Our trip to Georgia last year led to two football games in three days and an unfortunate (and also not our fault) car accident the night before the big game. We awoke that Saturday morning, sore and bruised from the accident but still incredibly excited to head to the game. We had traveled over 1,600 miles to watch our Bulldogs and nothing was going to stop us from participating in the many traditions at Sanford Stadium.
Traditions like Tailgating. Trucks clustered together like the players in a huddle were the first sign of the tailgaters and as we got closer we saw that the red and black combination was on everything: from the tents, tables, and chairs, to the jerseys, hats, and coats, even some of the Satellite dishes represented the pride of the Dawgs. Some of the setups were immaculate–big screen TVs surrounded by top of the line sound systems, bbq grills and prepping stations large enough to cook food for the entire team–when it comes to tailgating some of these people spared no expense.
The next tradition we didn’t want to miss was the Dawg Walk. Just across the street from Sanford Stadium is the Tate Student Center and before every game the players walk through a sea of students, fans, alumni, and the school band as they make their way to the field. It was Senior Night and when our star quarterback, Aaron Murray, walked through the crowd for the last time the fans erupted into cheers, applause, and complete celebration for our favorite quarterback, #11.
The traditions before and during each game are what take it from a simple game of X’s and O’s to something more, something special. Those famous green hedges surrounding the field, the players breaking through the giant G banner, the tradition of holding up four fingers between the third and fourth quarter–you guys, it’s these small rituals that add so much to the experience.
One tradition that continues to give me chills is Calling the Dawgs. At the beginning of the game as the teams line up on opposite ends of the field, the crowd roars throughout the stadium with a “Goooooooooooo…..”, and just as the ball is kicked they finish with “Dawgs! Sic ‘Em” and then four loud barks. Check it out here. I love tuning into the beginning of the game and hearing the Kickoff Bark, it gets my adrenaline going, every.single.time.
I’m sure there are many more traditions that I missed in just one quick visit, however, hopefully the next time I go I’ll be lucky enough to discover more…
I know the Bulldogs aren’t the only team steeped in tradition… What are your football traditions?
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
Hi Krystle, Thanks for stopping by my blog. American football is sooo alien to me; I got culture shock reading this! (But I watch the Superbowl, of course!)
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 The Superbowl is such a fun day with lots of food, family, and football. Of course, it’s also a sad day because we won’t have any football to watch for six months or so. 😉
American Football definitely has it’s own culture surrounding it, some people love it, others can’t stand to watch football. Luckily for me, as a young child I used to watch football with my dad every Sunday so I have loved it for quite some time now. 🙂
Looks very cool and soo crowded 🙂 Glad the car accident wasn’t too serious!
Hey Kristina! It was definitely crowded. 🙂 but a whole lot of fun. Hope you’re doing well!
Glad you enjoyed Georgia! This post has me excited to go to the game this Saturday! :]
Have SO much fun! 🙂 Go Dawgs!
I think my favorite is “Calling the Dawgs,” too: Everyone starting with “Gooooooo…” (and swinging their right arm around in the air) while the kicker lines up to run toward the ball, then bringing their arm down and finishing with “…Dawgs, sic ’em! Woof woof woof woof!” when the kicker makes contact. They taught us how to do it at orientation, and I felt like a weirdo because I had never seen it before, but now I even do it at home! But the one that really gives me chills is the solo trumpter in the upper level of the stadium, starting the Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation! #godawgs
“Calling the Dawgs”, I’ll have to remember that’s the official name! Thanks Jen! And I completely forgot about the lone trumpeter! That was really neat! 🙂 Go Dawgs!