Georgia Board of Regents approves $68.5 million Sanford Stadium renovation

On Tuesday, the University of Georgia Regents approved the $68.5 million renovations project to overhaul Sanford Stadium.

”We’re improving the ability of our fans to get in and out of the stadium, to have better services, to really improve the overall fan experience,” UGA president Jere Morehead told The Associated Press. “So it’s all focused on the fans, which are the lifeblood of college football.”

The first phase of the build will begin after the 2022 football season with the second phase starting after the 2023 season.

Phase one involves building a new entryway and plaza to the stadium. It will also widen the lower-level concourse to make it easier for fans to walk through the 92,000-seat stadium. The renovation will add new concession stands, expand bathrooms and relocate and expand seating for people with disabilities.

Bulldogs to make additions to premium seating

Phase two of the renovation adds seating inside Sanford Stadium and in the press box. The new press box will have 154 seats, located in the southwest corner of the stadium. They’ll add six new suites with a total of 125 seats and convert the existing press box into expanded club space for donors with 270 seats. The project would also add restrooms and a new elevator to the stadium’s upper level.

“We’ve always had a tremendous demand for premium seating,” Morehead said. “This isn’t going to meet that demand, but it is one more step in addressing that demand.”

Undoubtedly, the Bulldogs have increased demand throughout the Kirby Smart era. Interest is peaking following the end of the 41-year national title drought last season.

The Regents also approved $26.7 million more for a new tennis facility. The existing facility has just four courts and was built in 1979. The new building would include six indoor courts, which will help the Bulldogs bid for NCAA tournament hosting privileges.