Georgia Sets NCAA Single‑Match Soccer Attendance Record at Sanford Stadium
Honoring the 30th anniversary of the USWNT's 1996 Olympic gold, the turnout signals growing fan interest with increased youth engagement for soccer in Georgia.
Overview
- Georgia set the NCAA single-match attendance record on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, when 25,433 fans filled Sanford Stadium to watch a 6-0 victory over James Madison.
- Five different Georgia players scored in the win, with Honoka Hamano tallying two goals and Mya Townes opening the scoring.
- The match, billed as “Soccer in Sanford,” was conceived by coach Keidane McAlpine and athletic director Josh Brooks and drew visible institutional support including football coach Kirby Smart and about 500 UGA student-athletes in the crowd.
- The crowd topped the previous NCAA women's record of 14,410 from 1999 and the all-time college soccer mark of 22,512 set in 1980, establishing a new benchmark for collegiate attendance.
- Officials and coaches say the event could boost recruiting, grow youth participation and capitalize on regional soccer developments such as U.S. Soccer's new presence and an upcoming NWSL Atlanta club.