The 10 Commandments of UGA football

In Athens, football is the religion

With football season approaching quickly, it’s no wonder that the students of The University of Georgia are buzzing with excitement. Football here is celebrated like a holiday , anticipated with such a sense of urgency, an extreme amount of pride, and a yearning to be surrounded by the bellowing bleachers of Sanford Stadium. 

Football isn’t just a game, it’s a religion that unites all students, of all different backgrounds, to spend their Saturdays together, between the hedges, cheering on the Dawgs.  If the relentless sun is beating down or the skies decide to open up for a mid-day shower, game days spent at UGA are always the best days.  And with the first home game day right around the corner, here are the 10 Commandments that you should know before the first UGA home game.

1. Thou shall wear Red and Black

For game days in Athens, make sure to be sporting your newest red dress, recently ironed football jersey, or that new button down shirt with a G in the corner.  Trust me, everyone is always clad in their most spirited red and black attire.  Standing on the bleachers in the stadium and observing the overwhelming sea of red and black doesn’t just unite you with all of the fellow fans, students, professors, and alumni in the crowd, but it also gives you a sense of strength and reassurance that you have, in fact, chosen the BEST university ever.

2. Thou shall wear their newly attained sunburn with pride

Prepare to be sunburned.  Towards the beginning of the season, games can be played during the sweltering afternoons.  As dedicated fans, however, we sit through the heat of the sun’s rays.  While watching the Dawgs play, it is easy (and likely) to solely focus on the game, and not the fact that your sunglasses are about to be permanently marked on your face due to an impending sunburn.  So, as some advice, maybe wear some sunscreen.  If not, at least the sunburn is red and allows you to stay in line with commandment number one.

3. Thou shall tailgate

Tailgating is a huge tradition for many southern schools.  Tailgating for UGA football games, however, is definitely the most fun.  There are many tailgating options for all of the Dawg fans.  Tailgate events are hosted by organizations and clubs and there are even many alumni who make the drive back to Athens and tailgate across campus.  These numerous tailgates are speckled throughout the different parts of campus, and it is always fun to see so many types of people, of all ages, preparing to cheer on the Dawgs.  However, one of the most fun things about Saturdays in Athens are the fraternity tailgates.  Students and fans come together to celebrate the football season with music, food, and drinks in preparation for the upcoming game.

4. Thou shall know how to call the Dawgs

You need to know this.  That is all.

5. Thou shall be prepared to call the Dawgs at any given moment

This one goes along with commandment number four.  Prepare yourself to engage in a calling of the Dawgs at any time.  Whether you are riding in a bus across campus, in a bar downtown, or at a birthday party, just know that there’s going to be that  guy who’s going to start the chant. Just go with it, who doesn’t love cheering on the Dawgs every chance they get?

6. Thou shall set your alarm to Teenage Wasteland and/ or We Dem Boys

There is absolutely nothing more exciting than hearing these songs blasting through the speakers before a game.  So, as if you needed another reason to be excited about waking up on a game day, why not wake up to one of these two UGA football classics?

7. Thou shall never wear orange

This one really doesn’t need much of an explanation.  Orange is Ugly.

8. Thou shall stay hydrated

What is there nothing finer than in the land?

Well, if you answered with any of the following: “Sanford Stadium, UGA football players, or the students of UGA”, you wouldn’t be wrong.  However, the correct answer would be “a drunk, obnoxious Georgia fan”.  So, with that said, stay hydrated my friends.

9. Thou shall cheer whenever UGA makes a touchdown

This happens quite often, so you might lose your voice.  However, nothing is more fun than experiencing the thrill of your favorite player swiftly evading the other team to score a touchdown for the Dawgs.  Cheering on the team with all of your fellow students when the Dawgs make a touchdown, or even a good play, is always exciting.  UGA definitely boasts some of the most loyal and supportive fans around.  And it’s no wonder, because the Dawgs rock.

10. Thou shall be certain that NOTHING beats a Saturday in Athens

Enough said. Gooooo Dawgs, sic’ em.

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