Kennesaw, Georgia, sits about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta. While its big-city neighbor often steals the spotlight, Kennesaw is a vibrant suburb and home to one of Georgia’s largest public universities. Kennesaw State has quickly established itself as an emerging force in college football. The Owls launched their football program in 2015 and have continued to make their mark on the sport, with plenty of room to grow in the years ahead.
Opened in 2010, Fifth Third Stadium is home to Kennesaw State’s soccer, lacrosse, and football teams. Rectangular in shape, the venue was originally designed with soccer in mind and served as the home of the inoperative Atlanta Beat of Women’s Professional Soccer. When Kennesaw State football began play in 2015, the stadium provided an ideal home for the new program. Its soccer-specific design does place fans farther from the action than at a traditional football stadium, but that distance does little to diminish the atmosphere. Small but mighty, Owl fans bring plenty of energy to football gamedays.
One of Kennesaw State’s most memorable traditions sets the tone for the football season. During the home opener, first-year students take part in the FLIGHT Runout, with up to 2,000 students wearing jerseys representing their graduation year racing across the field moments before kickoff. As the students charge onto the field, fans roar in celebration, welcoming the newest members of the Owl family. The tradition creates an immediate connection between incoming students and the larger Kennesaw State community, making it a fitting way to launch a new football season.
Gamedays in Kennesaw have also embraced the pageantry that defines college football. As tailgates spring to life around the stadium, anticipation builds for the Owl Walk. Fans gather to welcome the Kennesaw State football team as the players make their way toward Fifth Third Stadium alongside cheer squads, the Marching Owls, and Scrappy the Owl. Draped in black and gold, the celebration brings the Kennesaw State community together and kicks off gameday with unmistakable enthusiasm. Once the team disappears into the stadium, the band keeps the energy going with a parade through the surrounding tailgate areas, entertaining fans and building excitement for kickoff.
Fifth Third Stadium may be modest in size, but it delivers an atmosphere that reflects the growing spirit of Kennesaw State football. From the excitement of the FLIGHT Runout and the energy of the Owl Walk to the enthusiasm of tailgating fans and the Marching Owls, gameday traditions have quickly become an important part of the Kennesaw State experience. The Marching Owls provide the heartbeat for gameday as they blast gameday favorites with consistent intensity from kickoff to the final gun. As the Owls continue to establish themselves on the FBS stage, their passionate fan base and evolving traditions ensure that football in Kennesaw remains an exciting college football experience. As their beloved rally cry states, “You don’t want to go to war with the Owls!”
