Every year, I write about unusual Christmas gift ideas. I have to admit, the timing seems pretty good to suggest this one - naming opportunities at Georgia Southern University's planned Football Operations Center.
      Frank Hook is director of donor relations and is focusing on the fundraising for the $10 million dollar plus project which is slated to begin construction at the beginning of this coming summer. The 57,000 square foot building will be located in the score board end zone, and will house the entire football program operation including the player locker room, weight training room, coachs' offices, players' lounge, meeting rooms, equipment room, and Georgia Southern's Football Hall of Fame.
      According to Hook, this is the single, largest private fundraising project Georgia Southern has undertaken since its founding in 1906.
      "To put the scope of this project into perspective, this building will be more than four times larger than the Bishop Field House located in the opposite end zone," Hook said. "This is a totally separate project from the upper deck extension that is to be funded by the student approved fee increase for that particular project. Although separate, construction on both will begin at the same time."
      As it pertains to gift giving, Hook suggested the following.
      "There are several different naming opportunities available," he said. "One that may interest many are the one hundred brick pavers that will be installed in the Erk Russell Plaza adjoining the new building. Each paver can hold three lines of inscription, and are $2500 apiece. That amount can be paid over five years."
      Hook said there are also 130 lockers available for naming as well as 40 decorative bollards.
      "The exciting thing is that people can be part of a project that will last a lifetime," he said. "It is going to be wonderful facility. The Hall of Fame is going to be open to the public year round, and the combination of the Football Operations Center and the construction of the deck extension is really going to transform the stadium."
      "This is an exciting time for Eagle football, and I just wanted folks to know how they can participate," he said.
Hook can be reached at fhook@georgiasouthern.edu, or by phone at (912) 478-5520.
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com