Georgia Southern Athletics Announces 2026 Fan Day Details
8/6/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football, General, Athletic Foundation, Marketing & Fan Experience
Presented by Vallant Bank and Optim Orthopedics
STATESBORO - Georgia Southern Athletics and the Division of Student Affairs invite Eagle Nation to Fan Day on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Presented by Optim Orthopedics and Vallant Bank, Fan Day serves as the official kickoff to the 2026-27 athletics and academic year, bringing together Georgia Southern traditions, football and opportunities for fans to connect with Eagle student-athletes before the season begins.
Fan Day Schedule
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3:30 PM – Shuttle service begins from designated campus locations
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4:15 PM – Stadium gates open
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5:00 PM – First Flight begins
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5:30 PM – Donor Day Event at Bishop Fieldhouse
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6:15 PM – Eagle Connection, a Q&A with Athletic Director Chris Davis at Eagle Club (open to all fans)
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7:00 PM – Football practice and scrimmage begins
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Post-game – Autograph session
Admission and parking are free and open to the public. Georgia Southern students will enter through Gate 11 while the general public may enter through Gates 5, 6, 8, and 12.
Beginning at 5 p.m., First Flight will officially welcome students to campus while giving fans an early taste of the excitement surrounding the upcoming athletics season. The annual celebration will feature appearances by Georgia Southern student-athletes, the Southern Pride Marching Band, cheerleaders, the dance team, team introductions, interactive contests and other Eagle traditions that help kick off a new year in Blue and White.
Georgia Southern Athletics will also host Donor Day for Georgia Southern Athletics donors beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Bishop Field House. Guests will enjoy complimentary food presented by Texas Roadhouse while hearing from Director of Athletics Chris Davis and Georgia Southern head coaches as they preview the upcoming athletics year. The event provides supporters with a unique opportunity to connect with Georgia Southern Athletics before the start of another exciting season.
At 6:15 p.m., Director of Athletics Chris Davis will host the first Eagle Connection open to the public in the Eagle Club (located on the home concourse), providing fans an opportunity to ask questions and hear updates on Georgia Southern Athletics and connect directly with department leadership ahead of the upcoming season.
The evening continues at 7 p.m. with an open football practice and scrimmage inside Paulson Stadium, giving fans an early look at the 2026 Eagles. Following practice, fans will have the opportunity to meet members of the football team during an on-field autograph session.
Concessions will be open on the north concourse of the stadium throughout the evening. Fans are encouraged to sit in the student section and club level during football practice.
Representatives from Georgia Southern Athletics will be available throughout Fan Day to assist with ticket purchases, Erk Russell Fund memberships and general questions. Fans can purchase football season tickets, mini plans, away-game tickets and volleyball tickets during the event or online at GSEagles.com/Tickets. Fans can also join the Erk Russell Fund, with memberships beginning at just $60 annually or $5 per month.
Georgia Southern opens the 2026 football season at home on Saturday, Sept. 5, welcoming Charleston Southern to Allen E. Paulson Stadium for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Fans can secure their season tickets and be part of another exciting chapter of Georgia Southern football by visiting GSEagles.com/Tickets.
