Georgia Women’s Soccer Team Breaks NCAA Attendance Record With 25,433 Fans At Sanford Stadium
The University of Georgia women’s soccer team has made history, drawing an NCAA Division I record crowd of 25,433 spectators to Sanford Stadium.
The match, played on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium, saw the Bulldogs demolish James Madison 6-0 in a dominant and historic performance.
The previous NCAA record for a women’s soccer match stood at 14,410, set back in 1999, meaning Georgia more than doubled that historic benchmark.
The new record also surpassed the all-time men’s NCAA soccer attendance mark of 22,512, which had stood since 1980, making this a landmark moment for the sport at every level.
Sophomore forward Mya Townes opened the scoring in the eighth minute, slotting a left-footed shot past the Dukes’ goalkeeper to set the tone for a commanding evening.
The goal carried additional personal meaning for Townes, as both of her parents attended James Madison, and she grew up around the university before choosing to play for Georgia.
Senior midfielder Honoka Hamano doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute with an assist from graduate forward Emma Pettersen, before sophomore forward Ava Stack added a third in the 34th minute.
The Bulldogs were utterly dominant throughout, registering an astonishing 24 shots on goal while limiting James Madison to just two attempts.
Georgia head coach Keidane McAlpine reflected on the scale of the occasion, saying: “This was a major win for the University of Georgia, it was a major win for our program, it was a major win for collegiate soccer.”
McAlpine also praised those who helped turn the concept into reality, saying: “This doesn’t happen simply because we had the idea — it happens because everybody involved jumps on two feet and makes it go.”
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart was among the crowd, attending alongside more than 500 Georgia student athletes to show support for the women’s soccer program.
The victory also marked the Bulldogs’ first win of the 2026 season, giving the historic night an added layer of competitive significance.
Georgia returns to action on Sunday, August 23, hosting Milwaukee at Turner Soccer Complex, with kickoff set for noon ET and admission free for all spectators.
The match will stream live on SEC Network+, and the nine members of the 2026 senior class will be celebrated on Senior Day ahead of kickoff.
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