Before the Bulldogs take the field Saturday they will take the stage.
Fan fair festivities will begin at the Amphitheater just northwest of the stadium at 2 p.m.
“We figured we would focus a lot of energy there,” said assistant athletic director for sports marketing Mike Richey. “We will have the fence up that they use for concerts, not really to keep people in or out, just make it a gathering space.”
Richey hopes to have a large gathering for the Dawg Walk, when the members of the football team will walk amongst the fans and across the Amphitheater stage two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff.
A pre-game radio show will begin immediately after the Dawg Walk.
“We are shooting for a roundtable discussion much like you see on ESPN’s College Gameday where we have a couple of media members–maybe somebody from the opposing team’s media–have a roundtable for about 20 minutes,” Richey said.
Richey said he is glad that head coach Sylvester Croom has been helpful for the event.
“Coach Croom has some different ideas about what he wants his team to do and be involved with,” Richey said. “It was a good opportunity to work with him and say, ‘Can these things work into your schedule.”
Also included in the activities are a pep rally with the Famous Maroon Band, the cheerleaders and Pom Squad, promotional giveaways, an autograph tent with former Bulldogs Glen Young (1979-82) and Scott Westerfield (1999-2000).
Young was wide receiver who holds school records in kickoff returns, kickoff return yardage and the best average for all-purpose yards.
He led the nation in average punt return yardage in 1981 with 16.2 yards and played five seasons in the NFL.
Westerfield contributed to Bulldog success with his leg and foot. He successfully booted 30-42 field goals(.714) and kicked a school-best 18 makes in ’99.
Richey said the event will feature something for fans of all ages.
“We want it to be the place to be on game days,” he said.