Hattiesburg City Council Supports Southern Miss with 'Go Gold Fridays'
Mon, 08/22/2011 - 04:48pm | By: Van Arnold
The Hattiesburg City Council hopes to spread some Eagle Fever throughout the Pine Belt this football season by proclaiming “Go Gold Fridays” in support of The University of Southern Mississippi football team.
The City Council presented a special resolution to Southern Miss Director of Athletics Richard Giannini and Seymour, the university's mascot, during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 22 at City Hall.
“We want to start every game of the 2011 football season with an outpouring of support and a huge display of Golden Eagle pride,” said Hattiesburg City Council President Kim Bradley. “We would love for local businesses and individual citizens to join us in wearing gold on the Fridays before each game. Home games bring excitement and energy to Hattiesburg, but they also boost our economy by attracting thousands of visitors to our hotels, restaurants and retail stores.”
Southern Miss opens the 2011 season on Sept. 3 at home against Louisiana Tech in a televised contest set for a 9 p.m. kickoff. The Golden Eagles are working on a string of 17 consecutive winning seasons, which include nine straight postseason bowl appearances.
“We are extremely appreciative of the support the city has shown Southern Miss throughout the years,” said Athletic Director Richard Giannini upon accepting the resolution. “We want to see Hattiesburg residents wearing gold on Fridays and Saturdays for all our home games. I know that 9 p.m. is pretty late to be starting a game but for those who stick around until the end we just might have an interesting surprise in store.”
Season tickets, as well as single-game seats, are available for the 2011 home season by going online at www.southernmiss.com or by calling 1.800.844.8425 or visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Center Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.