These two teams first met each other in 1892 and have played each other almost every year since 1915, making this the “deep south’s oldest rivalry.” The two teams have met over one hundred times with only three interruptions in the series during World War I and World War II, making this one of the most historic rivalries in all of college football.
Georgia and Florida have also been meeting each other since 1915 and has been held in Jacksonville, FL since 1933, which makes this rivalry one of the few neutral-site rivalries in college football. This game attracts huge crowds and has earned the nickname of “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” making it one of the best and most exciting games of the year for both teams. The tailgate on this gem is wild.
This interstate rivalry is often referred to as “clean, old-fashioned hate” and is played at the end of the season. If you got some pent up anger, then this is the game to let it all out because these fans just don’t get along.
Bulldogs Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
With a stadium that can seat over 90,000 fans, it only makes sense that the atmosphere on game day in Athens, Georgia is equally lively as it is loud and full of pride. Students and fans will gather together to celebrate their mutual love for the Bulldogs with multiple tailgating options. Anything from a bloody mary bar to potluck-style meals, Athens has it all!
The premier tailgating spots are booked up by donors and lifetime season ticket holders, but there are plenty of other options available to UGA fans and students. The whole town becomes a massive party-like atmosphere as football in the South, especially in Georgia where they have experienced a recent rise in success, is a huge part of the culture. While open alcohol in the street is technically illegal, as long as you are respectful and responsible, cops in Athens are more than willing to let it slide to allow fans to truly celebrate Saturday game day with the Georgia Bulldogs.
One of the most memorable Bulldogs tailgating traditions is “The Dawg Walk.” Herds of UGA fans gather around the parking lot of Tate Center to form a tunnel for the players and coaches as they enter Sanford Stadium. Once the team gets there, the music of the Redcoat Band plays as the team walks through the tunnel. The team greets the fans with high fives and fist bumps to get the fans fired up for the game, and the team fired up to take the W.
It’s a tradition that started in the 1890s when the football field was closer to the chapel. Freshmen were compelled to ring the bell after a UGA win until midnight. The first year students are no longer required to do it as many students, alumni, and fans rush to ring the bell.
Downtown AnthensFollow the massive crowds down north of the famous Arch on Broad Street, and you’ll be sure to find a ton of bars in which UGA fans celebrate game day.
North CampusThis tailgating area is open five hours before kickoff and is anywhere from Broad Street, Lumpkin Street, Baldwin Street, and Jackson Street.
Milledge AvenueAlong this street, several businesses and churches will allow you to park for a reasonable price ($10-$15) and is less than two miles from the stadium. On your walk to Sanford, you’ll pass many tailgaters along the way, allowing fans to explore all Athens has to offer.
Bulldogs Stadium Guide
In Game
The tenth largest stadium in the NCAA is that of the Georgia University Bulldogs, a 92,746 seat stadium located in Athens, Georgia. Named after Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford, former president of the University, Sanford Stadium is absolutely the place to be on Saturdays. The historic and distinctive privet hedges were planted in 1929 and remain there to this day, as a constant reminder of where the Bulldogs come from. A rivalry between Georgia and Georgia Tech was the driving force for Sanford Stadium as the Bulldogs wanted to accommodate a larger number of fans and has seen six major expansions over the years.
It is not uncommon for the stadium to fill to its maximum capacity on game days in Athens; Georgia’s average home attendance has ranked among the nation’s top ten for twenty-three consecutive seasons and among the top seven for twenty-one of the past twenty-four years. This makes Sanford Stadium one of the most electrifying in all of college football and makes for a great game day experience and atmosphere.
One of the most unique game day experiences at Georgia is Larry Munson and The Georgia Theatre. They set up a massive projector TV and have legend, Larry Munson, calling the game over the radio in a concert-like atmosphere. One of the perks of the Georgia Theatre is that you can go to the bathroom and back to your seat all within a commercial break, unlike being at the stadium.
The mascot of the Georgia Bulldogs is an actual bulldog and is much more than just a mascot of the University of Georgia fans. To commemorate the past Bulldog mascots that have unfortunately passed, there is a mausoleum inside the stadium to honor their beloved mascots
The privet hedges that encircle the field have been there since the stadium saw its first game in 1929. Charlie Martin, the Business Manager of the UGA Athletic Department at the time of the stadium’s creation, came up with the idea after visiting the Rose Bowl. Many other stadiums have copied this feature, but Sanford Stadium has the only one that surrounds the playing field.
At the start of the fourth quarter, UGA fans hold four fingers in the air, and the Redcoat Band plays “Krypton Fanfare.” The crowd is on its feet and cheering for this UGA tradition.
During the 1978 season, the University of Georgia Bulldogs had some incredible come-from-behind victories in which this slogan surfaced. It gained national attention in 1980 when the Bulldogs won the National Championship
Fight Songs
Alma Mater
From the hills of Georgia’s northland Beams thy noble brow, And the sons of Georgia rising Pledge with sacred vow. ‘Neath the pine tree’s stately shadow Spread thy riches rare, And thy sons, dear Alma Mater, Will thy treasure share. And thy daughters proudly join thee, Take their rightful place, Side by side into the future, Equal dreams embrace. Through the ages, Alma Mater, Men will look to thee; Thou the fairest of the Southland Georgia’s Varsity.
Chorus: Alma Mater, thee we’ll honor, True and loyal be, Ever crowned with praise and glory, Georgia, hail to thee.
Battle Hymn of Bulldog Nation
Glory, glory to ole’ Georgia.
Heroes have graced the field before you. Men with hearts, bodies and minds for which the entire Bulldog Nation can be justifiably proud. The tradition of unbridled excellence demonstrated by these individuals and many others spans more than a full century.
And now a new breed of Bulldawg stands ready to take the field of Battle. To assume the reigns of their Georgia forebearers. To continue that tradition. Understanding that there is no tradition more worthy of envy. No institution worthy of such loyalty as The University of Georgia.
As we prepare for another meeting between the hedges let all the Bulldawg faithful rally behind the men who now wear the red and black with two words. Two simple words that express the sentiments of the entire Bulldawg Nation…GO DAWGS
Georgia Fight Song
Go Georgia Bulldogs!
Go Georgia Bulldogs!
Go Georgia Bulldogs!
G-E-O-R-G-I-A!
Go Dawgs! Sic ’em!
Woof, woof, woof!
Glory, Glory
Before home games, a Redcoat trumpet player stands in the southwest corner of the upper deck and plays a slow, solo version of Glory, Glory. After the solo is finished, the voice of late Larry Munson narrates a highlight package while the Redcoat Band plays the rest of tune, which Munson called “The Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation,” along with it.
Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! G-E-O-R-G-I-A. Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! G-E-O-R-G-I-A.
Hail to Georgia
Hail to Georgia, down in Dixie! A college honor’d fair, and true; The Red and Black is her standard, proudly it waves. Streaming today and the ages through. She’s the fairest in the Southland We’ll pledge our love to her for aye; To that college dear we’ll ring a cheer, All hail to dear old U-G-A! Hail, our Varsity of Georgia! Thy sons will e’er thy glory sing: To thee we’ll ever be faithful, loyal and true; Ever and aye will thy praises ring. Grand old time of ours at Georgia The happiest days they’ll be always; Alma mater, fair beyond compare, All hail to dear old U-G-A!
Whether you want a place to watch the game, unwind after a long day, catch a quick lunch, or are just looking for a truly comfortable, friendly, neighborhood bar and grill
The Royal Peasant is a quaint version of an old English Pub. Enjoy either lunch or dinner at this British themed restaurant with comfortable seating available inside, at the bar, or on the outdoor patio.
Moonshine in historic downtown Athens is the home of the famous Moonshine Mason drink. Check out our moonshine paddle with multiple flavors of moonshine!
We feed our own curious spirit through the purposeful pursuit of finely balanced artisanal beers, and our mission is to light that desire and follow its flame with our consumers.
Flanagan's is a street-level bar with a completely unique character that combines the rustic feel of dark wood and exposed brick with elements of the modern nightlife.
Join us at the upstairs bar for a game of pool or relax outside on our airy rooftop patio where you can enjoy cocktails from the Tiki bar while soaking up the sun.
Trappeze Pub is commited to bringing you the very best craft beers in the world and providing an environment that is conducive to conversation and community.
Mama’s Boy is a locally owned modern diner located on the Greenway in Athens, Georgia that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and offers catering for your next event.
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