Key Takeaways
- Four iconic University of Georgia football traditions have earned nominations for the USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Fans can vote online through Aug. 17, 2026; results will be announced on Aug. 26, 2026 at noon ET.
- Georgia has a history of strong showings in these awards, finishing as runner‑up in 2025 for “Best College for Sports Fans.”
- The nomination highlights the deep‑rooted fan culture surrounding UGA, from the “Glory, Glory” fight song to Uga mascots.
- Participation offers Bulldogs supporters a chance to influence national recognition and showcase the program’s unique gameday atmosphere.
Overview of the nomination
The University of Georgia announced that four of its beloved gameday traditions have been selected as nominees for the prestigious USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards. This annual competition celebrates the most memorable sports experiences, venues, events, and products across the nation, drawing millions of votes from enthusiastic fans. By placing these traditions on the ballot, UGA joins a select group of institutions whose customs have resonated strongly enough with the readership to earn national attention.
The traditions themselves
The nominated traditions reflect the heart‑beat of Georgia football culture:
- The “Glory, Glory” Fight Song – a rallying anthem that every fan sings with vigor as soon as the team steps onto the field.
- Uga the Bulldog Mascot – the beloved live bulldog who prowls the sidelines, igniting spirited chants and endless photo opportunities.
- The “Red and Black” Tailgate Experience – a massive, campus‑wide gathering where alumni and students share barbecues, games, and camaraderie before kickoff.
- The “Between the Hedges” Victory Walk – the iconic procession where the team walks past cheering fans through the historic hedges on campus, creating a visual spectacle of loyalty and pride.
Each of these elements has become synonymous with a Georgia game day, forming a tapestry of rituals that fans cherish and future generations look forward to inheriting.
How fans can participate
Voting is currently open and will remain accessible until 11:59 a.m. ET on Aug. 17, 2026. Ballots can be cast by visiting the dedicated USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards page at usatoday.com/sports/readers‑choice‑awards. After the voting window closes, the top ten winners in each category will be revealed on Aug. 26, 2026 at noon ET. Readers are encouraged to mobilize family, friends, alumni networks, and fellow Bulldogs supporters to rally behind their favorite traditions and ensure they capture the highest tally of votes.
Past performance of Georgia
Georgia’s involvement in these awards is not new. In 2025, the university secured the runner‑up position for “Best College for Sports Fans,” a testament to its consistent ability to engage and inspire college‑football enthusiasts nationwide. This achievement underscores a growing recognition of UGA’s vibrant fan base and reinforces the notion that the Bulldogs’ traditions are competitive on a national stage. The recurring nominations illustrate a sustained dedication to preserving and promoting the unique aspects that set Georgia apart from other programs.
The broader significance of the awards
The USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards serve a dual purpose: they celebrate outstanding experiences within collegiate athletics and they provide a platform for fans to voice what they value most in sports culture. By highlighting nominations such as those of UGA, the competition amplifies the narratives that shape each school’s identity, from historic mascots to beloved rituals that bind communities together. For institutions, earning a nomination is an honor; for supporters, it offers a meaningful avenue to influence how their favorite traditions are perceived on a national scale.
The impact on fans and the university
When fans cast their ballots, they perform more than a simple vote—they reinforce a shared sense of belonging and pride. The anticipation surrounding the results generates buzz across social media, campus forums, and alumni groups, fostering a collective excitement that transcends the football season itself. For the University of Georgia, the potential recognition validates years of tradition, encourages continued investment in fan‑centric programming, and showcases the school’s capacity to create unforgettable gameday experiences that resonate far beyond its borders.
What voters should consider
When deciding which tradition to champion, voters may benefit from reflecting on personal memories, the visual and auditory impact of each ritual, and the broader narrative of fan engagement they wish to amplify. A practical tip is to involve university alumni associations or student organizations that frequently mobilize around game‑day events; coordinated outreach can dramatically increase vote counts. Moreover, encouraging friends who have attended a Georgia game—whether in person or through virtual streams—to participate ensures that the vote reflects a well‑rounded perspective of the fan experience.
Conclusion and anticipation
As the voting period approaches its close, excitement builds among Georgia supporters eager to see whether their cherished customs will earn national acclaim. The nomination of these four traditions not only celebrates the rich tapestry of Bulldog culture but also invites fans to actively participate in shaping how college football traditions are recognized across the United States. Whichever rituals emerge victorious, the process will undoubtedly reinforce the unbreakable bond between the University of Georgia, its athletes, and the passionate community that proudly calls itself a Bulldog fan.