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Hail Southern: A game weekend itinerary
Exploring the City That Soars
GS fans
Georgia Southern fans celebrate a missed Georgia State field goal attempt at Paulson Stadium during the schools' 2023 matchup. (SCOTT BRYANT/staff)

As summer fades into fall, excitement builds in Bulloch County because it’s time for everyone’s favorite season — football season! There’s no better way to celebrate than by spending a perfect game day weekend in Statesboro cheering on Georgia Southern, filled with thrilling action on the field and, of course, plenty of Southern charm. Gear up and get ready to experience the vibrant energy of game day, from tailgating traditions to postgame festivities, and discover all the hidden gems in between. 

Pregame

Arrive on a Friday evening after a week of work and check into a cozy hotel or Airbnb for a charming stay. For a convenient and stress-free weekend, consider locations in downtown Statesboro, the Cypress Lake area or near Allen E. Paulson Stadium, which are perfect for exploring local attractions and offer easy access to game day festivities.

Kick off the weekend with dinner at one of Statesboro’s delicious local restaurants, with something to satisfy every palate. Bull and Barrel Steakhouse offers a seasonally changing menu as well as classic dishes that are always available, like the Crowned Filet and the Romano Crusted Chicken. If casual is more your style, stop by Eagle CreekBrewing Company, where you can sip on locally handcrafted beers and get a taste of some classic Southern flavors.

Finish off the night with a taste of local nightlife, where you can enjoy drinks and good conversation with fellow Eagles fans. For some of the best live music in the Boro, head over to Gnat’s Landing, a lively restaurant and bar with an atmosphere and friendly crowd that make it the perfect spot to unwind after a leisurely afternoon. 

Game day

On Saturday morning, fuel up for the big game with a delicious country breakfast at D’s Friendly Diner, where classic Southern dishes will fill you up and start your day off right. If you’re in a hurry, swing by Boro Bagel Company for a tasty breakfast on the go, then head to Three Tree Coffee Roasters or Cool Beanz Espresso Bar for your caffeine fix.

Then, what would an Eagles football game be without an epic tailgate? The smell of grilled burgers, sizzling hotdogs and all the game day classics will surely get you in the mood to show your Eagle pride as you mingle with fellow fans. Wear your True Blue gear and join the GS family at the tailgating areas of Paulson Stadium before kickoff, where you’ll find fans of all ages enjoying the pregame festivities.

Ahead of kickoff, enter Paulson Stadium, affectionately known as “Our House” in Eagle Nation, and find your seats in a sea of blue and white. Make sure to look for Gus, the team mascot, as he hypes up the crowd from the field, leading cheers and bringing the energy, then sit back and enjoy the game. 

Game day tips:

  • Eagle Walk: Be sure to arrive early, not only for the free parking at the Russell Union but also to enjoy all the pregame fun, including the Eagle Walk. Approximately 2 ½ hours before the game, Eagle Nation gathers at the corner of the Tippins Family Training Facility and Paulson Stadium to welcome the team on game day. 
  • Know your Pride: Being a part of the Eagle Nation means knowing all the chants and phrases heard during games, including:
    • “Whose House? Our House!” (Referring to Paulson Stadium)
    • “GATA” (If you know, you know)
    • The crowd on one side of the stadium yells “Georgia,” and the other yells “Southern”

After cheering the Eagles on to victory, celebrate with dinner at The Clubhouse, where you can enjoy good food, drinks and even a round of mini-golf or bowling, or head downtown to savor the Southern flavors we all know and love at Dolan’s Bar-B-Que. Keep the good times rolling at The Blue Room, where students and locals come together to enjoy lively music long into the night. If you weren’t already, you’ll feel like part of the Eagle family after celebrating a big win in Statesboro.  

Postgame

After a long day of fun, sleep in and wake up for a midday brunch at Sugar Magnolia Bistro. Before traveling back home, take some time to explore the local attractions, and enjoy all that campus has to offer, including a stroll through the Botanic Garden and a visit to the Georgia Southern Museum. 

A weekend like this is about more than football — it’s a celebration of the community, traditions and life found in Statesboro and at Georgia Southern University.

Hail Southern, and go Eagles!