Allen E. Paulson Stadium, located on the campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, is a celebrated and highly successful college football venue. Known affectionately as "The Prettiest Little Stadium in America," a name coined by legendary coach Erk Russell, the stadium has been the site of countless victories and has earned a reputation as one of the toughest home fields in college football.
History: Building a Dynasty
The stadium's origins are directly tied to the resurrection of the Georgia Southern football program. After a nearly 40-year hiatus, football returned to Statesboro in 1981, and a new home was needed for the burgeoning program. Construction for the stadium began in 1983, with the facility being built largely with private donations. The stadium is named for Allen E. Paulson, the late founder of Gulfstream Aerospace, who made a major donation toward its construction.
Paulson Stadium officially opened on September 29, 1984, with a capacity of 18,000. In its first game, the Eagles defeated Liberty Baptist 48-11. The stadium quickly became a fortress, a symbol of the program's dominance in the Division I-AA (now FCS) ranks. Under Coach Erk Russell, the stadium became known for its intimidating atmosphere and the team's incredible home record, which includes an outstanding 33-3 record in home playoff games.
Over the years, the stadium has undergone several expansions and renovations. A major expansion in 2014, which was largely funded by a student fee, added 6,200 seats and brought the capacity to 25,000. This expansion was crucial as it helped facilitate the Eagles' move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference.
In 2019, the playing surface was named Evans Family Field in recognition of a significant donation from alumni R.T. and Brianna Evans. This continues a tradition of naming the field after major contributors, as it was previously named after State Senator Glenn Bryant.
Current Information
As of the 2024 season, Allen E. Paulson Stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000. The playing surface is a synthetic turf, which was last replaced in 2023. Recent upgrades have focused on enhancing the fan and athlete experience.
The Ted Smith Family Football Center, a 50,000-square-foot facility completed in 2014, encloses the east end zone and houses modern amenities like coaches' offices, team meeting rooms, and a Hall of Fame exhibit. In 2023, the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility was completed, adding a new strength and conditioning area and a place for tailgating suites. New LED lights and video boards were also installed, further modernizing the historic venue.
With its distinctive architecture, passionate fan base, and a history of winning, Allen E. Paulson Stadium continues to be a cornerstone of Georgia Southern athletics and a beloved icon in college football.