Hundreds of Prince George High School Royals fans and the community were treated to a special pre-game experience as the world-renowned United States Army Parachute Team, known as the Golden Knights, performed a coordinated jump ahead of the Royals' game against Glen Allen High School on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The event was part of the high school's annual military appreciation night, with dozens of active- and former-military members attending alongside Royals fans in the stands and concourse of the stadium. 

Just after 6:30 p.m., the first of approximately a dozen Golden Knights descended toward Prince George County, landing in the heart of the school’s football field as the Star-Spangled Banner was performed and America's colors sailed through the sky in the hands of the parachute team. After gathering their parachutes and equipment, the Golden Knights shook hands with community members, and showed spectators how they break down following a jump and answered questions in the concourse.

In addition to the jump, the Golden Knights presented the game ball for the evening’s varsity football game and recognized Mr. James W. Cooper, a longtime supporter of Prince George High School athletics and a military veteran. During his life, Mr. Cooper served over two decades in the United States Army and has served the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) for ten years. Currently serving as an instructor for the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy at Fort Lee, Mr. Cooper is a role model for hundreds of student-athletes, their families, and the community, and as an example of the strong connection Prince George High School and Prince George County Public Schools share with Fort Lee and America's armed forces.

“Being able to have the Golden Knights join us for our military appreciation night means a lot to our players, families, and community,” Prince George High School Athletic Director Bruce Carroll said. “It has been great working with our partners in the U.S. Army to make this happen in our community, and we’re fortunate to have such a great connection with our local military here in Prince George. We’re thankful for their service and tonight was a small token of our appreciation.”

The United States Parachute Team is a combination of expert teams and soldiers brought together by their love of skydiving. The team comprises parachute teams, aircraft pilots, and those who handle jump logistics behind the scenes. Consisting of nearly 30 soldiers, the team showcases the benefits of Army service with the broader community through the sport of skydiving.

Prince George County, Virginia, joins a growing list of communities that have hosted the Golden Knights, with the team having performed more than 16,000 shows in all 50 states and nearly as many countries around the globe. Recently, the Golden Knights played a key part in America's 250th anniversary celebration, performing a skydiving showcase seen by thousands in Washington, D.C., and by many more at home during this year's Independence Day holiday weekend.

The community is invited to relive the Golden Knights' visit to Prince George County by visiting the division’s Flickr gallery or Prince George County Public Schools' Facebook page. 

Prince George High School and PGCPS thank our service members for all they do to protect our nation's freedom and for their continued partnership with our students, staff, and community.