Georgia Bulldogs news: Sanford can hold more fans, true freshman projected to be a big contributor, and more

This offseason, Sanford Stadium underwent some significant renovations, which has boosted the listed capacity of the legendary stadium from 92,746 to 93,033. The stadium is still the sixth-largest in the SEC and ninth-largest nationally, but when the Bulldogs host Tennessee Tech on September 7, even more fans will be able to enjoy watching the best team in the country continue their run for a third national championship in four years. 

The school’s current attendance record comes from 2019 when 93,246 fans packed into Sanford to witness Jake Fromm and D’Andre Swift carry the Dawgs to a 23-17 win over No. 7 Notre Dame. 

That record could be broken this year, potentially on October 5 for Homecoming against Auburn. Georgia’s three biggest games of the season, against Texas, Ole Miss, and Alabama all take place on the road. 

KJ Bolden named preseason True Freshman All-American

Georgia has a very young secondary after the departures of Tykee Smith, Javon Bullard, and Kamari Lassiter. So young in fact, that two five-star defensive backs could find their way onto the field a lot for Kirby Smart’s defense. Ellis Robinson IV is likely to be a backup cornerback for the Dawgs this season, with plenty of reps coming his way, but KJ Bolden could emerge with an even bigger role. 

ESPN’s Tom Luginbill recently named Bolden as a preseason true freshman All-American on a team that included five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. At cornerback, Luginbill chose Maryland’s Braydon Lee and Alabama’s Zabien Brown over Robinson. 

Luginbill compared Bolden to Malaki Starks, Georgia’s junior star safety who he will likely play alongside if he beats out Dan Jackson for the role. 

More: Upgrades for other Georgia athletic facilities

Sanford Stadium with its newly expanded capacity and freshly replaced hedges, wasn’t the only athletic facility in Athens that underwent some upgrades. 

Georgia baseball’s Foley Field completed Part 2 of multi-year renovations this summer with a new pitching lab, hitting tunnels, and improved coach’s offices.

Georgia Softball’s athletic facility, situated next to Jack Turner Field, underwent renovations that will help multiple programs. The new weight room will serve softball, soccer, golf, and equestrian. The same facility, along the third base line of the stadium, with also house a softball player’s lounge, offices, and locker rooms. 

Earlier in the year, men’s and women’s tennis also got a massive upgrade to Lindsey Hopkins Indoor Tennis Facility which will allow the program to host the NCAA Championships.