Some game day traditions never lose their thrill
Another UGA fan and I were talking recently about how much we were looking forward to the start of another football season (51 days and 19 hours away as I write this) and we got onto the subject of our favorite game day traditions.
His favorite was the Dawg Walk, with the Redcoats playing and the team walking past the fans gathered in the Tate Center parking lot. I admit that’s a good way to get pumped up for a game if you’ve got a good vantage point, but it’s kind of difficult to see unless you snag a front row spot, so that’s never been a must for me. Even with the Dawg Walk Overlook that’s planned for between the new Tate II and the Alumni Development Center to be built next to Lumpkin, it’s still going to be tough to get a good view.
For kids, seeing the parade of UGA buses carrying the players down Lumpkin Street with their police escort is pretty exciting and I admit that even now I still wave as they go by, but that’s just like a teaser as I start walking to the stadium from the church where I park.
Watching the Redcoats march into the stadium with their chant is one of my favorite game day traditions (I like to get to my seat at least an hour before kickoff). Ain’t nothing finer in the land!
Loading ...I still think the Redcoats scrambling onto the field for their pregame show is fun, and another popular and thrilling moment is the pregame Larry Munson recording and the footage of Dawgs past and present on the big video screen. I love how the fans never tire of cheering Herschel running over Bill Bates. The countdown to the kickoff is another great bit, though I liked it better when they used “Baba O’Riley” to back the video montage, and the excitement really hits a fever pitch there, especially for a big game. (I’ve never understood folks who don’t get to the game in time for the kickoff … or, for that matter, those who leave a game early when the Dawgs are winning!)
During the game, the crowd holding up four fingers at beginning of the fourth quarter may be a common tradition shared by a lot of schools, but it can be a special moment in a close game, especially if you really sense the Dawgs have victory within reach. And when my son was young and we parked downtown, I always got a kick out of taking him by the Chapel to ring the bell. We don’t go that way any more, though, and while the video screen footage of Hairy Dawg ringing the bell was kind of fun to start with, the fact that he’s not actually at the Chapel ringing the bell makes it ring a little hollow, so to speak.
No, my two favorite bits of game day tradition both come before the game. One is after the team has finished its initial warm-up, gathers at midfield and walks deliberately toward the east end zone while the Redcoats play the “Krypton Fanfare” and the crowd gets on its feet and roars. That gets me every time.
And then there’s the solo trumpeter kicking off what they now call the “Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation” (still a slowed down “Glory to Old Georgia” to me) from the southwest corner of the upper level of the stands. If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, you’re definitely not of the Red and Black persuasion!
What’s your favorite game day tradition? Tell us in the comments, vote in the poll or do both. Go Dogs!
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169 comments Add your comment
MA Merrill
July 16th, 2009
9:47 am
A Bulldawg Lady /Alumni here…..I LOVE getting there early and listening to Phil Collin’s “In The Air Tonight” as the players warm up…. they blast it and the big drum part gives me chills while I watch the Dawgs on the field! Can’t wait till football season
dawgblast
July 16th, 2009
9:52 am
Favorite tradition? Definitely drinking, and drinking, and drinking with my bulldawg buddies and classmates from a decade back. There isn’t a better time to get drunk and harass the visiting teams fans (can’t believe they even have the guts to walk in our stadium.)
Old Dawg
July 16th, 2009
9:53 am
It is impractical now, but I liked it when the seniors would march around the field during halftime.
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
9:53 am
a jacket backer slamming UGA for saying they have football traditions?
WOW! Can you say delusional?
Let’s talk about some Tech game day traditions:
1.) Watching the homecoming queen eat 20 varsity chili dogs and wiping the chili off of her sleeve before having the crown placed on her head.
2.) Watching all the engiqueers come to the game holding hands with their boyfriends.
3.) Watching Joe Hamilton out in the parking lot hitting on 18 year old coeds while waiting on Reuben houston to bring him some stash.
It is just too easy. I gotta stop.
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
9:55 am
To DawginLex
You omitted the spectacle of watching 300 lb linemen beating up on 100 lb pizza delivery girls. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
9:57 am
To DawginLex
Point of clarity, that was a 300 lb TECH lineman beating up on the little pizza delivery girl. BWAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!!
Scott from Rockmart
July 16th, 2009
9:57 am
I love going to Jax playing golf on friday, the landing on friday night and making excuses about why we lost on saturday night. Anybody got any new ones, I’m kinda running out!
Scott from Rockmart
July 16th, 2009
9:59 am
oh yea Bwahhawahahawa
gotta go my sister needs milking.
howboutdemdogs?
July 16th, 2009
10:02 am
I love all of our originality: the stadium plans we took from UNC, the song that we took called the Battle Hymn of the Republic, the mascot we took from Yale, and the big G on the helmut we took from Green Bay…it’s just darn hard to come up with something original that doesn’t involve ways to consume Natural Light while studying for that Leisure Studies final from a Clarke County cell.
Otto
July 16th, 2009
10:02 am
Growing up, once the Dawg Walk started it was hearing the drum corps for the walk. We used to tailgate on Lumpkin near the outdoor pool so the buses would drop the player across the street from us. Hearing the Drum Corps warm up you knew game time was getting close.
Outside of Athens, Auburn flying the Eagle around the stadium is amazing.
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:02 am
To jacketbacker
And your traditions?
One win in 8 years over your biggest rival.
The tech student body tippy toeing up and down to the Budweiser song.
Calculus.
Peeing against a concrete wall. Nice design, engineers.
Talking about how good you were under Bobby Dodd.
Calculus.
Bragging about your wonderful stadium and campus that, unfortunately, is located in arguably the worst area of Atlanta.
Wishing you had beautiful coeds. In fact, just wishing you had coeds.
Did I mention calculus??
No BCS bowl appearances.
No ACC football championships.
Free hot dogs and cokes with a purchase of a game ticket.
Last, but not least, calculus.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
howboutdemdogs?
July 16th, 2009
10:05 am
DawginLex – those are funny, kind of, the first 10,000 times we’ve heard them, but not true.
Mine are sad, because they are true.
2dawgs
July 16th, 2009
10:05 am
As a 30 year season ticket holder, I certainly bleed red ‘n black. But, a few visits to Gainesville, Fl (before the NC years) opened my eyes. The atmosphere there is something we rarely see in Sanford Stadium.
Mr two Bits, the 4th qtr. sway and chant, etc make that place a happening.
We have added some things; trumpet, Dawg Walk, etc.. But, we do not come close.
This has been mentioned ad-nauseum to Bulldog Club folk who seem to come up short in creativity. More needs to be done.
SE Spectator
July 16th, 2009
10:05 am
For me when I was in school at UGA and on the rare occasion I get back, it’s always the solo trumpeter that sends chills down my spine.
But nearly every school in the SEC has something great. Hell, I’m sure most schools in the country do. I love the splitting of the T at Tennessee; listening to the “Bear” in Tuscaloosa; the 2001 Space Odyssey entrance at South Carolina; the “It’s night time in Death Valley” at LSU. They’re all good.
However, I’ll say this: When the eagle soars around Jordan-Hare Stadium and does and extended flight by circling the field two or three times, there are few better moments. It’s pretty spectacular.
Patrick
July 16th, 2009
10:07 am
I love seeing those red helmets go up in the air in the midfield huddle.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
10:09 am
So we’ve got Miami and Georgia Tech fans on here slamming our tailgating traditions? That is rich. I have never been to a Miami game (thank God) but I’ve heard its very similar to that Pretty Fly For a White Guy music video and that you can smell the men’s hair gel from miles away. As for Tech, I have been to more Tech football games than any human should ever have to endure and can say with confidence that I have never seen a bigger joke of a football atmosphere in all my life. 2007 Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech: Perhaps the biggest game on the Techies’ schedule not involving Georgia. You could hear a pin drop in that place midway through the 1st quarter. And as for tailgating, what tailgating? It is non-existent, especially on those Thursday night games where they are desperately seeking the nation’s attention. What a joke.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
10:11 am
DawginLex, come on, you can do better than that.
That was weak.
RobBob
July 16th, 2009
10:12 am
Ummmm, the GT band playing and the fans signing the Budweiser jingle? I still do not get that one. Hey! What costumes will you Techmites wear to Dragon*Con Sept 04? Bizarre poeple down on N.Ave….very bizarre!
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
10:16 am
Huh?
Aren’t you afraid of your boss finding out how much you hate GT?
Leisure Studies Larry
July 16th, 2009
10:17 am
I love the time-honored traditions of puking my guts out at my North Campus tailgate before leaving the entire area looking like someone set off a bomb at the landfill next to my Bogart trailer park.
TYPICAL UGA STUDENT
July 16th, 2009
10:20 am
Pi$$ing off the balconey on the fans below is my favorite.
Awwww Yeah
July 16th, 2009
10:21 am
Tech fans posting on this blog is not the saddest part. The saddest part is their pathetic attempt at humor. I picture them alone (of course) in front of their computer snickering. I don’t mind that they post here. I just wish they would be funny. BTW I hate that BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! thing (especially from a fellow dawg)
Favorite Gameday tradition: Alcohol and all the beautiful UGA women!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
10:22 am
RobBob, I had no idea Dragon*Con was on Sept 04.
How is it you know?
JimboDawg
July 16th, 2009
10:23 am
I love grabbing my UGA Hat & t-Shirt I got on sale at Walmart, loading up my SUV that has my ducks unlimited sticker on it, locking up my trailer park, putting in a big ole chaw of Red Man, stopping by the local fast food joint ot pick up my other UGA buddies who are just getting off work and heading on down to Stanford & Son stadium to review the latest recrootin rankings…It’s magical.
Champ
July 16th, 2009
10:29 am
Dawg-friendly Charlton County grand juries are one of MY favorites!
ORANGE & BLUE
July 16th, 2009
10:30 am
My favorite “Bulldog tradition” is the annual trek to Jacksonville where they face the mighty Gators and typically lose in recent years. 18 out of 21, in fact…..that an 86% losing percentage the last 21 years. This year should be a route. Go Dawgs!
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
10:30 am
sorry Rambler,
Creative juices are in summer doldrums. You going to the Joe Hamilton HOF ceremony?
I hear the Doobie Brothers are the entertainment.
sorry, gotta go back to work.
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:35 am
To Leisure Studies Larry
I doubt you are a tech grad, but just in case, did you major in one of the following “engineering” disciplines?
The School of History, Technology, and Society
The School of Literature, Communication, and Culture
The School of Modern Languages
The School of Public Policy
Academically superior, engineering majoring, student-athletes at tech? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:37 am
To ORANGE & BLUE
You said “This year should be a route.” BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Yes, like every year this will also be a “route”. I go “the route” of 75S then 10E to get to Jacksonville. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
RambleOff!!!!
July 16th, 2009
10:37 am
Like you didn’t know the DragonCon date Ramble…..You gonna be Darth or Yoda?
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:38 am
To ORANGE & BLUE
The University of Florida – a proud football tradition dating all the way back to 1991. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:39 am
To RambleOff!!!
Give RAMBLE ON a break. Darth and Yoda are sooooo last year. Based on the success of the new movie, I think he’ll dress up as Harry Potter. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Comin' Down The Track
July 16th, 2009
10:43 am
I picked the solo trumpeter, but Krypton Fanfare is probably a close second… for the record.
Also, for the record…
Thy beatdown cometh, bugs.
tech sucks
July 16th, 2009
10:43 am
i guess since tech fans put last years score in every post uga fans should include all the previous scores in their post and we can compare
fladawg
July 16th, 2009
10:44 am
AU fan. Don’t get your panties in a wad! I think we all know the UGA is not the only team in college football that has a pregame walk for the fans. If you guys were the first, congrats! It’s going to be OK.
don't be a hater
July 16th, 2009
10:44 am
Pregame – listining to the pregame barking from GA rednecks about why GA is going to beat FL this year and how gators wear jeans shorts (no irony there).
Postgame (actually end of 3rd quarter) – watching GA fans run back to St Simons with their tail between their legs and then heading to the landing to celebrate another victory.
RxDawg
July 16th, 2009
10:46 am
It’s the trumpet solo for me. I’m getting goosebumps right now just thinking about it.
Also the 4th quarter song..although that’s not really pregame.
RxDawg
July 16th, 2009
10:49 am
Ha!, I actually read the article after I commented about the goosebumps.
don't be a hater
July 16th, 2009
10:50 am
The Grinch
The University of GA- a proud football tradition from 1980 – 1982. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
10:52 am
don’t be a hater,
End of 3rd quarter? Really?
You watched any UGA/FLA games other than 2008?
The
July 16th, 2009
10:53 am
Enter your comments here
don't be a hater
July 16th, 2009
10:54 am
DawginLex – yes, I especially enjoyed the one in Athens where everyone left at halftime.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:54 am
To don’t be a hater
Since we’re talking about football “tradition”, why stop at 1980? Look at the entire history of the Georgia-Florida rivalry. No contest. You’ve been measured and found to be deficient. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
10:56 am
To don’t be a hater
Don’t forget, the UF football “tradition” dates all the way back to when the latest recruiting class was born. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
RxDawg
July 16th, 2009
10:57 am
“However, I’ll say this: When the eagle soars around Jordan-Hare Stadium and does and extended flight by circling the field two or three times, there are few better moments. It’s pretty spectacular.”
I agree. Was about to say something till I saw another blogger beat me to it. I gota give the teagles credit here.
don't be a hater
July 16th, 2009
10:59 am
The Grinch – I am sure your granddaddy can tell you all about they days when GA used to have a competitive football team and they used to be able to actually beat FL. Too bad you haven’t been able to experience them since the 1990’s, while FL has dominated.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
11:00 am
much better DawginLex…especially the Dobbie Brothers reference.
dawgstephen
July 16th, 2009
11:02 am
Its gettin on campus, walking up Lumpkin Street, goin to Little Italy for football on the earlier games, eating and then going to bookstore to shop, then outside to stand at gate, get inside for dawg walk in my normal spot, giving a high 5 to the dawgs as they enter, then to my seat for peanuts, hot dog, a coke and all pre-game warmups, the battle hymn, “ITS SATURDAY IN ATHENS”….then as my blood runs red & black, gettin on my fee to make some Sanford Stadium Noise for the BEST TEAM IN ALL THE LAND…the Georgia Bulldogs…..is it time yet???
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
Georgia Tech Football Ready for the New Season (WCTV Tallahassee) | Betting FBCC: Atlanta Falcons
July 16th, 2009
11:04 am
[...] Some game day traditions never lose their thrill | The Junkyard BlawgAs for Tech, I have been to more Tech football games than any human should ever have to endure and can say with confidence that I have never seen a bigger joke of a football atmosphere in all my life. 2007 Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech: … [...]
The Grinch
July 16th, 2009
11:08 am
To don’t be a hater
Nice try. No need to talk with my granddaddy. I’ve been in the stadiums not only to see UGA beat FLA, but I’ve seen them be “a competitive football team” going back to the time when UF wasn’t. If it’s the history of the program you are measuring, then you’re a measuring cup short in the discussion. BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
If your idea of “tradition” only goes back to 1991, then the Atlanta Braves are the greatest baseball franchise of all time.