What is the capacity of Sanford Stadium?

Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium is one of college football's most iconic venues, famous for being played "between the hedges." The privet hedges surrounding the field have been a defining feature since the stadium opened in 1929. With a capacity of 93,033, it ranks as the ninth-largest stadium in the NCAA.

🏛️History

Origins

Named for Steadman Vincent Sanford, who moved UGA football from Herty Field to a central campus location in 1911, the stadium opened in 1929. Sanford was instrumental in building Georgia's athletics program, later becoming university president and chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Major Renovations

1940Lights added; first night game vs Kentucky (7-7 tie)

1967Upper tier constructed, capacity increased to 60,000

1981East end zone enclosed, capacity exceeded 82,000

2003Second upper deck on north side added 5,500 seats

2024$68.5M renovation: 1929 Club, new press box, 50 Yard Line Club, capacity to 93,033

Notable Moments

Jul-Aug 1996Hosted Olympic soccer medal rounds at 1996 Summer Olympics

Nov 10, 2007First "blackout" game: Georgia debuted black jerseys, beat #20 Auburn 45-20

Sep 21, 2019Record crowd of 93,246 watched Georgia beat #7 Notre Dame 23-17

Nov 29, 2024Georgia beat Georgia Tech 44-42 in 8 OT—longest game in SEC history

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 106-108 and 130-132 near midfield offer the best views, especially above row 10. The 200-level club seats provide elevated sightlines with climate-controlled lounges. Avoid sections 601-611 (visiting fans) unless you want a budget option.

Parking Tips

Fine Arts Lot and Tate Deck on Lumpkin Street are closest (5-min walk). Free parking available on East Campus near Ramsey Center. Reserve via ParkMobile—cash not accepted. The Classic Center downtown offers convenient packages with indoor amenities.

Game Day

Arrive 2+ hours early for the Dawg Walk. Listen for "Calling the Dawgs" and the Redcoat Band's "Krypton Fanfare" before the 4th quarter. Follow the SEC Clear Bag Policy. After games, wait out traffic at your tailgate—it's the Georgia way.