New game plan needed for Saturdays at Sanford
Will this scene from last year's New Mexico State game become more common at Sanford Stadium? (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Last week, the UGA Athletic Association sent out a note to Bulldog Club members offering the opportunity to purchase additional single-game tickets to three home football games — Buffalo, Florida Atlantic and Vanderbilt — as well as single nonrenewable season tickets.
One of my brothers was interested in getting some seats to the Vandy game, so I called the ticket office to place an order. Before I could tell the guy what I wanted, he eagerly inquired, “How many for Buffalo can I sell you?”
I got the feeling they’re just a little anxious about unloading seats to that Sept. 1 game.
And that may not be the only Saturday this season when we’re facing the prospect of empty seats beyond the few thousand in the student section that have been going unused for some time now.
With only the two Tennessee schools and Ole Miss coming to Athens from the SEC and a nonconference slate consisting of Buffalo, Florida Atlantic and Georgia Southern (besides the certain sell-out against the Yellow Jackets), the 2012 home schedule is one of the weakest in memory.
I understand the strategic reasoning behind Greg McGarity’s scheduling philosophy, imported from the University of Florida, and it may indeed increase the odds of UGA winning a championship. But a steady diet of cupcakes isn’t likely to be much help in goosing gate receipts likely already buffeted by a so-so economy.
Combine the lackluster lineup of opponents with saturation TV coverage and the increasing restrictions in recent years on football season parking and tailgating on the UGA campus, and it’s no wonder so many folks (especially young alumni) find it tempting to watch the Dawgs on a 40-inch HD TV rather than make the trek to Athens.
There are, of course, things that could be done to help the situation, besides adding the occasional opponent like Clemson to the lineup. For instance, relaxing the restrictions on tailgating. For many fans, especially the younger alums, that has put a real damper on the game day experience in the Classic City. Who knows, Michael Adams’ replacement as UGA president might decide to loosen things up a bit.
That doesn’t mean I’m advocating no-holds-barred tailgating. Again, I understand UGA’s reasoning there. Before the crackdown a couple of years ago, the North Campus tailgating scene had gotten out of control, with an uncomfortable crush of people crowded into the historic quadrangles and a corresponding increase in garbage left behind and problems with drunks relieving themselves in and around the campus buildings. It was hurting the university’s image.
But surely there’s some middle ground. Perhaps requiring fans to pay to tailgate in a more heavily controlled environment is the answer.
Snoozers against opponents like Coastal Carolina don't help draw fans to Athens. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Another helpful move would be to shift games like Buffalo or Florida Atlantic to the evening whenever possible. (Frequently, it won’t be possible thanks to the conference television deal, the chief culprit behind some of those ridiculously early kickoff times).
Evening games would help because, even if you still want to tailgate in the current unrestricted areas and aren’t put off by the level of opponent being scheduled, there’s not much time for setting up and enjoying the socializing that is such a part of tailgating with a noon kickoff. Not only would playing these games at night make for a more comfortable experience inside the stadium amid the late-summer heat, it would perhaps entice more folks to come spend the day or night, boosting the Athens economy.
Of course, not everyone would like that solution. Besides the TV complication, one of the main arguments against night games at UGA in the past has been that they inconvenience fans from South Georgia who want to drive home afterward. But the reality is that the majority of the fan base of the future lives in metro Atlanta, not south of the gnat line. And many of them don’t really want to get up before sunrise to rush over to Athens and gulp down a hurried tailgate spread in order to make it into the stadium in time for an early kickoff.
I realize that not every season is going to have as unattractive a home schedule as this year’s. But there are growing challenges facing the athletic association in making sure UGA remains among the attendance leaders in college football, and they need to be addressed.
What are your thoughts on how to improve game days in Athens?
Got something you want to discuss concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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186 comments Add your comment
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
5:13 pm
Top Dawg………….This will KILL you then………….Mike Bobo has been coaching at UGa since he stopped playing in 1997.
Dawg Doo
May 9th, 2012
5:21 pm
The basis for Dawg fans discouragement is living through so many years with our noses pressed up against the glass of the national championship store, watching Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and LSU party inside, knowing that we’re not invited.
Dekalb Fan
May 9th, 2012
5:27 pm
The Band can also be revamped.
BULLDAWG BILL
May 9th, 2012
5:33 pm
No September home game should be allowed to start before 6:00PM!
Change Florida to home-and-home. We owe Jacksonville nothing!
Dawg Doo
May 9th, 2012
5:40 pm
The game in Jax helps us to recruit North Florida. If I were UF, I wouldn’t want Georgia playing in Jax every year. Look at Derrick Henry!
RealDawg
May 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
Jacksonville is not just a game but a week long holiday for most of us. Leave it alone.
The band needs to be back with main student section. Isolating them did nothing for the team or the atmoshpere. The students need to rise up and build some more tradition in partnership with the band. Half of last year the cheerleaders, band, and students were all on a different page.
I hate the early games but they aren’t going anywhere with the tv deals. Buy a satellite and hang out after the game for a while, tailgate, relax, and watch the afternoon CBS game.
Tailgating is absolutely fine in my area. Plenty of parking and atmoshpere. I am not sure what the issue is. Yes, we are a little further out than in the past but still plenty of parking and FREE. The only part of the new rules that is stupid is no pull behind trailors or grills. I promise these aren’t the people trashing the place.
SWGADAWG
May 9th, 2012
5:54 pm
It’s not the same UGA I attended….that’s for sure. And I don’t think it’ll get any better. Still love the Dawgs, but the trips from down South and all the donations may be coming to an end.
UGADawg83
May 9th, 2012
6:02 pm
Bill:
Your bias towards Atlanta fans and folks from South Georgia is disgusting. Though I live only an hour from Athens I travel the same road into town as the South Georgia folks. The road is filled with carloads of faithful Bulldogs from Valdosta, Thomasville, Tifton, Bainbridge and Albany. A fellow that sits behind me drives all the way from Donaldsonville. We are speaking about the University of GEORGIA not the the University of Metro Atlanta. The Dawgs belong to the whole state not just Athens and Atlanta.
FIRE BILL KING!
Jake
May 9th, 2012
6:05 pm
Where’s your evidence that the majority of fans don’t come from South Georgia?
UGADawg83
May 9th, 2012
6:06 pm
Oops-should have said “bias towards Atlanta fans and AGAINST folks from South Georgia.” That will teach me not to type when I’m rialed by a self-absorbed Atlanta resident.
UGADawg83
May 9th, 2012
6:07 pm
I meant riled-dang it!
RealDawg
May 9th, 2012
6:13 pm
I am not doubting the new scheduling strategy. Don’t forget we are still playing 4 teams that have won national champions (5 if you include GSU). The reality of our schedule is that TN/FL decline hurts our schedule perception. 7/8 years ago that schedule is tough and the cupcakes are needed. Reality is also that LSU/AL schedules are not that much tougher. They both have three sure wins also.
RealDawg
May 9th, 2012
6:28 pm
Jake:
The evidence is car tags and student enrollment. More students attend UGA from Gwinnett County than ALL of south Georgia combined. I don’t think it has been a great think for football and the fan base but the reality is obvious if you look at the difference between who is at the games now versus now, 10, and 20 years ago.
RealDawg
May 9th, 2012
6:30 pm
*thing
Southgadawg
May 9th, 2012
6:35 pm
Don’t write off the South Ga fans simply because Atlanta has gotten so big that the numbers of Alumni are becoming skewed!! It is bad enough the rest of Georgia is an afterthought to the state government, business, and all national media, but if the Dawgs abandon us????? Oh and don’t forget…. if you loose south Ga connections, you loose a ton of recruits to FSU, FL, Auburn, etc… which are all closer then Athens mileage wise anyway. Don’t just focus on ATL.
bulldog for life
May 9th, 2012
6:40 pm
You must not go south of the gnat line if you dont think there is great support for the DAWGS down here.
B C Dawgs
May 9th, 2012
6:45 pm
Bill—You got to remember our other home game is in Jacksonville, Fla. this year. That’s the main reason every other year we have 3 cupcakes instead of 2.
Would love to have the Gators in Athens every other year instead of playinf them in Fla every year.
Jacket99
May 9th, 2012
6:56 pm
Scheduling cupcakes is a disservice to the fans. UGA does it. Tech does it. Many teams do it. It still sucks.
Maintain traditional rivalries. Improve strength of schedule. Do it now.
Empty seats will cause school administrators and alumni to look at making changes in the Athletic Director’s office.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
7:13 pm
No Dawgs talking the baseball game? the tech blog has the game.
Jason
May 9th, 2012
7:42 pm
Sanford Stadium should be as loud and crazy as it can be EVERY single game. That’s the point of the home field advantage. You WANT to make the other team feel intimidated and uncomfortable. If you want a cool calm environment go to the golf course. Get off your tails and make a little noise.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
7:50 pm
DAMN Runner screwed that up.
kingdaddy
May 9th, 2012
7:52 pm
Smart, oops I mean Kool-aid Bar,what’s the score on the game? I saw2-0 Tech. Mustang Sally saw 1-0 Tech…
a country boy can survive
May 9th, 2012
7:56 pm
besides peanuts and welfare recipients, south georgia doesn’t contribute much to the state of georgia.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
7:57 pm
2-1 TECH
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
May 9th, 2012
8:02 pm
How about stop making fans contribute an extra grand to get season tickets since the product we are getting is not worth the extra money you have to donate
VA Dawg
May 9th, 2012
8:04 pm
When McGarity sees the empty seats this season, I hope he’ll rethink his scheduling strategy. Damon Evans, panties in his lap and all, knew how to build an interesting non-conference schedule.
I Married Joan
May 9th, 2012
8:08 pm
Can any of the leg humper graduates read?
WestOfAthens
May 9th, 2012
8:12 pm
Improve game day? Easy, simple, yet pure…
More Evening Games!!!!!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
8:12 pm
3-1 Tech
Dumbo
May 9th, 2012
8:13 pm
I Married Joan…..dang dude, you married the Frat Pass Around and they call me dumb
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
8:15 pm
WestOfAthens………….you that is not possible.
VA Dawg
May 9th, 2012
8:17 pm
In response to the growing Atlanta vs South Georgia feud in this thread, I would add that there are many of us who hail from other states and even countries. I’m as big a Dawg fan as anybody. For us it’s about the university, not necessarily the state. My loyalty as a resident is to the Commonwealth of Virginia, but my collegiate loyalty is to the University of Georgia. That’s the beauty of America. State to state, no papers.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
May 9th, 2012
8:20 pm
7 pm kickoff would be perfect
The Ol Bawl Coach
May 9th, 2012
9:02 pm
How did it work out the last time the Gators came to the Classic City to play?
ElvinBishopBand
May 9th, 2012
9:04 pm
@Columbus …you sir would know something about a DA since you’re from Columbus. Did I hurt you little feelings? Don’t blame me for your team sucking since 80 and you got lucky then since you didn’t have to play Bama.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
9:30 pm
GT 8 v dWags 1 in the bottom of the 7th
Chiefdawg
May 9th, 2012
9:41 pm
Win
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
10:23 pm
GT 8 v UGa 6
Dwag Seniors never won a series against the Jackets. Take that with you on you walk to get that Housing Diploma.
Mobile Dawg
May 9th, 2012
10:36 pm
SSI, I have a marriage mixed with AU so I’m used to tailgating with the enemey. Wouldn’t mind at all visiting your tailgate and sharing a beverage with you and your brethen, I enjoy some gator tail. Don’t think Lex will drop by unless he has the gloves though.
Just FMI, why do you enjoy needling the Dawgs so much, you must remember we own you for the series, and it’s bound to get competitive again at some point, unless Spurrier decides to come home.
A1A
May 9th, 2012
10:42 pm
Well, now that the ballgame is over, let’s check the tally for this school year’s Big Three sports:
Football: UGA 1, GT 0
Basketball: GT 1, UGA 0
Baseball: GT 3, UGA 0
—————————–
Total: GT 4, UGA 1
Looks like Tech owns this state!!!!
It must be a really miserable time to be a Leg Humper. Sooooo sad for you.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
10:56 pm
A1A tech won the series 2-1
UGa football 1
UGa baseball 1
GT Basketball 1
GT Baseball 2
GT 3 v UGa 2
c u later
May 9th, 2012
10:59 pm
Have you ever tried to get a hotel room in Athens on gameday? Try buying a condo instead. You can do it for about the same price and you will have some equity in it. Three night minimums at $400 a night times 7 games is about 10 G’s a year!
Alabama Jack
May 9th, 2012
11:00 pm
I haven’t been to Sanford in years. Do the “fans” still urinate from the crosswalk on the people below?
Mobile Dawg
May 9th, 2012
11:07 pm
Why do you think you see so many motor homes?
Only if they have Alabama hats on….You people don’t deserve Saban.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
May 9th, 2012
11:20 pm
Mobile Dawg does that mean the UGa criminal players and fans don’t deserve Richt then?
RealDawg
May 10th, 2012
12:04 am
I am not sure anybody is hating on south Georgia fans. At least not me. I was just stating the facts related to enrollment and the changes in the alum base as well as where the majority of money and fans come from. Not based on heart but simply on volume.
The reality is that UGA has very little to say about what time any of the games are so discussing night versus day is useless
Dawg Obedience Trainer
May 10th, 2012
12:08 am
Compare all the SEC team’s non-conference opponents
to Notre Dame’s schedule, not a single cupcake.
And I’m not a Notre Dame fan.
Playing cupcakes is garbage football.
cupcakes and more cupcakes
May 10th, 2012
12:27 am
LSU vs North Texas State, Idaho, Towson
Bama vs Western Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, Western Carolina
Sam
May 10th, 2012
7:13 am
My last year of season tickets….much easier, cheaper and BETTER SEATS to get them off ebay or stubhub for the good games. What a waste this year for season tickets and paying the priority…..buffalo….fla atlantic……HA! UGA needs to do something…
Sam
May 10th, 2012
7:16 am
Alabama Jack….you must be confused- only people from Alabama do stuff like that- especially in Tuscaloosa……not to mention the fan base who include morons that poison trees…take a look at your warped selves before talking smack to the rest of us