Sanford Stadium renovation making progress: LOOK
Sanford Stadium just keeps getting better. The first phase of South side concourse expansion is underway, and that will be great news for Dawgs fans this fall.
Initial steps toward this Sanford Stadium facelift include the expansion and widening of those old, narrow passageways throughout the stadium.
If you’ve been in the building for a marquee matchup, you know how those things can turn in to sardine cans.
Maybe you got stuck shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of sweaty Dawgs just trying to get a Coke and a dog.
In that case, you probably thought to yourself in Larry Munson’s voice, “Now they do have to renovate this thing!”
Just me? Alright.
Here’s how it looks so far, courtesy associate athletic director Tanner Stines:
Compared to the original capacity for that Sanford Stadium hallway, it looks like you could drive a couple trucks through there
Maybe the photo doesn’t do it justice.
According to one of Stines’s twitter replies, however, he claims it is “over twice as wide as our current concourse.”
So that’s good.
As another reply mentions from a Georgia fan, at least one Sanford Stadium concourse got “dangerously crowded” before the Notre Dame game in 2019.
I was in that crowd, and I’m not claustrophobic. But it did seem a little too cozy for someone who may be. And heaven forbid someone has a medical emergency in that crowd.
Georgia hasn’t had a home crowd of that magnitude since, outside of Tennessee this season.
Still, as the home games get more competitive with SEC expansion, it’s a good move to make sure people can get around the Hedges safely.
Although a dirt obstacle course could be fun behind the visitors’ section.
The concourses will widen in time for the 2023 season. More growth to come after that
The construction will impact G-Day attendance this spring.
If you attended the National Championship celebration in January, then you already know that the stadium can’t accommodate all those Dawgs while the Bobcats are workin’.
Additional phase one plans involve the construction of a new Sanford Stadium entryway and plaza.
You will also see new concession stands, expanded bathrooms, and relocated / expanded seating for individuals with disabilities.
Beyond the upcoming season, there are big changes ahead for suites and fan gates.
The press box, which currently sits right above the 50-yard line, will move to the Southwest corner.
That phase of the $68.5 million renovation plan will begin right after the upcoming 2023 season.
