Eagles Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Clay Helton

Team Mascot: Freedom the Bald Eagle, GUS the Eagle

Year Opened: 1984

Capacity: 25000

City / State: Statesboro / Georgia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Georgia Southern vs App State

Rival Team: App State Mountaineers

The Appalachian State - Georgia Southern rivalry stems from similarities rather than differences. Not only do the two schools have similar academic histories as they both were originally teacher colleges, but they also have similar histories on the Gridiron. Both joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 after building up a strong championship pedigree in the FCS. The two schools have met every year since 1993 with the Mountaineers holding a 16-13-1 advantage. Georgia Southern hopes to narrow that gap this year with a victory over the hated Mountaineers.

Modern Day Hate

Rival Team: Georgia State Panthers

Despite the fact that Georgia Southern and Georgia State have only met on the gridiron once there is still a strong rivalry between the two schools that dates back to 1980s. The rivalry began on the hardcourt when both teams competed in the Atlantic Sun Conference from 1983 to 1992 and since then has flourished over the fact both schools want to lay claim to the GSU moniker. Georgia Southern has won the only meeting so far 69-31 and hopes to continue that trend in the coming years.

Eagles Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Here in the South, barbecue is a tailgating institution and Georgia Southern is no exception. Most of the tailgating at GSU happens in the parking lots particularly those located south of the stadium. Here you’ll find a wide variety of grills and smokers, which will be accompanied by the mouth-watering aromas of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches.

One of the best aspects of the tailgate here at Georgia Southern is the friendly close-knit community feeling that everyone shares. GSU fans are a relaxed group that loves to grill and talk football. If you’re looking for a more raucous party atmosphere, then head out around campus and look for where the students are pre gaming. Whether you tailgate in the parking lots or with the students attending a game at Georgia Southern is a great experience.

Traditions

Yellow School Buses

The Eagles’ arrive at every game via yellow school buses. The team boards the buses early in the morning and are given a police escort to the stadium, while en route the locals cheer on the buses as they passes by. The tradition originated in 1981 when the program first started and needed to provide transportation for the team on a tight budget and has continued ever since. Look for the yellow school buses on your way to the game for your chance to catch a glimpse of the team.

play Watch video

Student Tailgate Zone

The Student Tailgate Zone is the official tailgate space for GSU students. It’s located to northwest of the stadium and offers a wide variety of activities and vendors, making it a great place for students to hang out before the game.

play Watch video

Where to tailgate

Eagles Stadium Guide

In Game

Georgia Southern may not play in a power conference or have any super famous alumni, with the other Adrian Peterson being one of the most recognizable among them. However, the fans here have an undying love for their team as well as a wealth of passion that rivals any of the top teams. The Georgia Southern fan base is a very friendly tight-knit group that sticks with their team through thick and thin.

The atmosphere at Paulson Stadium is incredible as most locals here in Statesboro are diehard Eagles fans. To them, big time programs like Georgia and Georgia Tech are not important as they are committed fans of their Eagles. The stadium here frequently sells out as not only is the student section filled to the brim, but alumni also come out in force. Join in on the fantastic atmosphere here at Paulson Stadium with your fellow Eagles fans.

Fireworks and pyrotechnics are also a big part of Georgia Southern football games as you’ll be sure to see plenty when the Eagles run up the score on their opponents. After each Eagles’ touchdown fireworks light the sky making a Georgia feel like a 4th of July celebration. If you love watching fireworks than Georgia Southern has plenty to offer on and off the field.

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 seen around campus and the tailgate lots before the game. Before each game, the Gus leads the team onto the field as the crowd erupts into a frenzy as their team runs out of the tunnel. Join Gus and the rest of the GSU fans in cheering on the Eagles this season.The tight-knit atmosphere surrounding Georgia Southern and the diehard support the people of Statesboro have for their Eagles makes attending a Georgia Southern football game an unforgettable experience.

Things to check out

Erk Russell Bust

Make sure to stop and check out the Erk Russell Bust before the game. Russell served as the Eagles head coach from 1982 to 1989 and is the most decorated coach in program history leading the team to three of its six national championships.

play Watch video

Ted Smith Family Football Center

If you want to see what goes on behind the magic, then make a trip to the Ted Smith Family Football Center. The Football Center is the home of the team offices, weight room, and Georgia Southern Football Hall of Fame, so make sure to stop by and check it out.

play Watch video

Field of Dreams

In front of the Ted Smith Family Football Center is the Field of Dreams where kids can play football throughout the game. The field is a great way for kids to get their energy out during the game, so if you’re bringing the kids to the game stop by The Field of Dreams.

Banners and Posters

Hanging around Paulson Stadium are several banners and posters honoring Eagles players and teams of the past. The posters are nice tributes to program’s past and a must-see for anyone attending a GSU game.

Freedom Flight

Before kickoff, Georgia Southern’s live eagle mascot Freedom flies over the crowd. This gets the crowd and players pumped to take on the opposition. The tradition is in fact so popular that a Freedom Flight has even been added to the graduate ceremony in recent years. If you love animals, then you’ll love the Freedom Flight at Georgia Southern.

Beautiful Eagle Creek

Before every game, the team sprinkles a jug of water from a small ditch located near the practice field onto the field. This tradition began in 1985 when legendary football coach Erk Russell sprinkled some water from the same ditch on the field before a playoff game at Northern Iowa. That season the Eagles went on to win the national championship, and the tradition has stuck ever since.

play Watch video

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 seen around campus and the tailgate lots before the game. Before each game, the Gus leads the team onto the field as the crowd erupts into a frenzy as their team runs out of the tunnel. Join Gus and the rest of the GSU fans in cheering on the Eagles this season.

play Watch video

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!

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 - $