The Georgia State football team has taken over the former Turner Field. The stadium looks great, and now it finally has an official name.
Georgia State inherited Turner Field from the Braves, and after some renovating, the stadium looks great. They are in the final stages — the turf is even down. Construction began in February, so the crews have been working diligently.
In a press announcement, the GSU athletic department stated that the football field’s name will be Parker H. Petit Field at Georgia State Stadium.
Parker Petit is an alumnus of Georgia State. He graduated with an MBA in finance from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Petit is a highly successful biotech executive. His company, Marietta-based MiMedx, make of wound-healing products with a contract to the VA. He has donated $10 million to the Panthers athletic program.
GSU President Mark P. Becker made the following statement: “Pete Petit has been a long-time generous benefactor of Georgia State and his impact on our university cannot be overstated. We are extremely proud to name the playing field in Georgia State Stadium in his honor.”
Petit says this of his generous donation: “This field and stadium are just one of the many successes Georgia State has accomplished in a matter of a few years. Georgia State is destined to become one of the most respected urban universities in this country because of this series of successes, which have been a result of its leadership.”
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The stadium’s final construction plans will include 22,000 seats. The Panthers’ first football game in their new home will be on Aug. 31 vs. Tennessee State University.