TAILGATE AND WATCH PARTY
CELEBRATING THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE MARCHING ROYAL DUKES PERFORMING AT THE
XFINITY 500
JMU Day at Martinsville Speedway
Buckle up — on November 1, 2026 we'll cheer on the MRDs
"There is nothing like experiencing NASCAR Cup Series racing in person—the thunder of the engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the nonstop action you can feel in your chest," and the JMU Marching Royal Dukes will proudly perform the national anthem ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500! Martinsville Speedway is proud to offer a special ticket promotion for JMU Alumni, families, and friends.
This gathering is being organized by the MRD Alumni, Roanoke Dukes and NC Triad (Greensboro) Alumni Chapters.
"There is nothing like experiencing NASCAR Cup Series racing in person—the thunder of the engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the nonstop action you can feel in your chest," and the JMU Marching Royal Dukes will proudly perform the national anthem ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500! Martinsville Speedway is proud to offer a special ticket promotion for JMU Alumni, families, and friends.
This gathering is being organized by the MRD Alumni, Roanoke Dukes and NC Triad (Greensboro) Alumni Chapters.
Event Schedule for Nov. 1
Official JMU tailgate
10 a.m.
at the Party Plaza outside the Martinsville Speedway -
Bring your own pop-up tents, alcohol and food (just like a football game tailgate)
All JMU alumni and friends are welcome to join.
at the Party Plaza outside the Martinsville Speedway -
Bring your own pop-up tents, alcohol and food (just like a football game tailgate)
All JMU alumni and friends are welcome to join.
If you purchase 4 tickets or more in a single transaction, a parking permit for the VIP Hospitality lot will be automatically mailed to the address of the purchaser.
The VIP Hospitality lot is directly across from our official tailgate location at the Party Plaza.
The VIP Hospitality lot is directly across from our official tailgate location at the Party Plaza.
Move inside Martinsville Speedway
Around 12:45
begin moving to gates
The National Anthem will be the final performance before the race starts and is typically accompanied by a flyover and Color Guard Procession.
The exact timing of the pre-race performances may vary depending on the other performance groups, but the National Anthem will always be the final performance before the race begins.
begin moving to gates
The National Anthem will be the final performance before the race starts and is typically accompanied by a flyover and Color Guard Procession.
The exact timing of the pre-race performances may vary depending on the other performance groups, but the National Anthem will always be the final performance before the race begins.
MRD Performance ahead of the race
Between 1:30 - 1:45 p.m.
inside the Martinsville Speedway
The National Anthem will be the final performance before the start of the race.
The National Anthem is typically accompanied by a flyover and Color Guard Procession.
The exact timing of the pre-race performances may vary depending on the other performance groups, but the National Anthem will always be the final performance before the race begins.
inside the Martinsville Speedway
The National Anthem will be the final performance before the start of the race.
The National Anthem is typically accompanied by a flyover and Color Guard Procession.
The exact timing of the pre-race performances may vary depending on the other performance groups, but the National Anthem will always be the final performance before the race begins.
Xfinity 500 begins
2 p.m.
Estimated race end time
5:30 p.m.
Alumni event questions:
Dan Everard
[email protected]
[email protected]
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NEWS
Marching Royal Dukes to perform national anthem at NASCAR race
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Press:JMU Strategic Communications, News & Media Relations
[email protected] and
Amy Birdsong, Interim Director, Marching Royal Dukes [email protected] |
All times and availability is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
*External Event Disclaimer & Indemnification: MRD Alumni and JMU Alumni Association provides event information as a courtesy to our alumni community but is not responsible for any aspect of your event arrangements. This includes, but is not limited to rates, availability, additional fees, taxes, cancellation policies, or service quality. Please be advised that event rates and availability are subject to change at any time without notice, and are managed solely at the discretion of Martinsville Speedway / NASCAR. We do not guarantee pricing or reservation availability for any suggested events. By purchasing external event entries in connection with MRD Alumni and JMU Alumni Association events, you agree to assume full responsibility for your reservation and to indemnify and hold harmless the MRD Alumni and JMU Alumni Association, its officers, volunteers, and representatives from any and all claims, costs, liabilities, or disputes related to your experience.
*External Event Disclaimer & Indemnification: MRD Alumni and JMU Alumni Association provides event information as a courtesy to our alumni community but is not responsible for any aspect of your event arrangements. This includes, but is not limited to rates, availability, additional fees, taxes, cancellation policies, or service quality. Please be advised that event rates and availability are subject to change at any time without notice, and are managed solely at the discretion of Martinsville Speedway / NASCAR. We do not guarantee pricing or reservation availability for any suggested events. By purchasing external event entries in connection with MRD Alumni and JMU Alumni Association events, you agree to assume full responsibility for your reservation and to indemnify and hold harmless the MRD Alumni and JMU Alumni Association, its officers, volunteers, and representatives from any and all claims, costs, liabilities, or disputes related to your experience.