UGA and state officials cut the ribbon to dedicate the Sanford Stadium South Side improvements. (Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

The University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony on Sept. 6 to celebrate the completion of the second phase of an extensive construction project on Sanford Stadium’s south side.

The ceremony took place in the stadium’s west end zone lounge and featured remarks from UGA President Jere W. Morehead, J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks, head football coach Kirby Smart and junior linebacker Jalon Walker. Among those in attendance were members of the Board of Regents Cade Joiner and Patrick Jones, state Sen. Frank Ginn and state Reps. Houston Gaines and Marcus Wiedower.

“I am excited to kick off our home schedule with today’s dedication ceremony as we get ready for game two of what we hope will be another historic, memorable season for the Georgia Bulldogs,” said Morehead. “We are grateful to Chancellor Sonny Perdue and the Board of Regents for their support of the south side improvements project, and we deeply appreciate all of the individuals whose generous contributions made this transformational project possible.”

The first phase, which debuted at last season’s home opener, included an extended concourse from Gate 6 to Gate 9, new locations for Gate 1 and Gate 9, additional grab-and-go concession options, new larger and more spacious restrooms, family bathrooms added to the 100-level south concourse, a sensory room at Section 128 and new locations for Gates 1 and 9.

This second phase includes the 1929 Club, a one-of-a-kind premium area for supporters of Georgia athletics named for the year that Sanford Stadium was built, new 350-level suites, new restrooms and portable concession stands on the 300 level.

Phase two also includes the new Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium Press Box, which features two levels, named for Georgia legends Dan Magill and Claude Felton. Magill was a national champion tennis coach, sports information director and executive secretary of the Bulldog Club. Felton retired this past January after serving 45 years as the Bulldogs’ sports information director.

Following remarks from Morehead and Walker, Smart spoke to the group and touched on the importance of these upgrades to the fan and student-athlete experience. Brooks wrapped up the event by thanking all those in attendance.

“This is a special day for the University of Georgia,” Brooks said. “I want to thank President Morehead and all those gathered here today for your support of our football team and the entire athletic department. With the new, state-of-the-art 1929 Club, our new press box and the 300-level updates, we have helped make the best environment in college football even better. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us today.”

Georgia football is set to host Tennessee Tech at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the first home game of the 2024 season.