Why Georgia plays Baba O’Riley at football games, explained

“Baba O’Riley” means it is time for the Georgia football team to tee it up Between the Hedges.

Georgia football home games do not officially begin until “Baba O’Riley” is blasted over the Sanford Stadium loudspeakers.

Of the many traditions associated with the Georgia football program, who could have ever seen The Who’s 1971 classic becoming synonymous with the Dawgs? While there is no direct correlation between the SEC school and the iconic rock ‘n roll quartet from the U.K., no song erupts Sanford Stadium into a frenzy quite like “Baba O’Riley”. This song makes it Saturday in Athens.

Though nobody knows when the tradition officially began, it has been around since the early 2000s when Mark Richt was the head football coach.

Georgia football: Why does Sanford Stadium play “Baba O’Riley” before kickoff?

Though the 50-year-old song may not be for everyone, it does offer mass appeal, which is probably why it has remained a popular pre-game staple for decades now. It is an older song that reminds some older alumni of their youth, as well as a timeless classic college students can get behind. Some may call this song Teenage Wasteland, but it is “Baba O’Riley.”

Once again, it is not officially game time in Athens until the “Baba O’Riley” introduction is played.

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