A Southern Spring Weekend brings a full slate of events for the whole family, highlighted by the Blue vs. White Spring Game presented by Morris Bank, Southern Exchange and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and GATAJam presented by ZEROES.
Below are a few things to know before you head to campus this weekend.
Q: What time do gates open?
A: Gates for Saturday's Spring Game will open at 11 a.m. Fans may enter through Gates 8 or 12 in the west end (Bishop Field House) or Gates 5 (handicap by Cowart Building) or Gate 6 (behind the press box). Fans are allowed to sit in the lower bowl on both sides of the stadium.
Q: Do I need a ticket?
A: Admission for Saturday's Spring Game is free!
Q: How are the teams broken up and what are the rules?
A: Check out the roster card for Saturday's game for all of that. The defense will have chances to pick up points, and the offense will score like a normal game. The game will consist of four 15-minute quarters with a normal clock in the first half and a running clock in the second half. Halftime will be eight (8) minutes. We recommend you download this roster card to your mobile device or print it out to have it on hand for Saturday.
Q: Where can I park?
A: There is no reserved parking and the following lots will be open for parking around Paulson Stadium: Gold Lot ADA, Gold Lot, Peach Lot, Blue Lot, Green Lot, Yellow Lot, Pink Lot. The Teal Lot will be closed to allow for the Petting Zoo and Inflatables for kids.
There is no charge for parking. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, park, and tailgate before the game kicks off at noon. RVs are allowed in the general parking lots but must be out of the lot by Sunday at noon. Shuttles will not be running for the game.
Please be aware that an AAU Track Meet is also being held on Saturday. Fans should expect additional vehicles parked near Eagle Field at Erk Park for the event.
Q: Will there be an Eagle Walk?
A: Yes! There will be a full Eagle Walk at approximately 10:40 a.m. The path of the Eagle Walk will be the full path used during the 2023 season.
Q: What if I can't make it to the game? Will I still be able to watch?
A: Due to a scheduling conflict, the Spring Game will NOT be broadcast on ESPN+. We will have highlights and interviews on social media during and after the game, but if able, we encourage you to come enjoy watching at the Prettiest Little Stadium in America!
Q: Will it be on radio?
A: Due to baseball traveling, the radio crew will be on the road and will not be broadcasting.
Q: Where are the restrooms located?
A: Restrooms are located on the concourse.
Q; Will the concession stands be open?
A: Yes. For the Spring Game, beverages and food will be available on both sides of the stadium. This is a reminder that all transactions are cashless.
Q: Will alcohol be served at the Spring Game?
A: Alcohol will be served around the stadium. Proper identification is required. Sales will end at the end of the third quarter.
Q: Will I be able to purchase Georgia Southern merchandise?
A: Yes. The University Store will have select merchandise on-site at its north concourse location.
Q: Will a representative from the ticket office be on-site?
A: Yes. The Georgia Southern Athletics Ticket Office will be set up in the southeast corner of the stadium behind the Cowart Building to answer all your questions.
Q: Will GUS be present?
A: Yes. GUS and members of the Georgia Southern Spirit Squads will be in attendance. Freedom will be in attendance but will not fly pre-game.
Q: Is the Clear Bag Policy in effect?
A: There is no Clear Bag Policy in effect for this event.
Q: Is the Punt, Pass, & Kick Contest happening this year?
A: Yes. The contest has been moved to the evening before on Friday, April 19. It is free to register and all kids who register online will receive a free GS water bottle. Online registration closes Friday at noon but walk-ups are welcome. Check-in starts at 5:30 p.m. and the contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. Register at GSEagles.com/PPK.
Q: Is the EFAA Reverse Raffle happening this year?
A: Absolutely. Join the Eagle Football Alumni Association for the 17th Annual $10,000 Reverse Raffle and Auction. The raffle and auction will take place on Friday and will be held at Hanner Fieldhouse. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a cocktail hour, followed by the auction and raffle at approximately 7:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets here.
Q: Did I hear something about a petting zoo?
A: Yes, you did! Georgia Southern Athletics is providing a free petting zoo along with inflatables for fans to enjoy from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The area will be in the Teal Lot near Gates 7 and 8.
Q: Will the Anthony P. Tippins Athletic Training Facility be open?
A: A portion of the facility will be open for fans to view and enjoy, along with some lawn games. Portions of the facility will be closed for private events and tailgate suites are reserved.
Q: What are the details for the Little Eagles Cheer Clinic?
A: Check-in for the clinic starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Anthony P. Tippins Athletic Training Facility. For complete details and to register, click here.
Q: What time is GATAJAM?
A: Gates open for GATAJAM at Beautiful Eagle Creek starting at 5 p.m. Visit GATAJAM.com to buy tickets and parking as well as find additional information. There are no shuttles running from Paulson Stadium to the event.
Q: What is the GATAJAM Online Auction?
A: Have a chance to bid on unique experiences & memorabilia that you would not want to pass up on! 100% of proceeds benefit the Student Athletes at Georgia Southern. The auction is currently open and closes on Friday, April 19 at 4 p.m.
Q: What else is going on around the Spring Game?
A: Softball is taking on Troy in a three-game series for Strikeout Cancer Weekend. Game one is Friday at 4 p.m. for Barbie-Q Night, featuring a limited supply of complimentary BBQ for fans, courtesy of Dolan's BBQ. Saturday's first pitch is at 11 a.m. and the series concludes Sunday at noon, featuring free pink T-shirts for the first 150 fans.
Q: Will there be an autograph session after?
A: Yes. After the game and post-game obligations are completed, the players and Coach Clay Helton will be available on the field for a 30-minute autograph session. A limited number of autograph posters will be available as fans enter the field from the stands.
Q: How can I purchase new gear from the new True Blue Unlocked program?
A: Merchandise is available to purchase immediately at Southern Exchange Company and Georgia Southern's University Store for fans to wear at Southern Spring Weekend (while supplies last). The University Store will also have the merchandise available at their north concourse location at the stadium during the game.
Click here to learn more about the True Blue Unlocked program.
Q: Who's going to win?
A: We'll figure that out on Saturday, but we know for certain that it will be a great time and there will be a whole lot of GATA!
