Every February, as Homecoming approaches at Georgia College, the campus begins to buzz with anticipation. The week is filled with Bobcat games, silent discos, a parade, and so many other fun activities. But the main event of the week each year is what Georgia College calls “Tent City.” Tents, food, music, and loud conversations fill the parking lot of the Centennial Center as students, alumni, faculty, staff, and visitors gather for an unforgettable day.
“Tent City is probably my favorite day of the year because I get to see so many people I don’t normally get to see,” said GCSU senior Kate Breisemeister. “I’ve made some of my best friends going to events like these, and I recommend that everyone participate who can.”
Tent City serves as the centerpiece of the celebration. It’s the tailgating event before the basketball games where the exciting sassy cats performance takes place as well as the announcement of the homecoming king, queen, duke and duchess. This year, the event was held Feb. 21 as part of a Winter Olympics-themed week which took place Feb. 19–21.
Students and organizations register in advance to reserve tent spaces near Centennial, many times pairing up together. Throughout the day, groups grill food, play music, decorate their tents, and welcome visitors from across campus and other schools. The event shows how much Bobcat pride the school really has every year.
GCSU junior Neil Cloud has attended Tent City three times and looks forward to it each year.
“This is my third time going to Tent City, and we’re paired up with ATO,” Cloud said. “I look forward to Tent City every year because it’s fun for everyone to mingle and go to each tent. I see different organizations I don’t typically see on campus, like the Divine Nine. It’s different from other normal days because everyone is included. All the students can engage, not just Greek life. There is a lot of nightlife in Milledgeville, but we don’t always do things on campus as a whole during the day.”
Cloud highlights what makes Tent City unique. Even though Greek organizations typically host tents together, the event caters to so many others as well. Student organizations, GC athletic teams, alumni groups, and campus departments also participate. Many alumni return to campus to reconnect with former classmates and experience the fun atmosphere. Students from many other universities come as well to see their friends and families. The event has become a reunion space as much as a student event.
Georgia College junior Landon Deutscher emphasized the excitement that comes from the organizations pairing up together.
“Every year we are paired up with a sorority, and this year we got Alpha Gamma Delta,” Deutscher said. “They were so much fun, and it was cool seeing everyone dressed up and just bonding with each other.”
It is important to clarify that, in the context of GCSU, Tent City is a celebratory campus tradition, not related to housing crises or protests. Instead, it represents school pride, unity, and connection.
For many Bobcats, Tent City is more than just tailgating. It is a reminder of the friendships formed, the community, and the school pride us Bobcats have.