A horrifying fire broke out just moments before kickoff at Sanford Stadium this evening, claiming the lives of at least 32 fans and injuring dozens more in what officials are calling one of the most tragic incidents in college sports history.
The fire reportedly started in the northeast concession area and spread rapidly through the upper concourse as fans packed the stadium for the highly anticipated SEC matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators. Emergency officials were dispatched within five minutes of the first alarm, but by then the blaze had already consumed multiple seating sections and created a stampede near the east end zone exits.
Witnesses described the chaos as smoke filled the air and panic spread. “We saw flames shoot up behind the scoreboard, and within seconds, people were screaming and running,” said Marcus DeLeon, a sophomore student who escaped through a lower tunnel. “There was no time to think. It was pure panic.”
The players, coaches, and on-field personnel were safely evacuated via the south tunnel. Several team staff members assisted with crowd control as emergency services responded.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 40 minutes before gaining control. In total, 32 fans were confirmed dead at the scene, with 57 others hospitalized — 14 of whom remain in critical condition, according to Athens-Clarke County Fire Department Chief Rachel Monroe.
University of Georgia President Jere Morehead released a statement hours later:
> “We are heartbroken. Tonight we lost members of our Bulldog family. The University of Georgia extends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and the entire Athens community.”
Governor Brian Kemp also addressed the tragedy, declaring a state of emergency for Clarke County and ordering flags flown at half-staff statewide.
Initial reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical malfunction in the vendor area near Gate 6, possibly connected to stadium renovations completed earlier this year. A full investigation is underway.
Sanford Stadium, which seats over 92,000, will remain closed until further notice.
Grief counselors are available at multiple campus locations, and a city-wide candlelight vigil is scheduled for tomorrow evening at Herty Field.
