Thanks to the generous contribution from Gene Bishop, former Southern Boosters Chairman of the Board, Georgia Southern University finished construction on the Bishop Field House at Paulson Stadium.
Construction took place in the west endzone of Paulson Stadium. The Field House measures 13,600 total square feet and includes: new locker rooms, meeting and hospitality space. The home locker room can accommodate 90 players while the visitor locker room has room for 75 players.
Around 400 Southern Boosters members socialize in the Field House prior to home football games, and the pep rally luncheons were a big hit last year. The Field House can hold any type of meetings, socials or luncheons – including the 2006 Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
On January 19, 2007, a packed house filled the Bishop Field House as Director of Athletics Sam Baker introduced Chris Hatcher as the program’s newest football coach. The building also houses the new Athletics Hall of Fame display.
With his generous contribution, Bishop now holds the distinction as the single largest contributor to the Georgia Southern Athletics Department.
“We are grateful for Dr. Gene Bishop’s outstanding commitment to Georgia Southern. The new Field House at Paulson Stadium will represent a major upgrade within our athletics facilities,” said University President Bruce Grube. “His gift will also help fund our new alumni house, which will become the place where we say ‘welcome home’ to countless returning graduates and other visitors for decades to come. Gene understands that Georgia Southern is a special place, and we thank him for his generosity as we continue to prepare the University for its second century of service.”
In 2003 the Southern Conference began the Distinguished Service Award program to recognize individuals who have made a great impact on their respective conference institution. Dr. Bishop was the first from Georgia Southern to receive the award.
“Gene Bishop has made great contributions to the success of Georgia Southern University and the Department of Athletics, both financially and through his leadership as Southern Booster’s Chairman of the Board. He truly loves Georgia Southern,” said Sam Baker, Director of Athletics. “This Field House will stand as a great tribute to Gene Bishop, symbolizing his much appreciated friendship with the University and Athletics Department. The new Field House certainly enhances Paulson Stadium.”
Those interested in being part of the game-day festivities inside Bishop Field House can contact Southern Boosters at (912) 681-5520 for more information.
