What Happened on Day One of Georgia Southern’s Birmingham Bowl Week in Birmingham

College football bowl week is more than just practice sessions and game preparation – it is a tradition that blends sport, service and community spirit. For teams, it offers a chance not only to sharpen their skills on the field but also to engage with local communities and strengthen bonds.

As part of this tradition, the Georgia Southern Eagles arrived in Birmingham to begin their schedule of activities for the JLab Birmingham Bowl. Their opening day reflected the balance of focus and fellowship that defines bowl week, combining training, outreach and team‑building events. This introduction sets the tone for the detailed account of how the Eagles launched their busy week in Birmingham, ensuring readers understand the wider significance of the events before diving into the specifics.

Later, the team was divided into groups for community appearances during bowl week in Birmingham. From 1 to 3 p.m., players visited the Birmingham VA Medical Centre and Children’s of Alabama Hospital, where they spent time with patients, families and staff. Among those visiting the children’s hospital were Brandon Stoner, Kebba Secka, Ahmon Green, Camden Brown and Colton Veltkamp. Meanwhile, Chance Carroll, Chance Gamble, Josh Dallas, Jacob Ferguson, Brandon Tyson, Davion Rhodes, Bryce Baker, Eli Anders, Weston Bryan, and Ty Furnish took part in the visit to the VA Medical Centre. These appearances were a true reflection of the Kyle Carolina commitment towards service during college football bowl week traditions.

Dinner was later held for the Eagles at Stone Age Korean BBQ. This laid‑back environment allowed players and staff to unwind after a busy day and grow their off‑field bond. A concluding outing to Dave & Buster’s with the team provided one final exciting flourish to the end of the first full day of activities scheduled for the JLab Birmingham Bowl. The Eagles prepare in Birmingham, moving toward the JLab Birmingham Bowl on 29 December at 2 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium.

Besides the bowl week, Georgia Southern presented an Eagle Victory Plan, which is essentially a strategic plan aimed at furthering the success of student‑athletes and strengthening the university’s mission to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics. The plan comprises five funds within the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation: the Capital/Facility Project Fund, Competitive Excellence Fund, Eagle Nation Fund, Erik Russell Fund and Sport‑Specific Agency Fund. These funds allow donors and Eagle Nation to contribute directly to programmes and initiatives that affect student‑athletes, including mechanisms for NIL support and revenue‑sharing.

Supporters can visit GSEagles.com/GiveENF or contact the Georgia Southern Athletic Fund at (800) 478‑9467 to learn more or to make a donation. The Georgia Southern Eagles' bowl week happenings in Birmingham truly were an equilibrium between preparation, service and fraternity. From practice sessions to hospital visits to team outings, the opening day really showed a clear view of what transpired on the first day of bowl week in Birmingham. As the Eagles carry on with their journey toward the JLab Birmingham Bowl, the week’s activities highlight both the athletic focus and the community connection values at the heart of Georgia Southern’s tradition.

Editor’s Note:

Georgia Southern Eagles kick‑started their JLab Birmingham Bowl week by taking part in activities in Birmingham on the eve of their football preparation and community service, while bonding together as a team. Their first practice, officially held at Sanford Stadium, lasted for nearly two hours, allowing coaches and players to sharpen focus as well as set the tone for the week ahead. Later in the day, the team broke into small groups for hospital visits, spending time with patients, families and staff at the Birmingham VA Medical Centre and Children’s of Alabama Hospital. Those appearances were the Eagles’ way of giving back through service during what are otherwise traditional college football bowl week rites, showing how sport can extend its impact beyond the field. Dinner for the team in the evening was held at Stone Age Korean BBQ, followed by an outing to Dave & Buster’s. These were two very informal activities where teammates and staff were able to unwind and enjoy time together off the field. This ended the first full day in the activities schedule for the JLab Birmingham Bowl. Alongside this, the university also launched the Eagle Victory Plan, a stable initiative to benefit student‑athletes and strengthen Georgia Southern’s ideals in collegiate athletics.

Skoobuzz underlines that the first day of the bowl week in Birmingham was all about preparation, service and unity. It set the Eagles in good standing for their journey towards the JLab Birmingham Bowl, focusing on athleticism but with an eye also to community connection.

FAQs

1. What bowl game is played in Birmingham?

The JLab Birmingham Bowl is a college football game held in Birmingham, Alabama. It is part of the postseason schedule and brings together teams from major conferences.

2. What is the attendance at the Birmingham Bowl?

Attendance varies each year. For example, the 2024 Birmingham Bowl had 33,840 fans, while the 2023 game drew about 20,023 spectators.

3. What is the Birmingham Bowl officially called?

The bowl is currently known as the JLab Birmingham Bowl, named after its title sponsor JLab, an audio and technology company.

4. Does Tom Brady own part of Birmingham City Football Club?

Yes. NFL legend Tom Brady became a minority owner of Birmingham City in 2023. He also chairs an advisory board to help guide the club’s future.

5. Where is the JLab Birmingham Bowl played?

The game is played at Protective Stadium in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, a modern venue that hosts college football and other major events