GSU
If you spend any time in Atlanta at all, you probably know about one of downtown's most exciting additions this fall. Georgia State University, a prestigious institution that nonetheless has always struggled with its perception as a commuter college, has spent the past three years gathering the funds it needed for a big gamble: getting a football team. With this addition, Georgia State hoped to grow pride in the GSU name, bring in more student applications, and increase the number of its students who stay and play in its downtown Atlanta area.
The university reports that both applications and alumni association memberships have risen dramatically since the decision. And school spirit for GSU is up in a big way, with game attendance numbering on average 18,000 cheering fans. The Panthers are 6-4 so far this year. On November 18, they have their final match of the inaugural season, against last year's national champion, the University of Alabama.
This is great news for college football fans, especially those who have historically been nonplussed by the great Georgia College Football rivalry of the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. The GSU Panthers are certainly an underdog team, so their success this year has been exciting to watch for GSU students, alumni, and fans alike.
But the decision has also had interesting ramifications for intown Atlanta living. Students who might otherwise have lived in another Atlanta neighborhood and commuted in via MARTA or automobile now are looking for apartments nearer the university, in order to take advantage of the growth in school events. Both undergraduate and graduate students at Georgia State are increasingly interested in nearby apartment living such as that offered by the Pencil Factory Flats & Shops, especially when they realize their commute would be just a few blocks on foot, and that the Georgia Dome, where the Panthers play, is less than two miles away. It's great to have such a stellar team in the neighborhood!
So congratulations, Panthers, on a great first season, and we look forward to watching you fight the Crimson Tide next week!
