After 70 years Mercer University is bringing back the spirit-filled sport of football. The University of Georgia played against Mercer in 1892 for the groundbreaking beginning of intercollegiate football in Georgia. Mercer’s return to competing in the sport during the fall of 2013 was approved by the Board of Trustees last November.
To kick-off school spirit for the new football team President William D. Underwood and those responsible of the creation of the new stadium, field house, and plaza held an event called “Meet the Bears” this past Thursday. At the event the new football team was introduced and many excited attendees were able to get posters signed and take pictures with the football players as well. A tour of the field house was also provided by the football managers and cheerleaders.
My favorite part of the event was the unveling of the new football uniforms. (More pictures of this will be released at a later date!)
The new center is to host not only the sport of football, but also lacrosse. The four major components of the project include:
The Homer and Ruth Drake Field House
The William H. Anderson II Family Field
The Marshall and Jane Butler Family Plaza
The Tony and Nancy Moye Family Football and Lacrosse Complex
To coach the new football team Bobby Lamb retired from his position as head coach at Furman University. Coach Lamb stated, “This facility is a beautiful and well-thought out design that has taken into consideration both our present needs and potential future needs. This will truly place Mercer football at the forefront in our recruiting and branding efforts.”
The general contractor is Chris R. Sheridan & Co. of Macon, and the stadium complex was designed by McMillan-Pazdan-Smith Architecture of Spartanburg, S.C. This facility is said to accommodate an audience of 6,000.
To be one of the 6,000 fans, you can purchase season tickets at the Big Bear Event at the University Center on April 21. The season tickets will range from $50 to $75 per seat. During the first season, at least seven games will be at home. Go Bears!
Photo source: Erica O’Neal