Kennesaw State University officials announced the Owls will begin playing football in 2015. School officials have a lot to accomplish before then.

The University Board of Regents approved KSU’s football program Wednesday. Now school officials have to hire a coach, begin collecting a $100 dollar financing fee from students, and even form a marching band. Athletics Director Vaughn Williams says they also have to find a conference to play in.

“Hopefully like to stay down south. Be nice to be in the Southern or Big South, or any of the other conferences that play SCS football. But our target is to stay in the south.” he says.

Williams explains why the school worked for 6 years to get a football program.
“This is not about athletics or football. This is about an institution adding another piece to its arsenal. And our goal to be the best university we can be in the southeast, in the nation and internationally.”he says.

More than 55 percent of KSU students voted in favor of a 100 dollar fee to support the football program.

Williams says they will also look to bring more women’s scholarships to KSU to meet Title Nine requirements. The new women’s lacrosse team held its first game last weekend.

Fifth Third Bank will provide a multi-million dollar donation and will have its name on the KSU stadium.

Williams says the stadium, which seats 83 hundred people, already has locker rooms and 12 suites. He says they won’t have to do much to turn it into a football venue

Williams says the state has a long football history. He says this will bring attention to KSU.

“Football has a place in the community at all high schools, at the lower level and at colleges. And I think once again, this will enhance our visibility and enhance community.”he says.

Kennesaw State is Georgia’s third largest university, with more than 24 thousand students.

KSU is the 6th Georgia college to add football since 2010.

Tags: football, sports, kennesaw state university, Fifth Third Bank