Georgia Southern Eagles Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Charlie Henry

Team Mascot: GUS the Eagle, Glory and Freedom

Year Opened: 1969

Capacity: 4325

City / State: Statesboro / Georgia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Georgia Southern Eagles vs Georgia State Panthers

Rival Team: Georgia State Panthers

The two Georgia-based Sun Belt schools have a fierce rivalry on the gridiron, and it’s no different when it comes to the hardwood. The rivalry was first played on the court in 1972 and has been a consistent fixture ever since making it one of the longest-running rivalries in the Sun Belt. There are a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two battle for the GSU moniker, so make sure to be in attendance when the Panthers come to Statesboro.

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Georgia Southern Eagles vs Savannah State Tigers

Rival Team: Savannah State Tigers

Georgia Southern and nearby Savannah State have an intense non-conference game that is a must-see for any college hoops fan in the area. Hanner Fieldhouse is always packed when these two southern Georgia schools get together, so don’t miss it when Georgia Southern and Savannah State square off.

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Georgia Southern Eagles vs Appalachian State

Rival Team: Appalachian State

While the football rivalry between Georgia Southern and Appalachian State is much bigger, there is still plenty of bad blood between these two schools when they meet on the hardwood. Georgia Southern players and fans don’t want to lose to Appalachian State no matter what the sport, making an Eagles-Mountaineers game the perfect time to attend a game at Hanner Fieldhouse.

Georgia Southern Eagles Stadium Guide

In Game

The people of Statesboro love the Eagles regardless of the sport meaning you’ll experience a lively atmosphere when attending an Eagles basketball game. Georgia Southern students and alumni, as well as Statesboro locals, come out in large numbers to support the Eagles creating a festive atmosphere surrounding any Eagles sporting event. Everywhere you look, you’ll see support for the Eagles creating an incredible game day atmosphere.

In addition to the fantastic fan support, you’ll also find a cozy and quaint environment inside Hanner Fieldhouse. The small arena puts you right on top of the action, which helps you and your fellow fans get into the heads of the opposition.

Before or after the game take some time to explore the Georgia Southern Campus and Statesboro. Statesboro is a true college town, and there are several bars and restaurants that every fan should stop by including Dingus McGee’s and Vandy’s Bar-B-Q.

If you’re looking for a fun small school basketball experience, then a trip to Statesboro is just what you’re looking for.

Things to check out

Banners

Above the court are several banners that celebrate the Eagles NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships. The banners are an excellent reminder of Georgia Southern’s past basketball success, so take a minute to view them when attending a game at Hanner Fieldhouse.

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Gus the Eagle

Gus the Eagle is a prominent part of the Georgia Southern game day experience. Not only can this mascot be seen on the sideline during the game he also can be spotted in the stands interacting with fans as well. Join Gus and the rest of the GSU fans in cheering on the Eagles this season.

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Hoop Troop

The Hoop Troop pep band pumps up the crowd with their tunes and is a vital part of any Georgia Southern basketball game. The band is among the best in the Sun Belt, so enjoy the atmosphere they create when attending a game at Hanner Fieldhouse.

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Cheerleaders

The GSU cheerleaders help keep spirits high even when the Eagles are down with their cheers and routines. Join in the squad’s cheers to help give the Eagles as much of a home court advantage as possible.

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Student Section

Just like at football games, the Georgia Southern student section is packed with the wildest and loudest fans in the stadium. The students here love their Eagles win or lose and no matter what the team’s record they go all out to make Hanner Fieldhouse a tough place for opponents to play.

Fight Songs

  1. GSU Fight Song

    Wave the blue, wave the white
    Hold the banner high
    The Eagles are on the wing.
    Sound a cry to the sky,
    As we look for glory.
    Victory now we sing.
    Hail the blue, hail the white
    Hail the team that’s soaring
    Upward to bring us fame;
    Georgia Southern Eagles
    Fight on to victory and
    Win this game!

    Blue and white-fight, fight!
    Blue and white-fight, fight!
    Georgia Southern-Eagles!
    Fight, fight, fight!

  2. Hail Southern

    Whose house?
    Our house!
    Whose house?
    Our house!
    Whose house?
    Our house!
    Whose house?
    Our house!
    Well there’s really nothing
    like Statesboro
    on a Saturday.
    We’ve been at Paulson
    since the break of dawn,
    and we’re gonna be
    here all damn day long!
    Hear the horns blowing
    as the yellow buses make their way
    down to Eagle Walk
    and it’s “One More Time”
    and the ball game is underway!
    They butt heads with Erk
    as they make their way onto the field.
    Eagle Creek Water and Freedom’s Flight
    There’s really nothing quite that real!
    Hail Southern!
    Hail Southern!
    Wave the blue,
    Wave the white.
    Hold the banner high!
    And don’t forget to G.A.T.A!
    Hail Southern!
    Six times we raised that flag
    from the NCAA
    over “The House that Erk built”
    Whose House?
    Our House!
    And you can bet it’s gonna stay that way.
    They hung up the jerseys of “3” and “8”
    A.P. and Tracy Ham,
    Two of the best that God ever made!
    Through the rings and trophies
    There’s always been something bigger at play!
    And on Saturday you can bet,
    You’ll hear Eagle Nation say!
    Hail Southern!
    Hail Southern!
    Wave the blue,
    Wave the white.
    Hold the banner high!
    And don’t forget to G.A.T.A!
    Hail Southern!
    Hail Southern!
    Wave the blue,
    Wave the white.
    Hold the banner high!
    And don’t forget to G.A.T.A!
    Hail Southern!
    Hail Southern!

  3. Eagle Shouts

    Georgia!
    Southern!
    Georgia!
    Southern!
    Georgia!
    Southern!

Georgia Southern Eagles Bars & Restaurants

  1. Shenanigans

    Shenanigans

    Your local bar with pool tables, karaoke, and darts. Friendly people, good drinks, and fun for all. If you want to watch a sporting event, we got you covered.

    1 University Pl, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-681-2444

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Wooden Nickel Pub

    Wooden Nickel Pub

    Local Pub that still allows smoking (some would classify this as a dive bar). Comfortable atmosphere with a full bar and kitchen.

    3201 Tucker Norcross Rd, Tucker, GA 30084, USA

    770-939-5110

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  3. Dingus Magees

    Dingus Magees

    This place has delicious wings and great drinks to go with it!

    103 Georgia Ave, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-681-3207

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Southern Billiards and Burgers

    Southern Billiards and Burgers

    This place has the best chicken fingers in Statesboro!

    200 Lanier Dr #2, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-225-9887

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Shane’s Rib Shack

    Shanes Rib Shack

    Shane's Rib Shack is best known for its slow-smoked baby back ribs, hand-chopped chicken and pork, grilled-to-order burgers, and delicious Southern sides.

    1100 Brampton Ave j, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-681-4227

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  6. Gnats Landing

    Gnats Landing

    Gnat’s Landing has great food and a relaxed atmosphere where the entire Statesboro community can come together for a great time.

    470 S Main St, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-489-8291

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Fordham’s Farmhouse

    Fordhams Farmhouse

    Fordham’s banquet room is a perfect place for all types of gatherings. We have room for up to 50 people in a private, relaxing, family atmosphere.

    23657 US-80, Statesboro, GA 30461, USA

    912-489-3307

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Daylight Donut Shop & Gourmet Sandwiches

    Daylight Donut Shop and Gourmet Sandwiches

    The donuts here are just unbelievably good!

    455 S Main St, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    800-331-2245

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  9. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom pizza

    At Mellow we have a long history of handcrafted quality. For over 40 years we have used only the freshest ingredients in our kitchens to bring you the best pizzas on the planet.

    1098 Bermuda Run #1, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-681-4743

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  10. El Rinconcito

    El Rinconcito

    El Rinconcito offers very affordable dishes and very delicious authentic Mexican food.

    2 College Plaza, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-871-5502

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Vandy’s BBQ

    Vandys BBQ

    The oak is what gives vandy's pork, chicken & ribs their one of a kind flavor.

    22 W Vine St, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA

    912-764-2444

    Bar website

    bbq - $