A devastating fire swept through Mercer University’s Five Star Stadium, home of the Mercer Bears football team, early Sunday morning, leaving the stadium and surrounding facilities severely damaged.
The fire, which is believed to have started in the stadium’s press box, quickly spread throughout the facility, engulfing the stadium’s seating areas, concourses, and locker rooms.
“It’s a terrible tragedy,” said Mercer University President, William D. Underwood. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this devastating fire.”
The fire occurred just hours before the Mercer Bears were set to host a NCAA Division I FCS playoff game against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers.
The game has been postponed indefinitely, and the university is working with the NCAA to determine a new date and location for the game.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but investigators from the Macon Fire Department and the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office are on the scene working to determine the origin and cause of the blaze.
The fire has left the Mercer University community in shock, with students, faculty, and staff gathering on campus to support one another.
“We are heartbroken, but we will rebuild,” said Mercer University Athletic Director, Jim Cole. “We will work tirelessly to restore our stadium and facilities, and we will emerge from this tragedy stronger and more united than ever.”
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