"There is no tradition more worthy of envy, no institution worthy of such loyalty, as the University of Georgia". - Larry Munson
It is officially the best time of the year. Football season is here. There is no better place on Earth to be on a football Saturday than Athens, Georgia. From tailgating, to ringing the Chapel Bell to calling the Dawgs, these are only a few of the many traditions occurring in Athens on football Saturdays. There is something about being in Athens on a game day. It is fun to watch the game of television, but being present in person and participating in the long-live traditions is truly special. Here are some of the must-know traditions to be a part of while in Athens on a game day:
1. Dawg Walk.
Occurring a couple of hours before kickoff, thousands of Dawg fans line up with the Redcoat band to welcome the team into Sanford Stadium. Fans are able to high-five players and coaches and chant with the UGA cheerleaders and Redcoat Band.
2. The Battle Hymn.Â
Taking place right before kickoff, this tradition involves one member of the Redcoats playing the first few notes of "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Students and fans point to the southwest corner of the stadium while this is happening. Eventually, the voice of the legendary Larry Munson is heard on the speakers in the stadium and a video is played on the scoreboard.
3. Baba O'Reilly.
This song, performed by "The Who", can be heard every home game before the team makes their way to the field. As the beat starts to drop, all of the fans raise their red pom- poms and shake them to the tune of the song. The perfect song to hype up all fans.
4. Ringing the Chapel Bell.
If you attend UGA, you are probably familiar with the loud clang of the Chapel Bell. When you hear the bell, it can mean almost anything good. Some ring it for a special occasion or for recieving a good grade on an assignment. On Saturdays, hearing the Chapel Bell often means fans are celebrating a Bulldog win.
5. Lighting up Sanford Stadium.
This occurs before the fourth quarter kicks off at every night game. As the Redcoat Band plays "Krypton", fans get their cell phone lights out and light up the entire stadium.
6. Calling the Dawgs.
From the starting phrase, "Who's that coming down the track", to the very end phrase, "GOOOO DAWGS, SIC EM WOOF WOOF", this popular tradition never fails to arouse up the Dawg fans. It's all about school spirit.
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