It’s time for another season of Saturdays between the hedges, y’all. You can almost smell the excitement in the air from students and alumni alike. After all, it’s almost impossible not to get beside one’s self at the thought of cheering on the Dawgs on to another season of victories. The entire city of Athens pretty much has a countdown to the destruction of Clemson that is guaranteed to ensue. But what exactly is it that brings back these die-hard Dawg fans? The University of Georgia prides itself on its tradition and history, and this mentality most definitely does not stop at the legendary arch on North Campus.
Sure the older students rave about Georgia traditions, but nothing compares to actually living it. Take one step onto campus on any given gameday, and prepare your eyes for a tantalizing scene of black and red. Fans of all ages take to Athens with a passion, stemming from an indescribable love for UGA. Elderly alumni can be seen relaxing under the shade of a faded Georgia tent while gazing upon the younger generations enjoying the more rowdy aspects of a tailgate. But just because Dawg fans know how to have a good time, doesn’t mean we don’t look good doing it. T-shirts and flip-flops aren’t going to pass here. The men are dressed to the nines in khakis, loafers, golf polos and bow ties galore. As for the women, local Athens boutiques start putting out gameday attire in July. Who needs a fashion show in New York City when we have all the gorgeous women of Georgia strolling to Sanford on a Saturday afternoon? Sprawling all over campus, rain or shine, Georgia fans never disappoint, and always bring a party.
Tailgating for eight plus hours in your finest cowboy boots might be tiring for an Alabama fan, but for these Dawgs, the main event is just getting underway. Before entering Sanford, fans crowd to the side of the hallowed stadium for a glimpse of the players before they take the field. The band is playing, the cheerleaders are cheering and the fans just might pass out from all the excitement. This infamous “Dawg Walk” pumps up not only the players, but the fans too, as everyone preps for another Saturday in Athens.
Once inside the great Sanford stadium, it is hard not to take a second and soak up the scene unfolding before you. Waves upon waves of black and red fill the massive stadium, and anyone you sit next to becomes your new best friend. The comradery among Georgia fans is like no other; as kickoff is about to begin, it is impossible to resist joining your neighbor in yet another tradition of calling the dawgs: “GOOOO…..DAWGS! SIC’ EM! WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!” And thus begins the grand finale of the day: the actual game. The Dawgs are sure to pummel any and all opponents, and when that happens, a final gameday tradition can be heard rapping up another wonderful Saturday. The famous chapel bell, located on scenic north campus, is heard ringing after every Georgia football victory. It marks not only the end of a successful game, but the beginning of an evening full of celebration.
Come to a UGA game, and you too will understand how the University of Georgia and the football played here gets in your blood and stays forever. Everyone who attends the game has a connection to this revered institution. Sometimes the love is instilled upon birth and carried through adulthood, or it could be simply happened upon. After all, I had never attended a Georgia game before last year; let’s just say now I’ll definitely be one of those old ladies taking refuge under a Georgia pine and reminiscing on the good ole days, as I cheer on my beloved Dawgs.
