Athletics set for big week in Gainesville

Fans in the Gainesville and Hall County community will have a chance to see three University of North Georgia (UNG) teams in action close to home within a six-day period. Admission will be free to all three events.

"We are excited to showcase our amazing student-athletes in one of the communities that is an integral part of the UNG footprint," Athletic Director Mary Rob Plunkett said. "We hope our Gainesville and Hall County fans will take advantage of this opportunity to support our teams. These supporters are an integral part of Nighthawk Nation, and we can't wait to see them soon."

The UNG men's soccer team will host University of Tampa at 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Allen Creek Soccer Stadium in Gainesville, Georgia. Tampa is a top-tier team from the Sunshine State Conference that already has wins over No. 13 West Florida and No. 21 Auburn-Montgomery to start the season.

This is the first time UNG has hosted a men's soccer game in Gainesville. The Taquizas Estrada food truck will be on hand selling concessions at the game. UNG is encouraging fans to wear blue. The evening will also include pregame tailgating, giveaways, and contests and prizes at halftime.

Then, the UNG women's cross country team will host the 13th annual UNG Cross Country Invitational at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at its Gainesville Campus. UNG will welcome 20 teams ranging from NCAA Division I to Division III. The meet features five Peach Belt Conference team: UNG, Georgia College & State University, Columbus State, Clayton State, and Middle Georgia.

Additionally, the UNG men's golf team will host the fourth annual Mizuno Invitational throughout the day Sept. 15-16 at Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, Georgia. The tournament will feature a nationally elite field of 15 teams, including 10 in the top 20, seven in the top 10 and four in the top five in the preseason poll. No. 1 West Florida, the defending national champion, joins No. 2 UNG and No. 3 Lincoln Memorial as the headliners.