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FCS Kickoff
Stay for three days and experience the Goo Goo Dolls live, legendary Southern cuisine, outdoor adventure and the birthplace of Southern rock — all before the first snap of the season. Macon is the perfect place to turn opening weekend into an unforgettable getaway.
Make it a full weekend
Goo Goo Dolls
There's no better way to a music city than with a concert — and we've got a special show in town.
Spend Thursday evening at the Atrium Health Amphitheater as the Goo Goo Dolls take the stage before thousands of fans.
Whether you're reliving the soundtrack of the '90s or hearing your favorite songs live for the first time, there's no better way to kick off an unforgettable weekend.
See Where Soul lives
- Walk through music history
- Discover over 17,000 years of history
- Spend the day outdoors
- Explore with your family
- Take a guided tour or explore on your own
- Create your own itinerary
There's nothing like a Mercer football Saturday in Macon.
Join the Huddle
Ready to cheer on the Bears? Find this season's opponents, kickoff times and everything you need to plan your game day. Whether you're following Mercer all season long or making the trip for one marquee matchup, your next football weekend starts here.
Don't miss a minute of the action. Secure your seats and experience Mercer football from the stands at Five Star Stadium. Single-game and season ticket options are available through Mercer Athletics.
Park your car at the Mercer baseball lots by the sand volleyball courts as you roll in.
Explore the campus, which has been named one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for consecutive years, as you walk towards the University Center and make your way to Black Field.
Game Day Begins Hours before kickoff
Outside Five Star Stadium, Black Field transform into a sea of tents, grills, music and — obviously — black and orange.
Alumni reunite, families fire up the grill, students send footballs and beanbags soaring through the air and visiting fans are welcomed into one of the Southern Conference's most inviting tailgate scenes.
Crowds gather on the lawn to be serenaded by artists performing in the Ford Concert Series while students organizations like MU Miracle sell baked goods to raise money for the local children's hospital, NPHC chapters stroll and fraternity and sorority members participate in new challenges each week.
Come early. Bring your team colors. Leave with new friends.
Whether you're hosting your own tailgate or simply walking through to soak up the excitement, you'll find plenty of Bear pride before the team ever takes the field.
You won't want to miss the Bear Walk
See Toby and Tot draped in Bears merch as they rile up the crowd. Hear whispers spread among the students body as they try to guess which of their classmates is beneath the orange and black costumes.
Track the cheer and dance teams as they throw pom poms into the air to the beat of the band's soundtrack and, best of all, watch dozens of Mercer Bears lock in for battle — about to lay it all out on the field.
Walk the same steps as the Bears. Follow the sidewalk leading away from Black Field and head toward the stadium. Find the ticketing booth out front, your favorite seat in the house and lay your eyes on the best team in the Southern Conference.
Feel the Roar at Five Star Stadium
From the moment the Bears charge out of the tunnel onto the field, Five Star Stadium comes alive.
The Mercer University Marching Band sets the tune for game day with spirited performances, the cheerleaders and dance team keep the crowd energized from kickoff through the fourth quarter and the Mercer Maniacs student section brings relentless energy that echoes throughout the stadium.
Every touchdown is louder. Every defensive stop is bigger. Every fourth-quarter drive feels like you're part of the action.
Whether you're sitting with family, fellow alumni or the visiting crowd, you're never far from the field, making every touchdown, interception and goal-line stand feel even bigger.
Celebrate in Downtown
The game may be over, but the celebration is just getting started.
Just minutes from campus, downtown offers the perfect postgame destination.
Enjoy dinner at one of Macon's late-night spots, grab a craft beer with fellow fans, catch outdoor live music or toast the weekend from a reservation-style speakeasy.
Win or lose, Saturday night in Macon is part of the tradition.
