Sanford Stadium’s capacity reaches 93,033

Georgia’s Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium has a capacity of 93,033 following a two-phase renovation completed in 2023-24. The natural-grass stadium, framed by its famous hedges, has ranked among the nation’s top 10 in average home attendance for more than two decades.

The latest work continued a long series of changes to Georgia’s home field. A $25 million expansion completed in 2003 added a second upper deck on the north side. With another $8 million project in 2004, the stadium gained 27 north-side SkySuites, bringing capacity to 92,746.

Sanford Stadium opened on October 12, 1929, with an overflow crowd of 30,000 watching Georgia defeat Yale 15-0. Sophomore end Vernon “Catfish” Smith, a Macon native, scored all 15 points for the Bulldogs.

Lights were installed at field level in 1940, setting up the stadium’s first night game. Georgia and Kentucky played to a 7-7 tie on October 26, 1940. Later projects enclosed the east end and added more lights. Capacity reached 82,122 before a $3.7 million project enclosed the west end in 1991.

The playing surface was officially renamed Dooley Field before Georgia’s 2019 home opener to honor Vince Dooley, the winningest head coach in program history. Dooley coached the Bulldogs from 1964 through 1988, winning 201 games, one national championship and six SEC championships. During his time as Georgia’s athletic director, from 1979 to 2004, the school won 23 national championships and 78 SEC team championships.

The stadium also hosted the medal rounds for men’s and women’s soccer during the 1996 Olympics. In the women’s final, the United States defeated China 2-1 to win the sport’s first Olympic gold medal before what the university identifies as the largest crowd ever to attend a women’s soccer match.

Why it matters

Sanford Stadium remains Georgia football’s 93,033-seat home and one of the SEC’s largest venues. Its expansion history reflects continued investment in capacity, premium seating and the game-day setting around the hedges.

What to watch next

Georgia’s facility page identifies no renovation or capacity change after the two-phase 2023-24 project.