Today's interviewee is Georgia State director of athletics Charlie Cobb, who helped bring this weekend's GHSA football championships to Georgia State Stadium. Cobb became Georgia State's athletic director in 2014. One of his biggest projects was assisting in Georgia State's purchase and repurposing of the former Turner Field into Georgia State Stadium.
Charlie Cobb, Georgia State director of athletics
1. What does it mean to Georgia State to be hosting the state finals? Why is this a big deal to GSU? "We are very excited to be hosting the premier event in Georgia high school football and welcoming so many student-athletes, families and communities from across the state to our campus and Georgia State Stadium. Many will be visiting Georgia State Stadium for the first time, and quite frankly, we think they will be amazed at what we've done and what this place offers."
2. Georgia State has courted not only the GHSA state finals but other high school events. One was the Great Atlanta Bash earlier this season. Why does Georgia State want to have a presence in Georgia high school football? "We are blessed to have an amazing facility that is the perfect venue for this event. We welcome the opportunity to showcase Georgia State Stadium and Georgia State University to these great high school programs and their fans. It's a great opportunity for people to see our campus. This venue has so much history, and more will be made this weekend as eight state champions are crowned."
3. Is there anything that you feel that fans coming to the finals this week might want to know about Georgia State Stadium, whether it be practical advice about best routes and parking or what experience they might expect? Ticket information, including on-line purchasing, is available at GHSA.net. All seating is general admission, and tickets are sold by the day, not the game, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. Parking lots open at 8 a.m. each day, and parking costs $10 per car (cash only on game day). Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance and to purchase in their designated lot: Game 1 - Gold; Game 2 - Orange; Game 3 - Blue; Game 4 - Gold. Parking for Friday can be purchased by clicking here. Parking for Saturday can be purchased by clicking here. Handicapped parking is available in the Gold Lot. Click here for a parking map. Georgia State Stadium has a clear bag policy, and umbrellas are prohibited. Please click here for more information on prohibited items, the clear bag policy and other stadium information."
4. What will be the biggest challenge for you to put on this event? Is one that it's almost four events per day, with eight fan bases coming and going? "Fortunately, Georgia State Stadium is well-equipped to handle an event of this magnitude, and our staff has plenty of experience with large events. Regardless of how many people and how many games, we take pride in providing outstanding customer service for each and every person, beginning with the student-athletes, band members and spirit squads who are participating, as well as all the coaches, administrators and fans. We are looking forward to a great weekend for all involved."
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