The Georgia Bulldogs celebrated their second consecutive national title on Saturday, which started with a short parade through campus and ended with a ceremony.
Thousands of fans packed South Lumpkin Street to view the Bulldogs making their way from Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall to the gates of Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.
The players, coaches, and staff rode in BMWs, firetrucks and pick-up trucks as they waved to fans that gathered to cheer them on for one final time this season.
Fans then gathered inside Sanford Stadium to see the Bulldogs enter the field from the locker room.
The video board in the West End Zone played highlights from the past two seasons during Georgia’s consecutive championship runs before they came out onto the field.
Several people took to the stage to congratulate the Bulldogs for winning another title, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and UGA President Jere Morehead.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart also spoke to the crowd and thanked them for supporting the Bulldogs.
“I want to thank those that traveled all the way to Los Angeles and those that came today,” Smart said. “It shows the nation how well the Bulldogs travel and support their team.
These young men, our staff and I can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Among players, safety Chris Smith, offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran and quarterback Stetson Bennett also thanked Dawg Nation for their support this season.
The three Bulldog leaders talked about the connection it took to repeat.
They also spoke about how much adversity they endured and how they were able to overcome it.
Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks also appeared. He highlighted how much former head coach and athletic director Vince Dooley meant to the University of Georgia.
“Coach (Vince) Dooley is Georgia athletics, and Georgia athletics is Vince Dooley,” Brooks said.
The ceremony ended with Sankey making a joke to Smart, asking if he was ready for Houston next year, which is where the 2024 CFP national championship game will be.
Smart brushed off the comment with a soft smile.
“We’re focused on spring right now,” he replied.