Georgia State Purchases Land for Football Practice Complex in Atlanta

The Georgia State University Foundation has purchased a 3.8-acre plot of land in downtown Atlanta adjacent to the Georgia State campus for the purpose of constructing a practice and office complex for the Panthers’ new football program.

The plot is at 188 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, walking distance from current athletic facilities in the Georgia State Sports Arena. The land was purchased at a cost of approximately $6.6 million.

Plans for the complex include a 100-yard artificial turf field, a 50-yard natural grass field and a football building that would house coaches’ offices, locker room, weight room, meeting rooms, training room and equipment room. Initial plans call for an existing structure on the site to be incorporated into the facility.

Georgia State football, coached by Bill Curry, will begin play in 2010 at the Georgia Dome. However, the Panthers are recruiting student-athletes who will enroll and begin practice in 2009, and Georgia State hopes to begin construction on the fields as soon as possible so they can be utilized for practice next fall.

“This is another very important step forward for Georgia State football,” said Director of Athletics Mary McElroy. “We’re thrilled that the University was able to secure a piece of land that fits our needs and is located so close to campus. This complex will become a tremendous asset for Georgia State football.

“We are very grateful to the Georgia State University Foundation for assisting us with this project. We also want to thank Dr. Patton and the University administration for all the support as we build our football program and make Georgia State athletics the best that it can be."

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