Georgia to Create Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium
ATHENS - It looks like the field at Sanford Stadium is finally getting a name it deserves and the most well-respected coach in Georgia history is finally getting the credit he deserves.
UGA President Jere Morehead and Athletic Director Greg McGarity announced Thursday morning a plan to establish Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium after Vince Dooley, famed former Georgia head coach and athletic director.
“Coach Dooley’s many contributions to this university can be seen across campus,” said Morehead, “From Georgia athletics, where he achieved unrivaled success, to the learning environment... The university community will continue to benefit from his service and dedication for generations to come.”
Although it was announced by the two of the most powerful people at the university, the plan is not yet set in stone. It still needs to receive proper approval from both the university as well as the board of regents until it actually goes through.
If it does go through, the ceremony to commemorate Dooley would be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, the Bulldogs’ opening home game of the 2019 season against Murray State. And even if it isn’t technically 100-percent right now, McGarity is speaking as if it is.
“I can think of no better way to open the 2019 home football schedule than dedicating Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium,” said McGarity. “The event will be a moment for the entire Bulldog Nation to collectively say ‘thank you’ to a man who has devoted much of his life to making the Georgia athletics program one of the strongest in the nation.”
Even Chancellor Steve Wrigley, the head of the UGA Board of Regents, has high words of praise, further solidifying that Georgia will soon have Dooley Field.
“I have immense respect and appreciation for Coach Dooley and all that he has accomplished at the University of Georgia,” Wrigley said. “The Board of Regents and I look forward to reviewing the proposal to name Dooley Field during our May meeting.”
Dooley accomplishments as a member of the UGA athletic community warrant this kind of accreditation. As a coach, Dooley won six SEC titles and one National Championship in his 26 years at the helm. From 1979 to 2004, in his time as athletic director, Georgia claimed 23 national titles as well as 78 team SEC Championships.