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What’s that coming down the track?

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It’s a huge machine in red and black—also known as the Redcoat Marching Band.

This iconic ensemble features more than 400 musicians and auxiliaries, which refers to the Flagline, Georgettes, Majorettes, and Feature Twirlers. They set the tone at every home football game in Sanford Stadium, and that’s no small task. Here’s a sneak peek into home game day in the life of the Redcoats when the Bulldogs take the field at noon.

5:45 a.m.

The Redcoats begin the day bright and early with breakfast at their practice field. After breakfast, the Redcoats spend the next hour and a half warming up and rehearsing. This includes a walkthrough and run of their halftime show.

Redcoat morning practice

8:05 a.m.

A short bus ride later, the Redcoats arrive at Sanford Stadium. From now until kickoff, the Redcoats will set the scene for Saturday in Athens at events like the Dawg Walk in the Tate Center parking lot. At the Dawg Walk, the Redcoat Band is joined by UGA cheerleaders and Dawg fans to cheer for the football team as they enter the stadium.

Redcoat Band

11:45 a.m.

Pregame in Sanford Stadium begins! The Redcoats head down to the field to welcome the Dawgs prior to kickoff. Then they return to the stands to play some of UGA’s most well-known tunes—like “Glory” and the Georgia Fight Song—during the game.

Redcoat Halftime

1:25 p.m.

The second quarter ends, and the halftime show begins! The Redcoats head back down to the field and prepare to begin their performance. During this game, the Redcoats paid tribute to the Bulldog’s journey to the historic 2021 season by showcasing a championship-themed performance.

3:45 p.m.

The game is over, and the Redcoats are headed home after a win! Be sure to check out the Redcoat for a Day video on TikTok for more behind-the-scenes looks at game day with the Redcoats.

Redcoat for a Day

Through the Ages with “The Heart of the Bulldog Spirit”

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Saturdays in Athens wouldn’t be the same without the sounds of the University of Georgia’s Redcoat Marching Band. Using the interactive timeline below, march through the ages to learn about the origins, the growth and the many traditions of “the heart of the Bulldog spirit.”

Through the ages with "The Heart of the Bulldog Spirit"

brian dill

Checking in with outgoing Alumni Board President Brian Dill

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Brian Dill in front of Wray-Nicholson House

There’s a group of committed UGA alumni who dedicate their time, energy and financial resources to bringing Bulldogs together year-round, worldwide and lifelong. These spirited individuals represent the diverse and passionate UGA alumni family and strive to provide feedback, guidance and leadership as the University of Georgia seeks to ensure that its graduates Never Bark Alone. Throughout the year, we’ll get to know these individuals; they hail from various backgrounds and are involved in all corners of campus. Their ultimate goal: to empower the next breed of Bulldog to continue that tradition.

Name:

  • Brian Dill

I live in:

  • Carrollton, Georgia

Degrees:

  • 1994 – AB in Political Science (UGA)
  • 2019 – MBA (UGA)

I joined the board in:

  • 2007

What makes me most proud to be a Georgia Bulldog:

  • Being a part of a diverse and highly successful alumni family.
Brian Dill speaking at 40 Under 40

Brian speaking at UGA’s 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon.

Ways I support UGA

If I had $1 million, I would support the ______ fund on campus.

My first job after graduation was

  • lobbying for the Atlanta Homebuilders Association

The UGA class I enjoyed most was

  • Southern Politics with Charles Bullock III
Brian Dill as Redcoat Band Member

Brian was a proud member of the Redcoat Band.

A moment that stood out as a UGA student was

  • My first game as a freshman in the Redcoat Band – the season opened with a night game in Baton Route against LSU.

My family includes:

  • Wife, Carmen (BSFCS ’95)
  • Son, Mason – attending Dean College in Massachusetts
  • Datson/Beagle, Jake
  • English Bulldog, Savannah
Carmen Brian and Mason Dill at the Arch

Brian (center) and his wife, Carmen, and son, Mason.

A special connection I have to UGA is:

  • My wife, Carmen, and I met on campus and later married in the UGA Chapel.
Carmen and Brian in Sky Suites

Carmen and Brian cheer for the Dawgs whenever they can!

As a student, I was involved in:

  • Redcoat Band
  • College Republicans
  • Job in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Crop and Soil Science department

My favorite place to study on campus was:

  • Main Library

My favorite place to dine on campus was:

  • Tate Center – quick and easy!

On a Friday night in college, you would have found me:

  • Studying? Oh yeah, downtown!
Brian Dill Delivering Commencement Address in 2019

Brian Dill delivering welcome remarks to the Class of 2019.

Graduation was:

  • On a very hot day, in the morning, and we sat in the stands at the time – not on the field.

When in college, I wish I had known that:

  • Just because they offer you credit card deals with free stuff doesn’t mean you should take them – not the best financial move back in the day!

A fellow grad who inspires me is:

  • Maria Taylor (ABJ ’09, MBA ’13), sportscaster for ESPN

A fellow student I knew who has since “made it big” is:

  • Brett Bawcum (BMUS ’97, MM ’00, DMA ’17), Redcoat Band director. It’s a pretty big deal to lead a band that you were a member of. Very proud of him!

Favorite UGA tradition:

  • Singing the Alma Mater in Sanford Stadium
Brian Dill and Hairy Dawg

While serving on the board, Brian has run into Hairy Dawg a few times!

When visiting Athens, I have to grab a bite at:

  • The Blind Pig Tavern

On gameday, you’ll find me:

  • Tailgating on North Campus

When this song comes on the radio, I think of UGA/college:

  • “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles
Kevin Steele, Carmen and Brian Dill at 2015 Bulldog 100 Celebration

Carmen and Brian with Kevin Steele, a former UGA Student Alumni Council member, during the 2015 Bulldog 100 Celebration.

Most disliked athletic rival:

  • Georgia Tech

A few of my favorites:

  • Book: Decision Point by George W. Bush
  • Podcast: Andy Stanley
  • Band: Jimmy Buffett
  • TV/Streaming Show: Blue Bloods
  • Alumni-owned Business: Onward Reserve
  • Move: Smokey and the Bandit

Describe your dream weekend in Athens.

  • Friday night at Georgia Theatre with Kinchafoonee Cowboys, Saturday in Sanford Stadium watching the Dawgs beat the Nerds, and a Sunday brunch at Hilltop Grill listening to Jeff Dantzler (AB ’07) and Kevin Butler (AB ’18) break down another whupping from a Bulldog Saturday night!

No. 1 tip for a graduating Bulldog:

  • If you ever get an offer to work for a Georgia Tech grad … don’t!

No. 1 tip for a fellow Georgia grad who has lost touch with their alma mater:

  • We Never Bark Alone, so get re-engaged. You will never regret it. Go Dawgs!
Brian Dill speaking

Brian Dill speaking during a 2014 Alumni Board meeting in Athens.

Brian will remain on the Alumni Board of Directors as immediate past president, so we’ll still see him around – plus, as they say: Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg!

Meet Other Alumni Board Members