ATHENS — The Georgia Bulldogs practiced in full pads for roughly two and a half hours on Tuesday afternoon with a smattering of guests on hand.
Four days from now, the Bulldogs will conduct a similar workout during their annual G-Day game at Sanford Stadium, and they hope to do so before more than 75,000 fans.
Two years ago, Georgia’s supporters packed Sanford Stadium for “93K Day” at the annual spring game. While a construction project in the West End Zone this spring will keep that portion of the facility empty on Saturday, the Bulldogs are still eager to see the rest of the stadium filled.
Juniors defensive end David Marshall and sophomore offensive tackle Andrew Thomas both were at the 2016 G-Day game before joining the Bulldogs. Marshall had signed with Georgia earlier in the year, while Thomas was making his first trip to Sanford Stadium as a junior at Pace Academy.
“Mostly, I remember it felt like a real game,” Marshall said. “Seeing all the fans in the stands, it gave me chills. It proves that everybody at Georgia is like a family and our fans support us so much. I’m really excited to be able to get out there Saturday and play this time.”
“It was crazy experience,” Thomas said. “I had never been to a Georgia game before so it was my first experience in Sanford Stadium. So many people were there, and then I heard they even had to deny some people coming in because there were so many. It was a crazy atmosphere, and it did help sway my decision early on. That’s what started getting me to like the place more.”
Gates will open at 1 p.m. on Saturday and admission to G-Day is free. The UGA Athletic Association will be implementing it’s “clear bag” policy for the G-Day Game.
The day’s activities will begin with a flag football game among alumni lettermen from 1:15-2:15.
With expected high demand and temporarily reduced seating due to the construction on the new West End Zone complex, the UGA Athletic Association will be implementing a pass system. Upon entrance, each fan will receive a commemorative pass with a seating section. The UGAAA asks that each fan sits in this section to help manage what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd. Gates 2-9 will be open as usual. However, Gate 10 (gate under the bridge next to the Tate Center) will be closed due to construction. To help reduce congestion and further improve ingress flow, please enter on the side of the stadium where each fan's preferred seating location would be. Additional pass/entry questions can be directed to [email protected].
The Bulldogs will begin their 2018 campaign with a home matchup against Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 1. Georgia will travel to Columbia, S.C., to open its Southeastern Conference schedule against South Carolina on Sept. 8.
