Furman to host free viewing events during solar eclipse

In just a few months, the Furman University football team will take the field at Paladin Stadium to begin their 2017 season, but before that can happen, the stadium will play a role in another big event.

Furman is inviting the public to Paladin Stadium to watch the 2017 total solar eclipse.

On Aug. 21, the moon and sun will align creating the first total solar eclipse to cross the continental United States from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic since 1918. Greenville and other parts of the Upstate are situated along the line of totality, meaning the Upstate will be in total darkness for about two and a half minutes in the afternoon that day.

Eclipse@Furman events are open to the public and free to all. Events include a festival from noon until 2 p.m., followed by a guided viewing presentation in Paladin Stadium. Furman physics professor David Moffett will narrate the viewing between 2:15 and 2:45 p.m. Furman will be in total darkness around 2:38 p.m.

The festival will include activities, concessions, special music and free Furman cups. Guests will be given free glasses to ensure safe viewing of the once in a lifetime event. 

Find out more at the Eclipse@Furman website.

An earlier version of this story said events would be moved to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in the event of inclement weather. That is no longer the plan, according to Furman University officials.