What's the biggest crowd you've seen at a game at Bobby Dodd Stadium?

[Ramble1885]

There is nothing like a fall day (or night) at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field. When it is packed or full, (preferably with our own fans) it makes it all the better. This past season saw our attendance finally make it back to being good after five down years post-covid.

Before I tell my stories, here's some numbers.
CAPACITY: 44,000 (1947–1961) - 53,300 (1962–1966) - 58,121 (1967–1985) - 46,000 (1986–2000) - 41,000 (2001) - 43,719 (2002) - 55,000 (2003–2023) - 51,913 (2024–PRESENT)
The biggest home crowd (NOT including MBS games) from each GT football season since 1960. Games OVER capacity are in bold, all-time record is underlined.
1960: 45,072 (TENNESSEE)
1961: 47,098 (GEORGIA)
1962: 52,971 (ALABAMA)
1963: 53,091 (AUBURN)
1964: 53,505 (ALABAMA)
1965: 52,013 (GEORGIA)
1966: 52,180 (TENNESSEE)
1967: 60,024 (NOTRE DAME)
1968: 60,011 (TENNESSEE)
1969: 60,106 (GEORGIA)
1970: 59,624 (TENNESSEE)
1971: 60,204 (AUBURN)
1972: 52,112 (TENNESSEE)
1973: 60,316 (GEORGIA, ALL-TIME RECORD)
1974: 48,623 (TULANE)
1975: 58,316 (AUBURN)
1976: 55,631 (TENNESSEE)
1977: 60,104 (GEORGIA)
1978: 54,526 (NOTRE DAME)
1979: 57,621 (ALABAMA)
1980: 50,127 (TENNESSEE)
1981: 58,623 (GEORGIA)
1982: 57,126 (ALABAMA)
1983: 59,113 (GEORGIA)
1984: 57,704 (CLEMSON)
1985: 59,602 (GEORGIA)
1986: 46,062 (CLEMSON)
1987: 45,559 (AUBURN)
1988: 45,106 (CLEMSON)
1989: 46,064 (GEORGIA)
1990: 46,066 (CLEMSON)
1991: 46,053 (GEORGIA)
1992: 46,226 (FLORIDA STATE)
1993: 46,018 (GEORGIA)
1994: 45,206 (FLORIDA STATE)
1995: 45,245 (GEORGIA)
1996: 46,311 (FLORIDA STATE)
1997: 46,015 (GEORGIA)
1998: 46,362 (FLORIDA STATE)
1999: 46,450 (GEORGIA)
2000: 46,381 (FLORIDA STATE)
2001: 41,974 (GEORGIA)
2002: 43,719 (FOUR GAMES)
2003: 55,000 (AUBURN/GEORGIA)
2004: 55,000 (MIAMI)
2005: 56,412 (GEORGIA)
2006: 56,680 (NOTRE DAME)
2007: 54,990 (GEORGIA)
2008: 53,528 (FLORIDA STATE)
2009: 55,407 (GEORGIA)
2010: 51,668 (SC STATE)
2011: 55,646 (CLEMSON)
2012: 50,390 (MIAMI)
2013: 54,914 (GEORGIA)
2014: 53,173 (GA SOUTHERN)
2015: 55,000 (FLORIDA STATE/GEORGIA)
2016: 53,932 (CLEMSON)
2017: 55,000 (GEORGIA)
2018: 50,595 (CLEMSON)
2019: 55,000 (GEORGIA)
2021: 52,806 (GEORGIA)
2022: 40,293 (OLE MISS)
2023: 51,447 (GEORGIA)
2024: 47,358 (MIAMI)
2025: 52,413 (PITTSBURGH)

Biggest crowds I remember in my lifetime:
The first time I was at a game and remember thinking "oh wow, this is pretty crowded" was the 2009 Virginia Tech game, which was funny enough not even sold out, just a few hundred short. I was at both 2015 FSU and uga games and both were slammed. It felt so good (even with the outcome) to see the crowd at the Pitt game this past November, truly a stellar turnout. I hope we pack the elegant old lady in white and gold this fall for the Colorado and Tennessee games, which will both likely be on national TV.

What about you guys? I know this is an odd question, I'm just trying to spur offseason conversation. Also, our stadium evolution is fascinating. It grew, and grew, and grew until the mid 60's, and from 1947-1966 was the largest stadium in the state. From 1967-85 it was at its peak, almost sitting 60,000. Those games which were over capacity with over 60k crammed in must've been a sight to behold. Then there was the late 80's and 90's, where the removal of the south stands made for a modest 46,000. The 2003 renovation brought capacity back up to decent levels. The 2006 ND had to have been electric, even with the loss. I was three months old and probably in a crib at the time, lol.

 

[iceeater1969]

And another 5 Star post by Ramblin - a 100% Tech Man.

At the 6-3 tennessee game ( 66? ) every play was loud and was deafening at the end.

Then back from Texas for 40th reunion the 2009 Vt game ( no attendance listed ) birthed the stadium rattling Yellow - Jackets cheer and the band played ramblin wrek till the goal post came down.

The roar is still in my mind from the FSU game where the twins ran the recovered block field goal in for victory.

After 24 Miami had opportunity to dine w king family post game celebration. Great team game and a bruised warrior who refused to loose on his watch.

Ofcourse the Pitt Game when at end of half time fans resurrected the Yellow - Jackets cheer gives me hope that gt can be a top tier program

BDS loud is a unique sound

I am going to be at Tennessee and Louisville. Will cheer extra loud for some you old guys who cant make it.

Why did i ever move to Texas

 

[Ramble1885]

And another 5 Star post by Ramblin - a 100% Tech Man.

At the 6-3 tennessee game ( 66? ) every play was loud and was deafening at the end.

Then back from Texas for 40th reunion the 2009 Vt game ( no attendance listed ) birthed the stadium rattling Yellow - Jackets cheer and the band played ramblin wrek till the goal post came down.

The roar is still in my mind from the FSU game where the twins ran the recovered block field goal in for victory.

After 24 Miami had opportunity to dine w king family post game celebration. Great team game and a bruised warrior who refused to loose on his watch.

Ofcourse the Pitt Game when at end of half time fans resurrected the Yellow - Jackets cheer gives me hope that gt can be a top tier program

BDS loud is a unique sound

I am going to be at Tennessee and Louisville

Attendance for VT ‘09 was 54,405, just short of sellout.

 

[AUFC]

Well the actual answer is Atlanta United vs. NY Red Bulls on March 5, 2017.

But for Georgia Tech, I would go 2011 Clemson and 2015 Florida State as the most packed games I've ever been at. 2025 Clemson and 2025 Pitt would be the 2 most packed games at Bobby Dodd I've been to that were unabashedly pro-Tech crowds. I am between our game at NC State and vs. Pitt as the 2 loudest college football environments I've ever been in, and both are only 50,000-55,000 capacity. You knew the Pitt game was different from the vivid crescendo from the student section the moment Pitt's offense broke their sideline huddle before the first drive.

 

[bob4gt]

I was a Rat in '64. That Alabama game was the loudest I ever attended. Thought the Upper East would fall from all the stomping. P*** on Joe Namath.
THWg
Bob

 

[MacJacket]

The ND game in 2006 was the largest I remember in person. Incredible gameday atmosphere with 10 hours of tailgating. VT 09 was one of the loudest environments.

 

[5277hike]

I was a student for the ‘73 ugag game, and a new alum for the ‘77 game.

 

[nod]

Think 2000 Florida State
FSU number #2 in Nation, won 26-21, Godsey. Crowd was fun
Just realized was Weinke vs Godsey

 

[Oakland]

I was a Rat in '64. That Alabama game was the loudest I ever attended. Thought the Upper East would fall from all the stomping. P*** on Joe Namath.
THWg
Bob

I was a kid back then and Tech was Atlanta's team. I didn't go to that game, but I heard different adults talking about how loud that game was.

 

[augustabuzz]

I was a Rat in '64. That Alabama game was the loudest I ever attended. Thought the Upper East would fall from all the stomping. P*** on Joe Namath.
THWg
Bob

Yes, Joe played injured and that Alabama OL wasn't letting anyone get close to Joe that day.

 

[stinger78]

Notre Dame 1974, 1976
UGA 1976, 1977, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011
Tennessee 1976
Auburn 1975, 1977
Clemson 1975
Miami 2004
Clemson 2005
FSU 2008
Clemson 2009
VPI 2009
Clemson 2011

 

[Lil G]

Idk about biggest BDS crowds, but hard to believe anything can beat the raw belief energy of 2025 Pitt.

I will never forget that Yellow Jackets chant.

 

[TechPhi97]

Think 2000 Florida State
FSU number #2 in Nation, won 26-21, Godsey. Crowd was fun
Just realized was Weinke vs Godsey

Sounds like we’ll be seeing a segment about that game before the Colorado game

 

[stinger78]

Sounds like we’ll be seeing a segment about that game before the Colorado game

Well, we got ripped in that game. The next time I saw my boss, a big Bama fan who liked the Jackets and almost played for Dodd, walked up and with sincerity said, “We was robbed.” He was right.

 

[nod]

Well, we got ripped in that game. The next time I saw my boss, a big Bama fan who liked the Jackets and almost played for Dodd, walked up and with sincerity said, “We was robbed.” He was right.

Yeah, some reason I remember a pass interference call / no call. Remember big interception by our defense..

 

[stinger78]

Yeah, some reason I remember a pass interference call / no call. Remember big interception by our defense..

IIRC, they official called PI on the game winning INT by our D and gave the ball back to F$U. Weinke then drove them down and score the winning TD. At least, that's how I recall it.

I can't recall specifically now, but either the ball was overthrown and intercepted downfield, and they called PI on an uncatchable ball, or it was underthrown and intercepted in front of the PI behind it - so again, uncatchable - or maybe both had equal right to the ball. Can't remember. It is also possible that the re called a hold, in which case none of that would have mattered. All I know is I was mad about it... and obviously have never dealt with that anger. LOL!

 

[Ramble1885]

Speaking of big crowds:

 

[iceeater1969]

Back in 66 or so i wandered over to watch gt play AUBURN. No one was there and moved down near court side. We had a guy named Wagner that did not miss against the packed in zone auburn played. He got 53 points (if IRRC) in our win.

This year its been a blast watching Gt baseball on you tube. The channel know i will cli k every short video. The guys are playing tough and confident

 

[alagold]

I was a Rat in '64. That Alabama game was the loudest I ever attended. Thought the Upper East would fall from all the stomping. P*** on Joe Namath.
THWg
Bob

I too was Rat then.The Bear wore a helmet at first. but-we stll lost.THe 6-3 Tenn game was high on list of great games.

 

[InsideLB]

Was at UGA game in 73. I was 5 yrs old. I didnt know anything about UGA.

All these redneck ugly behaving people showed up wearing red and threw trash everywhere. Big contrast to the tech folks.

Hated UGA ever since.