Popular Eaglepalooza Set for Return to Downtown Hattiesburg in 2018

One of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Student Government Association's premier community events is returning to downtown Hattiesburg for the first time since 2015, University and City of Hattiesburg officials announced on Wednesday.

With Front Street as the announcement's backdrop, Student Government Association (SGA) President McKenna Stone announced the concert event will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing into the evening.

“Students are very excited to bring Eaglepalooza back to downtown Hattiesburg,” Stone said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to get students more connected with the local community.”

Organizers are aiming for a festival-like atmosphere for this year's event, with downtown businesses offering food specials, and multiple musical acts throughout the day, highlighted by a headlining performance at approximately 8 p.m.

"It is so great to have Eaglepalooza return to downtown Hattiesburg,” said USM Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway. “From the beginning, we wanted to extend our Hattiesburg campus to include the entire community into the spirit of Southern Miss.”

Starting in 2004, Eaglepalooza has been a highlight of student activities at Southern Miss. Each year, SGA expands student and community collaboration to make this much anticipated free annual concert a success, drawing crowds of upwards to 10,000.

“Eaglepalooza has a rich tradition of bringing quality entertainment to the Hub City, and over the years, it often served as a Southern Miss student's first introduction to downtown,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Bringing the event back to downtown Hattiesburg further strengthens the relationship between the University community and the city.”

The music lineup will be announced at a later date. This is the 15th year for the event, which in the past has featured such popular artists as Dashboard Confessional, Train, and Mya. Last year's event was held on the Hattiesburg campus at Reed Green Coliseum, and featured rapper and R & B artist B.o.B.

“The University of Southern Mississippi is honored that the city of Hattiesburg is committed to helping our Student Government Association continue a long-standing tradition by co-hosting this event,” said USM Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dee Dee Anderson. “Everyone benefits from proactive town and gown relationships that bring community members and students together.”

For more information on the event, contact SGA at 601.266.4407 or the University's Dean of Students office at 601.266.6028. Additional information will be available at www.SouthernMissSGA.org as the event approaches.