STATESBORO, Ga. – Six home games with prime matchups against several long-time rivals define the upcoming 2013 Georgia Southern Football schedule. In addition to some traditional promotions for the six Saturdays, new events and activities are planned to attract more fans to Paulson Stadium this year. The Eagles’ first three home games against Savannah State, St. Francis (Pa.) and Chattanooga kick off at 6 p.m. with a 1 p.m. start time for The Citadel game on Oct. 12. Both home games in November, including the Nov. 9 Homecoming game versus Western Carolina, are set for 2 p.m.
For only the second time in its storied history, the Georgia Southern Football team will open at home in August as the Eagles kick off this campaign at 6 p.m. on August 31st against Savannah State. Festivities around the season opener will celebrate the 2012-13 conference championship teams and fireworks after the game will entertain fans.Delete-Merge Upbodycopy
After the Tigers come to town, St. Francis (Pa.) makes its first trip to Statesboro for the first meeting between the Eagles and the Red Flash on Sept. 7 with a 6 p.m. start. Junior Eagle Club members receive more special privileges this upcoming season and will be admitted free to this game with their 2013-14 membership card. High school marching bands from across the region will perform at halftime of this game as part of High School Band Day.
In conjunction with the University’s Family Weekend, Georgia Southern Athletics welcomes students and their families for the 6 p.m. Sept. 28th game vs. Chattanooga. Additional details for the weekend will be announced at a later date.
The Eagles are home for only one game in October with an October 12th meeting against The Citadel slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Introducing a new promotion sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, Eagle fans can “Camp Out,” after and stay overnight in Paulson Stadium after the game. A schedule of events and activities and registration information will be available this summer.
In addition to the “Camp Out” game, this game against the Bulldogs is designated Military Appreciation Day. Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans will be honored and all branches of the military will be represented in the events surrounding the game. Georgia Southern Athletics sponsors Taco Bell, Domino’s and Geo Vista Tickets are donating free tickets for military personnel and discounted tickets for this game will be available to families of military members. Fans may also donate tickets for this special game through the Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS (478-9467).
Georgia Southern Cheerleaders will spend pre-game on Oct. 12 teaching cheers and chants to children between the ages of 4-14 for “Cheerleader for a Day.” After cheer practice that morning and pictures with GUS, participants will help welcome the Eagles onto the field prior kickoff. For more information on this event, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/cheer/.
An annual tradition, the Blue Out game is set this year for the Nov. 2nd Furman matchup, the week after the Eagles return from an October 26th contest against Appalachian State in Boone, N.C. Fans are encouraged to wear blue to support their Eagles in true blue fashion. This game will kickoff at 2 p.m.
Georgia Southern alumni return to campus to visit with friends and classmates the weekend of Nov. 9th as Homecoming is scheduled for the Western Carolina game. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. and the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime. Former Eagle student-athletes are invited back for an all-sports reunion and pre-game tailgate held by the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation. Each former student-athlete may order a free ticket to the game and RSVP for the weekend by calling 912-478-5520.
The Eagles close the 2013 season at “The Swamp” Nov. 23 vs. the Florida Gators after a trip to Elon Nov. 16.
Renewals for season ticket holders continue until May 15th through the Georgia Southern Athletics Ticket Office. After those orders are processed, Eagle fans who wish to purchase new season tickets may select seats after May 25th. Ticket prices for 2013 remain the same as 2012.
Away game times will be updated on the GSEagles.com website and “Eagles GATA” mobile app as they become available. Times may be subject to change based on contracted broadcast agreements. For more information on any of the upcoming 2013 promotions, contact Georgia Southern Athletics Marketing at 912-478-1500.
Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics and twitter.com/GSAthletics, and its "Eagles GATA" mobile app for Android and iOS.
Date Opponent Location Promotion Kickoff Time
Aug. 31 SAVANNAH STATE PAULSON STADIUM 6 p.m.
Promotion: Night of Champions
Sept. 7 ST. FRANCIS (Pa.) PAULSON STADIUM 6 p.m.
Promotions: Junior Eagle Club Day / High School Band Day
Sept. 14 at Wofford * at Spartanburg, S.C. TBA
Sept. 28 CHATTANOOGA * PAULSON STADIUM 6 p.m.
Promotion: Family Weekend
Oct. 5 at Samford* at Birmingham, Ala. TBA
Oct. 12 THE CITADEL* PAULSON STADIUM 1 p.m.
Promotions: Military Appreciation Day / Camp Out / Cheerleader for a Day
Oct. 26 at Appalachian State* at Boone, N.C. 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 2 FURMAN* PAULSON STADIUM 2 p.m.
Promotion: Blue Out
Nov. 9 WESTERN CAROLINA* PAULSON STADIUM 2 p.m.
Promotion: Homecoming / All-Sports Reunion Weekend
Nov. 16 at Elon* at Elon, N.C. TBA
Nov. 23 at Florida at Gainesville, Fla. TBA
ALL CAPS indicates home game
* denotes Southern Conference game