Georgia fans beat the heat ahead of Bulldogs’ season opener in Athens

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia Bulldogs fans gathered at Myers Quad before Saturday’s season opener against Tennessee State, using cooling stations and misting fans to cope with high heat ahead of kickoff.

The University of Georgia and Athens-Clarke County fire officials set up cooling centers and misting stations on campus for fans.

Kevin Weiss said the excitement surrounding the first game of the season outweighed the weather.

“People are pumped up. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing — you’re just out here having a good time and celebrating that we’re starting a new season,” Weiss said. “I’m as prepared as I’m going to be. I’ve got my shorts on, I’ve got my cold drinks. It’s going to be very hot, but I think the excitement of the game is going to take over the heat for sure.”

Natalie Stone, a young Georgia fan, said she and her group came prepared.

“We’re going to use our neck fans, and we’re going to have these really cold towels,” Stone said. “We have them in this cooler.”

UGA senior Sydney Watton used a misting fan attached to an ice container while waiting for the game.

“That’s really nice,” she said.

Michael Sample of the UGA Rugby Club said the atmosphere around Myers Quad remained upbeat despite the heat.

“It’s a beautiful energy,” Sample said. “Everyone’s happy. Everyone’s excited about to watch the football game. Everyone’s getting really hyped up.”

Watton said she hopes Georgia will contend for another national championship this season.

“They won two national championships the year before I got here, so I’m really hoping for one this year,” Watton said.

Athens-Clarke County fire officials said they responded to minor heat-related issues before kickoff, but no one was taken to a hospital.