ATHENS, Ga. — When the Georgia Bulldogs take the field for their first game of the season, the temperature at Sanford Stadium for 3 p.m. kickoff is expected to be 97 degrees.
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The heat index, or “feels like” temperature, is expected to be around 105 degrees.
The current hottest first home game is 96 degrees, Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brad Nitz said. A heat advisory is in effect Friday and Saturday.
“I think the heat is definitely going to be a challenge. All of us will be taking handheld fans, hydrating before and all throughout the day,” UGA student Sarah Marchano told Channel 2’s Tom Regan.
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The University of Georgia says misting tents and water bottle refill stations will be available throughout the stadium, in addition to increased medical staffing and overflow space dedicated to cooling and treatment.
Athens-Clarke County Fire Rescue is preparing to assist in treating heat-related illness in and around Sandford Stadium
“We are staffing a little higher, and the university has increased its first aid staffing, with more water, more ice. They have an overflow cooling station at the Tate Center. They’re also going to have misting fans at Gates 2 and 4. We are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” said Athens-Clarke County EMS Field Supervisor Capt. Josh Allen.
Many students attending the game say they will hydrate before, during and after, along with wearing light-colored, loose clothing and sunscreen.
“Going to show up and cheer on the Dawgs. There’s plenty of health tents that they’re setting up and more water stations, got to go,” said student Emma Ridinger.
Student Travis Stroud, a lifelong UGA fan, says he’s going to beat the heat just like UGA will beat down the Tennessee State Tigers.
“Try to stay hydrated, drink a lot of water, and Powerade and get ready for the game. This is going to be one of the hottest days that’s ever been. But I feel it’s really an exciting time for everybody, and I’m going to have a good time tomorrow,” Stroud said.
Fans will be allowed to bring in one unopened 20-ounce bottle of water that can be refilled during the game.
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