFootball on Instagram and X.

Winning Legacy—18 Conference Titles in Program’s History:

• 1930, 1932
• 1951, 1952, 1955, 1956
• 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
• 1987
• 1992—Team finished as NAIA national runner-up had a school record for wins (12).
• 2002—Inaugural Big South Conference championship team has the best record (9-1) in senior college history.
• 2003—‘Dawgs ranked #25 in the 2003 USA Today Coaches Poll, a preseason national poll. They finished the season 8-4 and 4-0 in the Big South.
• 2022—GW was 5-0 in league play behind a record-setting offense and a hard-nosed defense.
• 2023—The team finished the regular season 5-0 at home—the first time GWU went undefeated at home since the 2003 season, when the Runnin’ Bulldogs were 6-0 at home.

2024 Schedule

Single game tickets available here.

• Aug. 29 – 7 p.m., vs. Wofford (black out)
• Sept. 7 – 6 p.m. at James Madison (Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Sept. 14 – 6 p.m. at UNC-Charlotte
• Sept. 21 – 7 p.m. at Presbyterian (Clinton, S.C.)
• Sept. 28 – 4 p.m. vs. Tennessee Tech (Family Weekend)
• Oct. 5 – 3 p.m. at University of Tennessee (Martin)
• Oct. 19 – 1:30 p.m. vs. Lindenwood (Homecoming, red out)
• Oct. 26 – 3 p.m. vs. Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
• Nov. 2 – 2 p.m. at Charleston Southern (BBQ Bowl)
• Nov. 9 – 1:30 p.m. vs. Eastern Illinois, (Military appreciation, wear red, white and blue)
• Nov. 16 – 1:30 p.m. vs. Tennessee State University, (Senior day)
• Nov. 23 – 2 p.m. at Western Illinois, Macomb, Ill.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.