Kennesaw State Owls Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Brian Bohannon

Team Mascot: Scrappy the Owl

Year Opened: 2010

Capacity: 8318

City / State: Kennesaw / Georgia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Big South Opponents

Rival Team: other Big South schools

The Kennesaw State football program just came into existence in 2015 meaning the Owls are yet to establish any firm rivals. The Owls will look to make their presence known in the Big South Conference, which will likely spark rivalries between them and other Big South schools. Don’t miss the Owls square off against Big South opposition this season.

Kennesaw State Owls Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Kennesaw State may be one of the newest programs in the FCS, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a swinging tailgate atmosphere at Owls games. KSU students, alumni, and fans come out in full force to support the team, and you’ll see the parking lots outside Fifth Third Bank Stadium teeming with tailgaters before the game.

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Kennesaw State, then make sure to get here early to enjoy the tailgating festivities. The parking lots here open five hours before kickoff giving you plenty of time to throw an incredible tailgate bash with all your friends and family.

You’ll also want to check out the Fan Zone during your trip to KSU. The Fan Zone opens three hours before kickoff and features giveaways, games, the Owl Walk, The Marching Owls’ pregame concert, and much more. The Owl Walk and The Marching Owls’ pregame concert are both can’t miss parts of the pregame festivities, so don’t miss them.

Tailgate lovers and FCS football fans will have a fantastic time tailgating before an Owls game, so arrive early and make the most of your trip.

Traditions

Fan Zone

Make sure to check out the Fan Zone when tailgating before a Kennesaw State football game. The Fan Zone opens three hours before kickoff and features pregame festivities, giveaways, games, and much more.

Owl Walk and The Marching Owls’ Pregame Concert

The Owl Walk and The Marching Owls' pregame concert take place at the Fan Zone two hours before kickoff. The two events will get you in the Owls game day spirit and are both can’t miss parts of the pregame festivities.

Where to tailgate

Kennesaw State Owls Stadium Guide

In Game

Come out and cheer on the Owls alongside the Kennesaw State fans on Saturdays during the fall. The Owls are one of the newest teams in the FCS and now is your chance to start cheering on the program from the beginning. Despite the team only recently coming into existence, you’ll find a fantastic crowd at games and tons of support for the team throughout suburban Atlanta.

One of the best parts of attending Kennesaw State football game is the opportunity to see the team’s live mascot, Sturgis. Sturgis is a Great Horned Owl and a must-see part of any game, so keep an eye out for him during your trip to Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

In addition to Sturgis, you’ll also enjoy the performances of the Marching Owls and the spirit groups. The Marching Owls set the tone throughout the game with their music, and the cheer and dance teams will dazzle you with their routines as well.

Head out to Kennesaw, Georgia for an Owls football game and start supporting the team at the beginning of the journey to the top of the FCS.

Things to check out

Sturgis

Don’t miss KSU’s live mascot Sturgis at the game. Sturgis is a Great Horned Owl and a fun part of any game, so make sure you catch a glimpse of him at the game.

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Marching Owls

Enjoy the performance of the Marching Owls when attending a Kennesaw State football games. The Marching Owls put on an incredible performance and help make every trip to Fifth Third Bank Stadium a memorable experience with their tunes.

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Scrappy the Owl

Fans young and old love the antics of Scrappy the Owl. Scrappy is a big part of KSU football games, so keep an eye out for him at the game.

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Cheerleaders

The cheerleading squads pump up the crowd with their chants and are a big part of the in-game experience at KSU. Join in the chants to give the Owls an excellent home field advantage.

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Dance Team

Don’t leave your seat when you see the dance team take the field. The dance team puts on a fantastic show, and their performances are some of the best parts of the game.

Fight Songs

  1. Kennesaw State Fight Song

    We are the owls
    And we bring the fight,
    All through the South-land,
    All know our might!
    From the moun-tain
    We bring spi-rit, heart, and vic-to-ry!
    LET’S GO OWLS!
    Our men and wom-en bring ho-nor and fame,
    Strong in the class-room,
    Strong in the game.
    From the moun-tain
    We bring spi-rit,
    Kennesaw! It’s on to vic-to-ry!
    GO OWLS!
    FIGHT OWLS!
    K-S-U! K-S-U!
    We are the owls and
    we bring the fight,
    All through the South-land
    All know our might.
    From the moun-tain
    We bring spi-rit,
    Kennesaw! It’s on to vic-to-ry!

  2. Kennesaw, Dear Kennesaw

    Alma Mater

    Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw,
    Nestled in the Georgia pines,
    What a special place you hold,
    Treasured in this heart of mine.
    For the candles you set burning,
    Lighting paths of love and learning,
    For the gifts you have given me,
    Kennesaw, I will cherish thee.

    Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw,
    Fairest of the Southland’s fame,
    Sons and daughters gathered here,
    Stand to praise thy lovely name.
    For the friendships that were made here,
    For the dreams we dared to dream here,
    Kennesaw, we will cherish thee,
    Kennesaw, we will cherish thee.

Kennesaw State Owls Bars & Restaurants

  1. Elevation Chophouse and Skybar

    steak Elevation Chophouse and Skybar

    Known for their tableside liquid nitrogen margaritas and martinis, Elevation takes your traditional chophouse and elevates your senses for a unique experience.

    1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  2. Highlands Grill

    Highlands Grill The Boathouse

    Serves delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week.

    2615 George Busbee Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    We offer a full menu featuring everything from soup, salads, appetizers, pastas, burgers, to daily specialty items. We also offer a first-class experience in billiards and darts play.

    3940 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Keegan’s Public House

    Keegans Public House

    We promise an intimate and relaxed dining experience that offers something different to local and foreign patrons and ensures you enjoy a memorable food experience every time.

    1625 Ridenour Blvd #301, Kennesaw, GA 30152, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Hudson Grille

    Hudson Grille steak

    You want it, we’ve got it: burgers, steaks, fresh seafood, wings, huge draft beer selection, full bars, party rooms, UFC, boxing, way too many TV’s and EVERY game!

    2500 Cobb Pl Ln NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. Owlz Pub

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    OWLZ Pub serves as the perfect combination of a hometown bar, and sports bar! A perfect place to celebrate any shenanigans!

    3655 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $$

  7. Ralph’s Tavern

    Ralphs Tavern burger

    Ralph’s Tavern is your neighborhood restaurant and bar that works hard to provide the highest quality food, drink & service available.

    4290 Bells Ferry Rd #110, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  8. The Varsity

    The Varsity hot dog

    Visiting The Varsity before a big game, or anytime for a quick, delicious meal is more than just dining out, it’s experiencing an iconic part of Atlanta’s culture.

    2790 Town Center Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Lopardo’s NY Pizza and Pasta

    Lopardos NY Pizza and Pasta

    A great place to go for a New York style pizza that's amazingly delicious!

    2950 George Busbee Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  10. Marlow’s Tavern

    Marlows Tavern

    Marlow’s Tavern features the “Best of the Best” in American tavern fare served in a modern atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to a higher level.

    745 Chastain Rd NW #1160, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Cook Out

    Cook Out

    Our process is simple, make a burger the way a burger should be made, on the grill!

    2000, 745 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

    Tin Lizzys Cantina

    A popular place to work and to meet friends for refreshing margaritas and delicious FlexMex cuisine.

    3470 George Busbee Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  13. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

    Ruths Chris Steak House

    Ruth's Chris is the world's #1 USDA prime steak house.

    620 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$