Liberty Adds Games to Battle of the Blue Ridge Series with James Madison

Although the teams have not played each other since 2014, Liberty and James Madison will become quite familiar with each other in years to come.

The two schools announced today they are extending their series. The two programs are now set to meet on the gridiron 10 times over the next 16 seasons.

The regularly scheduled game between the two top Group of Five teams in the Commonwealth will now officially be branded the "Battle of the Blue Ridge". A rivalry trophy is currently in development and will be unveiled at a later date.

Today's announcement adds four more games to the series, with new matchups in Lynchburg in 2038 and 2040 and Harrisonburg in 2037 and 2039.

The two teams were already set to trade home-and-home games in 2025 (Sept. 20 - Lynchburg) and 2026 (Sept. 5 – Harrisonburg).

Additionally, the two programs had already announced another four-game series from 2031-34. Liberty will host James Madison on Sept. 11, 2032 and Sept. 16, 2034. The Flames will travel to Harrisonburg on Sept. 6, 2031 and Sept. 17, 2033.

Yesterday, ESPN announced it has picked up this year's matchup for a national television broadcast on ESPNU. Kickoff for the game on Sept. 20 was moved to 3:30 p.m. at Williams Stadium.

Liberty vs. James Madison series information
Sept. 20, 2025 – James Madison at Liberty
Sept. 5, 2026 – Liberty at James Madison
Sept. 6, 2031 - Liberty at James Madison
Sept. 11, 2032 – James Madison at Liberty
Sept. 17, 2033 – Liberty at James Madison
Sept. 16, 2034 – James Madison at Liberty
Sept. 19, 2037 – Liberty at James Madison (added to the series)
Sept. 18, 2038 – James Madison at Liberty (added to the series)
Sept. 17, 2039 – Liberty at James Madison (added to the series)
Sept. 15, 2040 – James Madison at Liberty (added to the series)

Series Information
Although the two teams have met 18 times on the gridiron, they have not squared off against each other in more than a decade. The September 20 game will also be the first time the two teams have met since each made the move up to the FBS level.

James Madison holds the overall series lead, 12-6. However, the Flames won the last meeting in one of the most significant games in Liberty program history.

After claiming the Big South Championship title the week before with a thrilling win over No. 1 ranked Coastal Carolina, Liberty defeated No. 15 James Madison, 26-21, in the first round of the FCS Playoffs in Harrisonburg on November 29, 2014.

The last time the two teams squared off against each other at Williams Stadium was in 2011 when James Madison picked up a 27-24 victory on September 17.

Ticket Update – Sept. 20, 2025
While public single-game tickets for this event are no longer on sale, fans wanting to see the in-state battle still have plenty of chances to purchase a ticket to secure a seat inside Williams Stadium.

Fans can purchase 2025 football season tickets, mini-plan ticket packages or join the Flames Club to get access to great seats.

Starting at only $75, Flames Club memberships are a great way for Flames Nation to support Liberty Athletics and receive awesome benefits, including priority seating, parking, gear, and more!

Single game tickets can also be purchased through SeatGeek, the Official Ticket Marketplace of Liberty Athletics.

The game is presented by Carter Bank and WSET and the first 3,000 fans through the Williams Stadium gates will receive a Liberty tumbler.

2025 Football Season Ticket Information
Season tickets are on sale now for the 2025 football season! Starting at just $128, fans can save up to 48 percent by purchasing season tickets. Looking for just two or three games? Save up to 22% by purchasing one of our Sparky's mini-plans and select the games you want to attend this season.

Purchase today by going to www.LUFootball.com or calling/texting the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-5015.

Liberty Adds Games to Battle of the Blue Ridge Series with James Madison

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