On the heels of the annual Operation Move-In for Georgia Southern University students on Friday, Georgia Southern Athletics and the Division of Student Affairs invite Eagle Nation to Fan Day on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Paulson Stadium.
According to a release from Georgia Southern, the university projects enrollment of more than 33,900 students, which would be an institutional record. Additionally, a record-breaking freshman class of more than 6,500 students is expected.
Fan Day, presented by Optim Orthopedics and Vallant Bank, 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, the release stated.
Fan Day schedule
- 3:30 p.m. – Shuttle service begins from designated campus locations
- 4:15 p.m. – Stadium gates open
- 5 p.m. – First Flight begins
- 5:30 p.m. – Donor Day Event at Bishop Fieldhouse
- 6:15 p.m. – Eagle Connection, a Q&A with Athletic Director Chris Davis at Eagle Club (open to all fans)
- 7 p.m. – Football practice and scrimmage begins
- 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.
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.
Donor Day for Georgia Southern Athletics donors begins 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.
At 6:15 p.m., 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 athletic programs 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.
Georgia Southern opens the 2026 football season at Paulson Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, against Charleston Southern with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Fans can purchase season and single-game tickets by visiting GSEagles.com/Tickets.