University of Georgia Bulldogs' History and Traditions | Southern Football Supremacist's Blog

History and Traditions of UGA Football

Sanford Stadium

I would like to start this blog off with a little history behind the home of the Dawgs, Sanford Stadium. Sanford Stadium is named for Dr. S.V. Sanford who was a former President and Chancellor for the University. When Sanford Stadium was first built, it held abot 30,000 fans. On October 12, 1929, the Dawgs played their first game in Sanford Stadium against Yale. The Bulldogs ended up winning the game 15-0. But now, almost 80 years later, Sanford Stadium holds 92,746 people and is consistently ranked among the top Stadiums in the country.

*Sanford Stadium was also a host to the 1996 Olympic Soccer Competition*

What's in a Name?

Many people say that the name Bulldogs came from Georgia's ties with the Yale Bulldogs. The first President attended Yale and the school's original blueprints were based on Yale's layout. In the 1920's journalists from the AJC continuously used and supported the name "Georgia Bulldogs." Eventually, the name stuck.

Damn Good Dawg!

Uga, Georgia's beloved mascot, has been leading the Dawgs to victory since 1956. Ugas I-VI have all been from the same line of Bulldogs, all courtesy of their owner, Sonny Seiler. Uga has made many big time appearances such as: Being Named the Countries greatest macot by SI, making an appearance in the move "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", and going to New York with Herschel Walker during his Heisman trophy ceremony.

Silver "Britches"

In 1939, Head Coach Wally Butts created the "silver pants with the red jersey" look that the Bulldogs still sport today. The "silver britches" were a fan favorite up until 1964 when head coach Vince Dooley re-designed the Bulldogs uniform and made the Dawgs wear white pants. However, in 1980, right before the Bulldogs title campaign, Dooley re-instituted the silver britches, and they have been part of the Bulldog Uniform ever since.

THE "G"

During his Uniform transformation in 1963, Coach Vince Dooley asked someone to re-design the logo of the Dawgs. He had invisioned a simple "G" for the side of the helmets. After the logo was created, Dooley decided that it looked too similiar to the Green Bay logo so he got it cleared with the Packers. But over the years, as the "G" has changed to what it currently is, the Packers have changed as well. So, the "G" you see on the Packers' helmets today are actually a knockoff from UGA's "G"!

Ring the Bell!

The Chapel Bell that is located near the Stadium has always been the thing to run to first after a UGA victory. In the early stages of this traditon, freshman were obligated to run out to the bell and ring it until Midnight. Now, fans, players, and Alumni all join in and ring it as they pass to announce a Georgia win. This year, after a Georgia Victory over Florida, the bell was rung one too many times and fell, but not to fear, it has been put back into ringing condition.

"How bout them Dawgs?!"

A very special slogan that took hold during the 1970's and became the slogan for the Dawgs 1980 National Title year. It has been used in many newspaper articles and has helped give Georgia national attention.

"Between the Hedges"

The hedges that surround the field were planted at about 1 feet tall in 1929 along with the Stadium itself. In the 1930s a sports writer made note that the Dawgs would have their opponent "between the hedges" and obviously, fans and students alike loved it.

SEC All-Time Records

Alabama: 25-35-4

Arkansas: 8-3-0

Auburn: 50-53-8

Florida: 47-37-2

Kentucky: 48-11-2

LSU: 11-14-1

Ole Miss: 30-12-1

Mississippi State: 16-5-0

South Carolina: 44-14-2

Tennessee: 15-20-2

Vanderbilt: 48-18-2