You can almost hear the crowd roar…
So now that your child is going to be a Dawg, you are probably enjoying that big sigh of relief, but hold on! Not so fast! Because, in Athens, the next big thing you must prepare for is football. It is never too early to start talking about and planning for the University of Georgia Football home games. And here, I’m going to do my best to break it all down for you.
For students, football tickets are not free. Home games are not pricey but away games can be expensive. Students do get to apply for their tickets, but if they end up not using them, then they can be penalized for that. Turning tickets back in before the games will keep you in good standing. The UGA student ticket policy states all of the rules. For parents and friends, tickets can be purchased through StubHub and you better purchase them as soon as you can because they go fast.
Traditions
Gameday begins with the infamous Dawg Walk where fans line the streets to watch the Dawgs and coaches make their way to Sanford Stadium. Saturday in Athens officially begins after the Redcoat Band trumpet player plays the first notes of Battle Hymn in the stadium. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, whether it is 3 o’clock, 7 o’clock, or 10 o’clock, all Georgia fans whip out their phones, turn on their flashlights, and chop their hands in unison. This is known as “Light Up Sanford” and it’s a beautiful sight to see. After the game (when we win), you will see fans rush to the Chapel Bell to ring it for our victory.
Like many other big schools, UGA has their share of chants both before, during and after games. You will hear “Who’s that coming down the track?” plenty of times, as well as the “Calling of the Dawgs” that goes like, ‘Gooooooooo Dawgs! Sic ‘em! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Downtown Athens is so much fun after home games. A lot of the eateries and bars stay open late and students will flock to places to continue their celebrations. They are all within walking distance, so just follow the crowds if you want to join in.
Specifics
When the football season starts, the games are hot! But as Fall rolls in, the games change from comfortable to down-right cold. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a great view of the game, but the “best seats” in the stadium are in sections 106-108 and 130-132 near midfield, above row 10. For covered seating: rows 58 and up in Section 132 and 136, row 54 and up in Section 121, row 1 and up in Section 220, 235, and 237, and rows 25 and up in Section 302 and 310. Visitor seating is in Sections 101-103, 144, and 601-611.
Like most stadiums across the country, UGA does have a clear bag policy that must be followed. There are great shops in and around campus that offer cute clear bag choices.
2020 Schedule
- September 26, 2020 – vs Arkansas Razorbacks – Fayetteville, AK
- October 3, 2020 – vs Auburn Tigers – home
- October 10, 2020 – vs Tennessee Volunteers – home
- October 17, 2020 – vs Alabama Crimson Tide – Tuscaloosa, AL
- October 24, 2020 – vs Kentucky Wildcats – Lexington, KY
- November 7, 2020 – vs Florida Gators – Jacksonville, FL
- November 14, 2020 – vs Missouri Tigers – Columbia, MO
- November 21, 2020 – vs Mississippi State Bulldogs – home
- November 28, 2020 – vs South Carolina Gamecocks – Columbia, SC
- December 5, 2020 – vs Vanderbilt Commodores – home
As far as staying in a hotel for the games, you better book early! They fill up as soon as the new football schedule is released. Rooms can be pricey, so be sure to check sooner rather than later. Check out our blog on Hotels for more information.
Pregaming Is No Joke!
The first home game that I attended introduced me to a whole new level of “tailgating” that I had not seen before. Fans have actual satellites mounted to their vehicles so that they can hook up big-screen TVs to watch other games. They have huge buffets set up with decorations galore, that make you feel like you are in a living room.
On-campus, people like to set up in Myers Quad, the UGA Parking lots, Greek Park Circle, and on Milledge Avenue. Just off-campus you will see tailgaters in the Downtown Parking decks, at Tailgate Station, at Bulldog Park, and at all the bars and restaurants in downtown Athens. Be advised that UGA buses do not run on game days, and certain roads may be closed.
Finally, Don’t forget your Georgia gear. For students, check out our blog on Game Day attire. And for us parents, we suggest gameday outfits that may be a tad more your style.
Go Dawgs!
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