GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL TICKETS: 866-GA-STATE  

ATLANTA--Georgia State's season-opening football game against South Carolina State has been set for Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Georgia Dome, Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick announced.

"We look forward to another tremendous crowd at the Georgia Dome for our opening game," said Levick. "The opportunity to kick off the college football season in Atlanta is great exposure. Everyone at Georgia State loves the big-game atmosphere of a Thursday night at the Dome, especially our students. It's a great way to start the fall semester and get them involved in campus life."

Following the season opener against South Carolina State, the remainder of Georgia State's 2012 schedule is highlighted by the Panthers' first season of play in the Colonial Athletic Association as well as a non-conference game at Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee.

The game at Tennessee is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 102,455-seat Neyland Stadium. Georgia State will be facing a SEC team for the second time in three seasons following a date at Alabama during the 2010 inaugural season.

After hosting UTSA on Sept. 15, the Panthers will play the first CAA game in school history on Sept. 22, when Richmond visits the Georgia Dome. One week later, the Panthers will play their first road test in the CAA at William and Mary.

Georgia State's first CAA Football slate includes games against four of the five CAA teams that qualified for the 2011 NCAA playoffs in New Hampshire, James Madison, Old Dominion and Maine.

Georgia State will celebrate Homecoming at the Oct. 20 Villanova game.

In preparation for Georgia State's third season of play under head coach Bill Curry, the Panthers will begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 6. Spring practice runs through March 30 and features 15 sessions, as permitted by NCAA rules, including an open scrimmage on Saturday, March 24 at the GSU Practice Complex.

"Our football program is completely focused on improving in every single area in order to be ready for CAA play next fall," said Curry. "Not only are we entering the best FCS league in America, but we are doing so after graduating a large senior class. We have a lot of young talent returning, and we look forward to getting on the field with them. We have an enormous amount of work to do this spring, and every minute of every practice will be crucial."

Season tickets for the 2012 campaign are on sale now, with prices beginning as low as $10 per game for the home games, including the new family section at the Georgia Dome. To renew or purchase season tickets, call 866-GA-STATE.

2012 GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Subject to Change * Times TBA Unless Noted
Home Games at Georgia Dome