CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) In an effort to bolster fan and community engagement, the University of Virginia announced Tuesday that admission will be free for men’s and women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse and softball home regular-season games starting this fall.

Only football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and men’s lacrosse will still require patrons to purchase a ticket going forward.

“This strategic decision is designed to increase attendance, expand the fanbase and enhance the fan experience,” UVA deputy athletic director Tyler Jones said in a statement Tuesday announcing the change. “We believe this initiative will strengthen the sense of community around our programs and provide greater access to the excitement of UVA Athletics.”

UVA said this is the first initiative in a planned series of changes to increase fan engagement, moves made following a review of the athletic department’s operations and market research.

Admission to volleyball, field hockey, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s swimming, wrestling, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s golf, rowing and men’s and women’s squash were already free.