Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field is a legendary football venue situated in the heart of the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown Atlanta. As the home of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously used on-campus stadium in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Its unique location, surrounded by Atlanta's skyline, provides one of the most distinctive backdrops in all of college sports.
History: From Grant Field to a Living Legacy
The history of Georgia Tech football on "The Flats" dates back to 1905, but the stadium as we know it began to take shape in 1913. The original permanent concrete stands, seating 5,600 people, were largely built by Tech students. In 1914, the field was named Hugh Inman Grant Field in honor of a local merchant's son, whose family provided a significant gift for the construction.
Over the next several decades, the stadium underwent numerous expansions to accommodate a growing fan base and the rising prominence of the football program. Major additions in 1924, 1947, 1958, and the 1960s brought the capacity to an all-time high of over 58,000. During this time, the stadium hosted not only football games but also major events, including a speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, a visit by Nelson Mandela in 1990, and concerts by artists like The Rolling Stones.
The stadium received its current name in 1988, when the Georgia State Board of Regents voted to add "Bobby Dodd Stadium" to honor the legendary coach and athletic director. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Bobby Dodd led the Yellow Jackets to a national championship and an impressive 165-64-8 record from 1945 to 1966.
The most recent major renovation, a two-year, $75 million project completed in 2003, significantly modernized the venue. It included the construction of a new two-tier grandstand in the north end zone, along with new suites, a locker room, and a media room.
In 2023, the stadium's field was renamed from Historic Grant Field to Hyundai Field as part of a multi-decade sponsorship. A plaque at the southeast end of the stadium now commemorates the Grant family's original contributions.
Current Information
As of the 2024 season, Bobby Dodd Stadium has a seating capacity of 51,913. This is a recent adjustment due to the ongoing construction of the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center in the northeast corner of the stadium. This state-of-the-art facility is set to open after the 2025 season and will house areas for strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and nutrition, aiming to provide a comprehensive training environment for all student-athletes.
Looking ahead, a major renovation is planned for the stadium following the conclusion of the 2026 season. This project will include adding chairback seating throughout the stadium (with the exception of the student section), updating the video boards and sound system, and renovating premium spaces. These upgrades are designed to significantly enhance the gameday experience for fans.
Bobby Dodd Stadium's enduring legacy is a testament to its unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. It continues to be a vibrant and crucial part of the Georgia Tech campus and a place where decades of football tradition meet the future of the sport.