Georgia State Panthers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Jonas Hayes

Team Mascot: Pounce The Panther

Year Opened: 2022

Capacity: 7500

City / State: Atlanta / Georgia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Georgia State Panthers vs Georgia Southern Eagles

Rival Team: Georgia Southern Eagles

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 Eagles come to Atlanta.

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Georgia State Panthers vs UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns

Rival Team: UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns

You’ll be in for a physical and hard fought contest when attending a Georgia State - UL-Lafayette game. The Panthers and Cajuns don’t get along and often emotions boil over in these matchups making them the perfect time to take in a Georgia State basketball game.

Georgia State Panthers Stadium Guide

In Game

Georgia State has come a long way as both a university and as a basketball program over the years. Lefty Driesell put the basketball program on the map over a decade ago by winning three regular season conference championships, and as a result of the program’s success, the university is looking to perform major upgrades to the Georgia State Convocation Center. While the renovations are yet to materialize, there is still plenty of buzz surrounding the program as a result.

The hype and excitement surrounding the GSU basketball program have helped spark the fanbase, and you’ll find one of the better Sun Belt atmospheres at Georgia State games. The fans, particularly the students, are very vocal in their support and create an intense in-game atmosphere that makes it difficult for visiting teams to take home the W.

When attending a Georgia State basketball game, make sure to stop by the Sweet Auburn Market, which is located just a couple blocks from the arena. At the Sweet Auburn Market, you’ll find a wide selection of food options ranging from barbecue to burgers and much more.

The Panthers are an emerging basketball program with a very dedicated fanbase making a trip to Atlanta an excellent experience for any Sun Belt basketball fan. Get your tickets to a GSU basketball game today for your chance to see one of the best teams in the Sun Belt.

Things to check out

Banners

Check out the banners hanging above the court. The banners celebrate the Panthers NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships, so relive your favorite GSU basketball memories by taking them all in before tipoff.

Charles “Lefty” Driesell Court

The court at the Georgia State Convocation Center is named after legendary Panthers basketball coach Lefty Driesell. Driesell led the Panthers to three regular season conference titles during his tenure and one NCAA Tournament appearance making him the most successful coach in Panthers basketball history. Take a minute to remember all of your favorite moments from the Driesell era when taking in a game at Georgia State Convocation Center.

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Pounce

On game days, you can see Pounce roaming the sidelines and entertaining fans of all ages. No matter how old you are, you’ll love catching a glimpse of Pounce at a Panthers basketball game.

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Student Ringleaders

The Georgia State student ringleaders are the most diehard fans at any Panthers basketball game and do a fantastic job of leading the student section. Pay attention to ringleaders and join in their chants during your visit to GSU.

Pep Band

The pep band provides an excellent atmosphere at Panthers games. They rev up the crowd with their tunes and play a significant part in making Georgia State Convocation Center a tough place to play for opponents, so enjoy their performance throughout the game.

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Cheerleaders

Don’t miss the GSU cheerleaders when attending a game at Georgia State Convocation Center. The cheer squad puts on impressive routines that are a must-see, so don’t leave your seat when you see the cheerleaders take the floor.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight Panthers

    Fight, Panthers, to victory!
    Our voices yell.
    You’ll hear us mighty and strong.
    We’re from the ATL,
    we’re gonna give ’em hell!

    Fight, Panthers, to victory!
    Drive on for the score.
    BLUE – WHITE,
    Georgia State is in the fight,
    G-S-U!

    (CHANT)
    G-S-U, G-S-U, G-A-S-T-A-T-E, State!

    Repeat First 2 Verses 

  2. GSU Chant

    G-S-U, G-S-U G-A-S-T-A-T-E

Georgia State Panthers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Hooters

    beer

    Sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts.

    209 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    011-886-22-716-5168

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  2. Sidebar

    Sidebar

    Upscale sports bar (known for its Cuban sandwiches) with pool & games playing on multiple TVs.

    79 Poplar St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-588-1850​

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Der Biergarten

    Der Biergarten beer

    Pretzels & other traditional German eats draw a crowd to this spacious beer garden & restaurant.

    300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-521-2728

    Bar website

    european - $$

  4. Atlanta Braves All Star Grill

    Atlanta Braves All Star Grill

    A one-of-a-kind restaurant, the Braves All Star Grill represents the intersection of Atlanta’s heritage.

    200 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-305-8001

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Smoke Ring

    Smoke Ring hotdog

    Rustic-chic smokehouse offering contemporary barbecue, Southern sides & cocktails in a sleek space.

    309 Nelson St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-228-6377

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Slice Downtown

    Slice Downtown

    Industrial-chic standby serving inventive NYC-style pizza & Italian bites with beer & wine.

    85 Poplar St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-420-8747

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria

    Maxs Coal Oven Pizzeria pizza

    Downtown warehouse-type space where a coal-burning oven turns out crispy pies.

    300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-974-2941

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  8. White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

    White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails burger

    Airy, modern-rustic hangout serving Southern-tinged New American fare & specialty cocktails.

    270 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-524-7200

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Alma Cocina

    Alma Cocina

    Inventive Mexican fare with regional influences & Latin-inspired cocktails in a stylish setting.

    191 Peachtree Tower, 191 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-968-9662

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Thrive

    Thrive

    American food, sushi & creative cocktails in a lounge-like dining room & bar with modern decor.

    Centennial Tower, 101 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-389-1000

    Bar website

    american - asian - $$

  11. Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt

    Daddy Dz BBQ Joyn

    Casual Southern destination with a wide variety of barbecue & sides dishes up huge plates of food.

    264 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

    404-222-0206

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  12. Sun Dial Restaurant

    Sun Dial Restaurant

    Spinning hotel restaurant & bar with 360-degree views of the city & frequent live jazz.

    210 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-589-7506

    Bar website

    american - $$$