MACON, Ga. — As countless Florida residents evacuate their homes to avoid the wrath of Hurricane Milton, Mercer football is offering an opportunity for evacuees to take advantage of.
On Wednesday, Mercer Athletics announced a promotion that anyone fleeing from Milton can receive complimentary tickets for the No. 7 Bears' upcoming game against Princeton on Saturday.
"We want to welcome our friends from Florida and all areas affected by Hurricane Milton to Five Star Stadium on Saturday afternoon," Mercer athletic director Jim Cole said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those displaced by this storm, and our hope is to provide an outlet to those who have evacuated to Middle Georgia."
Anyone interested in claiming their tickets can click here and fill out the form provided.
Before the 3:30 p.m. game, there'll be several different events and gameday activities to enjoy. The Fall Line Beer Garden will open at 11 a.m., while the Dr. Pepper Fansville event - which will have several inflatables for children and adults - will open at 12 p.m.
The Ford Football Concert Series will kick off at 12 p.m. Two-time Georgia Music Award's Female Country Artist of the Year Megan Fowler will open the concert. Frequent Country Billboard artist Eli Young Band will headline the show and will take the stage at 1:15 p.m.
Mercer's Bear Walk to Five Star Stadium will take place around 1 p.m. for fans and attendees to come out and watch the Bears walk into the stadium.
The Bears are currently undefeated and having their most successful start to a season of all time. Their offense is led by leading rusher Dwayne McGee, quarterback DJ Smith and leading receiver and Central Georgia native Brayden Smith.
Their defense is headlined by leading tackler Isaac Dowling, defensive backs TJ Moore, Myles Redding and Dainsus Miller — who all have two interceptions — and defensive linemen like Andrew Zock and Carson Griffin, who lead the team in sacks.
First-year head coach Mike Jacobs has Mercer rolling and has helped the team reach No. 7 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS Coaches Poll. This is the first time Mercer has ever been in the top 10 in the AFCA FCS poll.
Central Georgia natives and Florida evacuees will get to enjoy a potentially great game against 1-2 Princeton at 3:30 on Saturday, as the Bears look to grab a 6-0 record.