On October 12, 1929, standing at the center of the glorious arena known as Sanford Stadium, just before the Georgia versus Yale game commenced, was a group of men in civilian attire. Among those men was one whose appearance was ecstatic with cheerfulness. Over 30,000 spectators applauded. The man was Doctor Steadman Vincent Sanford, Dean of the University of Georgia, who had been encouraged by an idea and transformed it into veracity.
Doctor Sanford stood, listening to the praise of the speaker who, on behalf of grateful fans and alumni, was bestowing upon him a silver cup and $1,500.00 in gold. It was a small wonder his eyes drifted to the magnificent scene that was his Sanford Stadium come true.
Perhaps Doctor Sanford’s reflections drifted, too. He obviously remembered the pessimism his plan received when he initially announced his bold intentions. And pondered, assuredly, how his large-scale proposal had been considered an impossible endeavor, even by the men who most passionately wanted to see this plan consummated.
But there were not mere doubters who had to be won to this plan by Doctor Sanford. Among the trustees, faculty, alumni, and friends, were men who believed the task was unachievable.
They not only looked on Doctor Sanford as a desperate dreamer, but actually set out to discourage him; for they believed, if he failed, it would be the collapse of a man who would have shattered himself and lost his health, while attempting the impossible.
Undeterred, optimistic, and cheerful, Doctor Sanford set out, alone, towards his fundamental objective, a stadium large enough to accommodate any opponent in the nation. Not yard by yard, but inch by inch he initiated a single-handed effort to create his concept.
His energy was indomitable and his enthusiasm unfailing in the face of doubts that he could not understand, and rebuffs that made him only the more determined. Little by little, the fine, unselfish spirit of the man, who would not be discouraged by the apathy of others, or the physical weariness which assailed him, won the cooperation of every man and woman interested in the University.
The History of Sanford Stadium Description:
Nineteen-twenty-nine was a banner year for Georgia football. The most beautiful stadium in America was built and, for the first time in its history, the Yale Bulldogs traveled south to play a football game.
This book chronicles the fascinating history of the legendary Sanford Stadium, including the innovative methods Doctor Steadman Vincent Sanford used to obtain the funding for its construction, its inaugural game “’tween the hedges,” and the athletes, spanning a period of over eight decades, who created some special memories.
In the coming years, Georgia followers will experience even more spectacular games inside the home of the Bulldogs. With continued enhancements, the country’s greatest spectator stadium will become an even better place to watch Georgia football.
