10 ways the Ultimate Fan readies for Georgia’s 2026 football season, including registering to win FREE tickets (and more) from Walton Gas.
The countdown is on. Only a few days remain until the University of Georgia’s Bulldogs embark on another run for gridiron glory.
Getting ready for a new college football season involves more than just waiting for kickoff on Sept. 5 at Sanford Stadium. So, Walton Gas is here to help with this checklist of essential things every Ultimate Fan should do to prepare (don’t miss #10!).
- Set goals. Having clear goals helps focus your efforts. Does your pregame routine need improvement? Do you need to set new strategies for scoring great seats to the big games (By the way, we can help with that. See #10.)
- Schedule team meetings. Regular meetings can build trust and morale within your fan squad, setting a positive tone for the season. Discuss strategies, clarify roles and foster communication to ensure game days run smoothly, including arriving in Athens early enough to score your favorite tailgating spot.
- Check your gear. Ensure your closet is well stocked with new apparel and accessories to display your Dawg loyalty on game day (Fridays and Sundays are also acceptable). Note: Team jerseys are only appropriate for church attire following a thorough routing of an SEC rival.
- Test tailgating equipment. Are tents and grills in working order? Double-check your folding chairs, portable coolers and tailgating games (like cornhole), too.
- Clarify the calendar. Block off game days. Remind friends and relatives that you won’t be available for calls or milestone events such as weddings on game days. Only Dawg-related social functions will be scheduled. The exception to this rule is bye week. this year it falls on Oct. 24, the week before the Bulldogs’ annual rivalry matchup against Florida (again, see #10 for more on this).
- Review the roster. Sure, you know Gunner Stockton will be quarterbacking in his #14 jersey, but what about the rest? This is prime time to look at roster changes, scout the new recruits and see how coach Kirby Smart has retooled the squad following G-Day last spring.
- Review the roster. Understanding your competition is vital to developing effective armchair coaching strategies. Analyze past games, scout upcoming opponents, and learn their strengths and weaknesses.
- Verify viewing. For those games you can’t see in person, review the kickoff times that have already been announced to set your DVR for recording. Update streaming subscriptions and television setup to ensure you don’t miss a single snap.
- Tune Up. The Redcoat Marching Band is ready with “Glory, Glory” for celebrating the first and every touchdown of the season. Practice your pep with a few rounds of the lyrics: "Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! Glory, glory to old Georgia! G-E-O-R-G-I-A.”
- SCORE FREE TICKETS (and more good stuff) for the Georgia vs. Florida game on Oct. 31 by entering the Walton Gas Ultimate Fan Experience (waltongas.com/ultimatefanexperience) One lucky Walton Gas customer will receive a prize package that includes a pair of game tickets to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a two-night hotel stay and a $150 gift card for travel — all the essentials for experiencing this 104th meeting of the SEC rivals.
Register to enter the Walton Gas Ultimate Fan Experience now. Contest ends Sept. 15. To be eligible for the Ultimate Fan Experience drawing, you must be a current Walton Gas customer or you must enroll with Walton Gas before Sept. 15, 2026.
Goooooooo DAWGS! Sic ‘em! Woof, woof, woof!