Football Fun Fact - Day 1

It has never happened in Georgia State history. It hasn't happened in Atlanta history at the Georgia Dome in 18 years (1992) or Atlanta football history in 44 years (1966).

It is an inaugural football game for Georgia State. It is an inaugural football game at the Georgia Dome since 1992 and a first-ever inaugural game for a Division I college football team in Atlanta since the NFL's Falcons brought pro ball to town in 1966.

Georgia State plays its historic inagural game on Thursday at the Georgia Dome as the Panthers become just the second team to call the Dome its primary home. The Hawks did play home games at the Dome for two years during the construction from their home at next-door neighbor Philips Arena after the Omni was torn down.

The Atlanta Falcons moved into the brand new Georgia Dome in 1992 with an exhibition game in August vs. the Eagles and then the inaugural regular season game on Sept. 6, 1992, with a 20-17 win over the New York Jets. The Falcons had come to Atlanta with its inaugural game in the 1966 season and played at Atlanta Stadium (later to become Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium). Georgia Tech began football more than a century ago.

The media coverage has responded to the newsworthy value of the story as more than 100 media have been credentialed for the game and the local, regional and national coverage has included the story of Georgia State football.

Head Coach Bill Curry has been a part of the interest as well as he marks his return to the sideline in 14 years.

It's historic and it's happening Thursday.

1 Day to Go: Join The Huddle.