White Out, Erk 100 celebration, Eagle Legends bust unveiling and family-friendly Halloween festivities highlight Georgia Southern’s Oct. 31 matchup against App State
Georgia Southern Athletics is preparing for a special Halloween Saturday as the Eagles welcome rival App State to Allen E. Paulson Stadium/Evans Family Field on Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m.
The day will feature the return of the annual White Out, a celebration of legendary head coach Erk Russell’s 100th birthday, the unveiling of three Eagle Legends busts and a full lineup of Halloween activities for fans of all ages.
With a historic celebration, one of college football’s great rivalries and plenty of activities leading up to kickoff, Eagle Nation is encouraged to arrive early and be part of a memorable day at Paulson.
Here’s everything fans need to know.
White Out Returns to Paulson
Eagle Nation is encouraged to wear white from head to toe as Georgia Southern hosts its third consecutive White Out game. Fans can help turn Paulson Stadium into a sea of white for the rivalry showdown against App State and the Erk 100 celebration.
Official Georgia Southern White Out merchandise is available now through the Southern Exchange Company.
A special Erk 100 commemorative White Out T-shirt will be available beginning Thursday evening, Oct. 29, exclusively through the Southern Exchange Company, the official merchandiser of Georgia Southern Athletics.
Commemorative T-shirt Availability: Beginning Thursday evening, Oct. 29, at the Southern Exchange Company.
Erk 100: “One More Time — The Traditions & Legacy of Erk Russell”
In celebration of what would have been legendary Georgia Southern head coach Erk Russell’s 100th birthday, Eagle Nation is invited to experience a special exhibit honoring the man who helped build the foundation of Georgia Southern Football.
Presented in partnership with the Georgia Southern Museum, One More Time: The Traditions & Legacy of Erk Russell will feature personal memorabilia, championship artifacts, historic photographs and stories behind the traditions that continue to define Georgia Southern Football.
From GATA and Beautiful Eagle Creek to the yellow school buses and national championships, the exhibit will celebrate the man, the memories and the lasting legacy that continues to connect generations of Eagle Nation.
Fans can also take part in the celebration by signing a giant birthday card honoring Coach Russell. The card will be located alongside the exhibit.
To commemorate the occasion, fans can purchase a special Erk 100 popcorn bucket for just $3 from 5–6:30 p.m. at Fan Faves, Eagles Perch and the Dippers Food Truck inside Paulson Stadium.
Exhibit Location: Bishop Fieldhouse Patio (inside Gate 10)
Exhibit Hours: 5 p.m. through the end of halftime
Additional Erk 100 merchandise is available through the Southern Exchange Company, Barnes & Noble at Georgia Southern, Onward Reserve and No Rivals.
Eagle Legends Busts to Be Unveiled
Georgia Southern Athletics will honor three of the most influential figures in program history with the unveiling of new busts recognizing College Football Hall of Famers Tracy Ham, Adrian Peterson and Paul Johnson.
The ceremony will take place at Parrish-Scoggins Plaza, where the new busts will join the existing statues of Erk Russell and Freedom, further honoring the individuals and traditions that helped shape Georgia Southern Football.
From championship moments to lasting contributions that extend well beyond the field, Ham, Peterson and Johnson each played a significant role in building the proud history and tradition of Georgia Southern Football.
Eagle Nation is invited to attend the unveiling and help celebrate three legends whose impact continues to be felt across generations.
Unveiling Ceremony: 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31
Location: Allen E. Paulson Stadium at the Parrish-Scoggins Plaza (located next to Erk Russell Statue)
Halloween at Paulson
Halloween comes to Paulson with a full afternoon of family-friendly activities, including Tailgatin’ Trunk or Treat, trick-or-treating with Georgia Southern student-athletes, a costume contest and free hayrides.
Tailgatin’ Trunk or Treat and Trick-or-Treat with the Eagles
Eagle Nation is encouraged to bring Halloween spirit to the tailgate lots by decorating tailgates, handing out candy and creating a fun experience for young Eagles before kickoff.
Participating tailgates will have an opportunity to be selected as the Shuman Farms Tailgate of the Game, earning prizes and special recognition during the game.
Families can also enjoy trick-or-treating along Eagle Walk, where Georgia Southern student-athletes representing various Eagle teams will be stationed to hand out candy and interact with fans.
Time: 4:30–6 p.m.
Tailgater Registration: GSEagles.com/TrunkorTreat
Halloween Costume Contest
Fans of all ages are encouraged to show off their Halloween costumes at Paulson Stadium.
Two categories will be recognized:
- Best Dressed as Erk Russell
- Most Creative Costume
Winners in each category will receive a $100 gift card to the Southern Exchange Company and special recognition during the game.
Ready to enter? Stop by The Hangout inside Paulson Stadium between 5-6:30 p.m. to register and submit your costume for consideration. You don’t have to stick around! Winners will be contacted after kickoff and recognized during the game.
Registration Time: 5–6:30 p.m.
Location: The Hangout inside Paulson Stadium
Halloween Costume Guidelines
Georgia Southern encourages fans to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and celebrate with Eagle Nation! To help ensure a safe, family-friendly environment at Paulson Stadium, the following guidelines apply:
- Halloween Costumes with Masks & Face Coverings: Permitted for children 12 and under only. Masks and face coverings are prohibited for fans ages 13 and older.
- Weapons: Real, Halloween-toy and Halloween-replica weapons are prohibited.
- Face paint: Welcome for fans of all ages.
- Prohibited items: Items that do not meet these guidelines must be left at home or returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium.
Thank you for helping us keep Halloween at Paulson fun and safe for all of Eagle Nation!
Free Hayrides
Families can enjoy a free hayride through the tailgate lots and take in the Halloween atmosphere at Paulson Stadium before the Eagles face App State.
Time: 4:30–6 p.m.
Pickup Location: Near the My First Game Experience and Gate 8
Pack Paulson
With three home games remaining in the regular season, Eagle Nation can take advantage of a special ticket offer during the football team’s bye week. Fans can receive 50% off upper deck tickets to any of Georgia Southern’s final three home games by using promo code BUY at checkout. The offer is available through Sunday, October 25 at midnight, so don’t miss your chance to save on your next trip to Paulson!
Fans can purchase tickets and secure parking for upcoming home games at GSEagles.com/Tickets
Keep the momentum going, Eagle Nation. Buy your tickets, plan your parking and Pack Paulson!
Game-Day Reminders
- Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+
- Arrive Early: With the Eagle Legends unveiling, Erk 100 celebration and Halloween activities taking place throughout the afternoon, fans are encouraged to arrive early and allow additional time for parking and stadium entry.
- Parking and Traffic: Review the 2026 Football Fan Guide for parking locations, traffic patterns and other important game-day information.
- Shuttle Service: Complimentary game-day shuttle options are available. Visit the Fan Guide for routes and pickup locations.
- Mobile Tickets: Fans should have their tickets ready on their mobile devices before arriving at the stadium.
- Stay Connected: Follow Georgia Southern Athletics on social media and check the Georgia Southern Athletics app for the latest game-day updates.
Wear White. Arrive Early. Pack Paulson.
Hail Southern – GATA!
Eagle Victory Plan
The Eagle Victory Plan is aimed at advancing the success of Eagle student-athletes and reinforcing Georgia Southern’s mission to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics and consists of five ways to give to the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation and support your Eagles:
- Capital/Facility Project Funds
- Competitive Excellence Fund
- Eagle Nation Fund
- Erk Russell Fund
- Sport-Specific Agency Fund
These five funds will serve as an avenue for donors and Eagle Nation to contribute directly to initiatives that impact the programs and student-athletes, including revenue-sharing models and NIL support structures.
To learn more about The Eagle Victory Plan and how you can contribute, visit GSEagles.com/GiveENF or contact the Georgia Southern Athletic Fund at (800) 478-9467.
