Athens in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Historic Athletic Grounds
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2022
1. Historic Athletic Grounds Marker
Inscription.
Historic Athletic Grounds. . This valley formed by Tanyard Creek is site of many great moments in University of Georgia athletic history. In 1911, a football/baseball facility with wooden grandstands, Sanford Field, was built here. The Bulldog football team played in it until Sanford Stadium opened in 1929. The baseball team played here until 1943. That year, the U.S. Navy constructed a pre-flight instruction facility on this site. The building was named Stegeman Hall to honor Herman James Stegeman, who coached football, basketball, baseball, and track, and was athletic director (1923-27) and dean of men (1931-39). His 1919 baseball and 1920 football teams won their respective Southern Conference championships. Stegeman Hall housed the swimming team, which won men's Southeastern Conference titles in 1951, '52 and '55. Known as one of the "fastest pools in the South,” the facility hosted the 1956 U.S. Olympic Trials and was home pool to 70 UGA All-American swimmers. Its functions having been transferred to the new Ramsey Student Center on UGA's East Campus, Stegeman Hall was removed in 1996 in preparation for the University's hosting of soccer, volleyball and rhythmic gymnastics in the Olympic Games.
This valley formed by Tanyard Creek is site of many great moments in University of Georgia athletic history. In 1911, a football/baseball facility with wooden grandstands, Sanford Field, was built here. The Bulldog football team played in it until Sanford Stadium opened in 1929. The baseball team played here until 1943. That year, the U.S. Navy constructed a pre-flight instruction facility on this site. The building was named Stegeman Hall to honor Herman James Stegeman, who coached football, basketball, baseball, and track, and was athletic director (1923-27) and dean of men (1931-39). His 1919 baseball and 1920 football teams won their respective Southern Conference championships. Stegeman Hall housed the swimming team, which won men's Southeastern Conference titles in 1951, '52 and '55. Known as one of the "fastest pools in the South,” the facility hosted the 1956 U.S. Olympic Trials and was home pool to 70 UGA All-American swimmers. Its functions having been transferred to the new Ramsey Student Center on UGA's East Campus, Stegeman Hall was removed in 1996 in preparation for the University's hosting of soccer, volleyball and rhythmic gymnastics in the Olympic Games.
Erected by University of Georgia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education
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• Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 33° 57.031′ N, 83° 22.622′ W. Marker is in Athens, Georgia, in Athens-Clarke County. Marker is on South Lumpkin Street south of Baxter Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 808 S Lumpkin St, Athens GA 30605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Iota Phi Theta (within shouting distance of this marker); Omega Psi Phi (within shouting distance of this marker); Phi Beta Sigma (within shouting distance of this marker); Kappa Alpha Psi (within shouting distance of this marker); Sigma Gamma Rho (within shouting distance of this marker); Zeta Phi Beta (within shouting distance of this marker); Alpha Phi Alpha (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Delta Sigma Theta (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2022
2. Historic Athletic Grounds Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 566 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
