As the temperatures start to cool and the leaves begin to change, it’s not just fall that’s in the air. September is the start of every sports fan's favorite time of the year — football season!
Experience your perfect Georgia Southern football game weekend by following our itinerary. From suggestions on where to grab a delicious bite to eat to game day insider tips, we’ve got you covered. There’s so much for die-hard fans and sports enthusiasts alike to enjoy in Statesboro.
Friday: Arrive and explore
Make the most of your weekend by getting into Statesboro on Friday morning so you can have some pre-game fun. There are a variety of accommodation options located near the action of Allen E. Paulson Stadium. If you’re more of a traditional hotel family, the Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn are great options. To explore the full selection of hotels in the area, head over to www.visitstatesboro.org and browse through the available lodging. For a more immersive experience, book your stay at an Airbnb near beautiful downtown and enjoy the walkability and charm of Statesboro.
Once you’ve checked in, it’s time to hit the local foodie and brew scene by heading over to Eagle Creek Brewing Company. This local pub and brewery has a great selection of Statesboro’s best beers on tap, perfect for grabbing an early lunch. They offer traditional pub food with a Southern twist, like their Smoked Gouda Mac n’ Cheese Bites and Eagle Creek Shrimp and Grits, made with wild-caught Georgia shrimp. Share a couple of appetizers with your group to enjoy the ultimate taste test.
After grabbing a bite, stop by The Clubhouse, a premier entertainment center where you can enjoy hours of nonstop fun in their state-of-the-art arcade, a laser tag arena and 24 lanes of bowling. Outside, there is the Coca-Cola 125 Raceway featuring fully electric go-karts, as well as a mini-golf course.
Finish off your Friday night by catching some live music at Gnat’s Landing, a local hangout spot where you can also participate in trivia and karaoke. Their dinner menu has a little bit of everything for everyone, including seafood snacks like their Crispy White Fish Fingers and incredible sammies like their Pimento Grilled Cheese. Finish things off with an order of homemade banana pudding, and tuck in early to prepare for Saturday’s festivities.
Saturday: Game day
Before the big game, fuel your body with a delicious breakfast from Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse. They open at 8 a.m. and offer a variety of pastries, breakfast sammies and, of course, delicious coffees, lattes and teas. It’s a great way to get your caffeine fix and enjoy a slow morning before the excitement to come. There’s also Boro Bagel Company, where you’ll find some of the best bagels around. Go with a classic New York-style bagel with cream cheese spread, or try one of their iconic bagelwiches.
When it’s time to head over to the stadium, make sure you're repping your True Blue jerseys to show off your Eagle pride. There are a few different parking options at Paulson Stadium, depending on what time you want to arrive. If you’re an early bird who likes to get the best spot, you can head to general parking at the Russell Union. The lot opens at 8 a.m. for Saturday home games, but the spaces are first come, first served, so keep that in mind.
For those who like to have a secured spot, there are paid general parking lots from which to choose, including the Recreation Activity Center, the Performing Arts Center and Lot 29. You can pay in advance or in person on the day of the game. These are also the best lots to enjoy an Eagle tailgating experience, as they have designated grass areas. Meet fellow fans and make new friends, all while getting the energy pumped up before kickoff!
If you arrive 2 ½ hours before the game begins, make sure to join Eagle Nation in cheering on the team as they walk into the stadium. You can join this local tradition by standing at the corner of Tippins Family Training Facility and Paulson Stadium.
After an epic finish to another legendary game by the Eagles, keep the good vibes going by heading over to Fifth Quarter, known as the ultimate late-night hangout spot. They’re open until 1 a.m. and have everything from domestic beers and seltzers to specialty cocktails. Nothing beats celebrating your team's success like a post-game drink or two.
Sunday: Relax and head home
As your Statesboro football weekend comes to an end, start your last morning in town the right way with brunch from Sugar Magnolia Bistro & Bar. They are open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, perfect for sleeping in after a long night out before grabbing a delicious spread. This neighborhood breakfast spot specializes in brunch classics like Croque Madame and bottomless mimosas — need we say more? They also have a great selection of locally roasted coffee to jumpstart your morning.
Before heading out, stop by the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University for one last adventure. They’re open from 1–5 p.m. on Sundays and have a $5 admission fee. This 11-acre sanctuary includes vibrant displays of native plants and rare species alike, where you can take your time walking around to get a feel for Statesboro’s natural beauty. There’s also the Georgia Southern Museum located on campus, where you can explore from 2–5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $4, and inside, you’ll find a variety of collections and exhibits of natural artifacts. They have permanent exhibits and a rotating gallery, so each visit offers a unique experience.
As you’re leaving, do yourself a favor and go through the drive-thru at Wing Maxx. They offer high-quality chicken wings that are free from hormones and antibiotics, making them both healthier and delicious. Choose from traditional or boneless wings with your choice of sauce and get ready to enjoy the ultimate game day tradition of throwing back some crispy wings and fries. Just make sure to ask for some extra napkins!
