STATESBORO — College football is near and the Georgia Southern Eagles are back in action and looking to build off their 2015 GoDaddy Bowl championship.
GS opens at home on the Sept. 3 against Savannah State in Paulson Stadium and will host five games in 2016. Below are promotions for the season.
Sept. 3 vs. Savannah State
Paint the Town Blue
• Paint the Town Blue starts Wednesday with the True Blue Spirit Competition along with a few other events and goes through the first home game.
• The week-long event is to get all of Statesboro involved in the celebration of the beginning of the 2016 athletics season and for businesses and campus departments and area residents to show support of Georgia Southern.
• Go to gseagles.com for information on participation.
Military Appreciation Day
• Military Appreciation Day honors the men and women who have served and currently served in our nation’s armed forces.
• Ticket Special – Any active and veteran military personnel gets in free with ID. Family members get in with $17 discount admission.
• Tickets can be purchased on game day only at the ticket booth by gate 7 and 8 or in the Cowart Building off Lanier Drive. Ticket booths will open at 3 p.m. on Sept. 3.
• The halftime performance by the Southern Pride Marching Band honors all military personnel.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• GS Athletics will also show appreciation for law enforcement agencies at the game. Each local agency will be recognized for their service.
• Ticket Special – Any law enforcement official will get in free with ID. Family members get in with $17 discount admission
• Buy tickets on game day only at the ticket booth by gate 7 and 8 or in the Cowart Building off Lanier Drive. Ticket booths will open at 3 p.m. on Sept. 3.
Sept. 17 vs. UL Monroe
Hall of Fame
Inductees to the Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame are chosen biennially. This year’s class includes Voncellies Allen (football, 1996-99), Mike Cummings (supporter), Debbie Hensley (women’s soccer and softball, 1993-95), Julius Jenkins (men’s basketball, 1999-2003), Kerry Messersmith (volleyball Coach, 2001-05), Wanda Parrish (supporter) and Aron Price (men’s golf, 2002-05).
The inductees will be recognized at halftime.
Family Weekend
• The Office of Orientation and Parent Programs at Georgia Southern will host the annual Fall Family Weekend on Sept. 16-18. Main events include a block party, catered tailgate, and the football game.
All Sports Reunion and Night of Champions
Georgia Southern Athletics invites all athletic alumni to GATA Club’s 4th annual All-Sports Reunion and Night of Champions on Sept. 17.
The reunion will kick off with a free tailgate, giving athletics alumni an opportunity to reconnect and hear from AD Tom Kleinlein.
As part of the Night of Champions, eight teams will celebrate either the 10th, 20th or 30th anniversary of their championship win. Baseball (30 years) will also be applauded for their Trans America Athletic Conference Championship and Football (30 years) for their NCAA National Championship.
Cheerleader for a Day
• Any child ages 4 to 14 may spend the day with the GS Cheerleading team. Participants will learn cheers, chants and important cheerleading skills from the five-time National Champion Georgia Southern Eagle Cheerleaders.
After the cheerleader coaching sessions, the current Eagle Cheerleaders will warm-up their game material while future Eagle Cheerleader enjoys a snack before you pick them up and take them to Paulson Stadium. There, they will perform pregame and then welcome the football team to the field with the Eagle Cheerleaders.
Oct. 27 vs. Appalachian State
Blue Out
• Wear true blue colors for the annual Blue Out game vs. Appalachian State.
• Fans can buy the official Blue Out T-shirt online later this year.
Youth Night
The Field of Screams returns with Halloween activities for kids. All kids are encouraged to wear costumes for candy. Check GSEagles.com.
Ag Day
Displays, kids activities including pedal-tractor races, and Georgia-grown products will be available.
Nov. 10 vs. UL Lafayette
Homecoming
• This year’s theme is Let the Southern Game Begin!
• This week-long observance plays host to thousands of alumni, current students and area residents. The celebration includes a variety of events, reunions, social gatherings and a parade.
• The week culminates in the game and the announcement of the homecoming king and queen.
Dec. 3 vs. Troy
Senior Day
• Show your support and honor senior players for their work and talent, both on the field and in the classroom
Tackling for a Cure
This year’s Tackling for a Cure will be dedicated to raising awareness for all forms of cancer. Join GS Athletics and show support for this cause at the game.