Event #1: UGA vs. Coastal Carolina

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the UGA Bulldogs met the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers between the hedges in Sanford Stadium.  The Dawgs walked away with their first win of the season by shutting out the Chanticleers 59-0.  Both Georgia’s offense and the defense played well, and even though Coastal Carolina is not an SEC Team or nationally ranked, it was exciting to come away with such a big win!

In addition to the game being played out on the field, there was a lot going on in the stadium.  At every entrance to the stadium there were people scanning ID’s and taking up tickets.  At each level, there were additional personnel checking tickets to ensure that the people trying to enter a section were in the correct one, and in the student section there were people checking student ID’s and handing out wristbands to the students to enable them to sit in the student section.

A very important group of people who are essential to game day are the groups who man the concession stands and the people who walk up and down the aisles selling items such as drinks and cotton candy.  It would be a long game it there were no concessions sold.  Another extremely visible group of people at the game were the security and safety personnel.  There were many state troopers, and Athens and Clarke County Officers in attendance to ensure that everyone was safe and orderly.  There were also medical personnel and volunteers located throughout the stadium who could help with everything from a band-aid to a serious medical problem.

The press are another important group of people at the game.  In the press box, there was someone calling the game, additional commentators, and journalists from other news outlets.  There were also media people on the field to talk with the coaches at half-time and the coaches and players after the game.  On the sidelines there were photo-journalists trying to get that perfect action shot that defined the game.

There were many different types of messages presented at the game.  Of course, there were the sponsors, who were advertising their products and services in hopes that since they support UGA football, the fans will support them.  There were also educational messages such as the snippet from Coach Mark Richt stating that he wanted fans to have fun, but not drink and drive.   The messages that make the game the most fun are the ones that get the fans pumped up and excited like, “It’s Saturday, Saturday, Saturday…”  These types of messages get the crowd on their feet, and make them yell even louder.

If I had attended the UGA game on Saturday for the first time, I would have left with a favorable impression of the school.  While the stadium was not quite as full as it was for the South Carolina game, there was still a good crowd and the fans were every bit as loud and excited.  I would also have noticed how supportive the student section was.  They were all decked out in school colors, as were all the fans and they yelled and screamed in support until the end of the game.  I would also have been impressed by how organized and smooth the whole game operation is at Sanford Stadium.  The half-time show was awesome, the crowd couldn’t have been more supportive of the team, and the Bulldogs won!  It was a perfect football Saturday in Athens!