UGA raises a record $80.4 million toward athletics

Sept. 1 vs. Austin Peay at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs have never played the Governors (an FCS team). Sept. 8 at South Carolina. The Bulldogs and Gamecocks could decide the SEC East in the season’s second week, even if only because it could determine a tiebreaker. Sept. 15 vs. Middle Tennessee at Sanford Stadium. The schools have played once, with Georgia winning 29-10 in 2003. Sept. 22 at Missouri. The Bulldogs have a three-game win streak against the Tigers and have lost once to them. Sept. 29 vs. Te

It was announced Monday afternoon that the Georgia Bulldog Club — the fund-raising arm of the UGA Athletic Association — raised $80.4 million in total donations last year, which includes $40.5 million in major gifts and nearly $40 million through annual giving campaigns.

This past year’s total was 43.5 percent above the $56 million raised in fiscal year 2017 and 41 percent higher that the previous high mark of $56.9 million in fiscal year 2016, according to an athletic association release.

The release also said the majority of major gift funds raised went toward the $63 million West End Zone project at Sanford Stadium, which includes a new game-day locker room, recruiting hospitality lounge, a new entry plaza and video board and enhanced concession and restroom facilities.

Work is expected to be complete when the Bulldogs kick off the 2018 season at home Sept. 1 against Austin Peay.