Mercer To Announce Plans for ESPN Football Season Opener And Free Fall Concert Series During August 6 Press Conference
8/4/2026 2:19:00 PM | Football, Athletics Department
Press conference will be livestreamed at mercer.edu/livestream
WHY IT MATTERS
For the first time in a decade, college football's premier national season opener, the FCS Kickoff, is moving outside Montgomery, Alabama, and coming to Mercer University's Macon, Georgia campus. The event marks the official countdown to a historic milestone for Mercer, Macon and the state of Georgia, placing Mercer University in the national spotlight before a prime-time ESPN audience on Aug. 29. University leaders and local officials will outline how they are further building on Mercer Football's growing success by launching a free fall concert series and enhancing the game-day experience, transforming Bears football weekends into an even larger regional destination event.
SPEAKERS
WHEN
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
12:15 p.m. EDT
WHERE
Heritage Hall, University Center
Mercer University
Macon, GA 31207
LIVESTREAM
Media members and others unable to attend in person may watch a live stream of the event at: mercer.edu/livestream
MEDIA CONTACT
Todd Anderson, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
(662) 312-1829
anderson_t02@mercer.edu
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For the first time in a decade, college football's premier national season opener, the FCS Kickoff, is moving outside Montgomery, Alabama, and coming to Mercer University's Macon, Georgia campus. The event marks the official countdown to a historic milestone for Mercer, Macon and the state of Georgia, placing Mercer University in the national spotlight before a prime-time ESPN audience on Aug. 29. University leaders and local officials will outline how they are further building on Mercer Football's growing success by launching a free fall concert series and enhancing the game-day experience, transforming Bears football weekends into an even larger regional destination event.
SPEAKERS
- Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., President, Mercer University
- Brian Gerrity, Athletics Director, Mercer University
- Joel Taylor, Head Football Coach, Mercer University
- Lester M. Miller, Mayor, Macon-Bibb County
WHEN
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
12:15 p.m. EDT
WHERE
Heritage Hall, University Center
Mercer University
Macon, GA 31207
LIVESTREAM
Media members and others unable to attend in person may watch a live stream of the event at: mercer.edu/livestream
MEDIA CONTACT
Todd Anderson, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
(662) 312-1829
anderson_t02@mercer.edu
Â
Sunday, May 10
Saturday, May 09
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Sunday, May 03
