Aug. 28, 2002
Georgia Tech’s 2002 season opener against Vanderbilt at the newly renovated and expanded Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field is a sellout, Tech officials announced Wednesday.
Tech, which is coming off an 8-5 record and a fifth consecutive bowl berth in 2001, and the Commodores kick off at 6 p.m. There is no local television, but the game can be heard on the Georgia Tech-ISP Radio network, including Atlanta flagship 790 The Zone (WQXI-AM). In metro Atlanta, FM coverage is also available on WLKQ-FM (102.3), WMGP-FM (98.1) and WTSH-FM (107.1).
With the completion of Phase I of a two-year, $70 million project, Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field will hold 43,719 for the 2002 season. Phase II will be completed for the 2003 season, raising capacity to 55,000.
“The support of the Georgia Tech family has been tremendous in making this new Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field a reality,” said Tech Director of Athletics Dave Braine. “We have a great setting for college football, and a sellout for the opening game demonstrates the need for an expanded, modernized stadium.
“Everyone involved with Georgia Tech is extremely excited about the present and the future of our football program, and the stadium project is a big part of that excitement.”
Saturday’s game also marks the debut for head coach Chan Gailey on the Tech sideline. Many have asked Gailey about the adjustments in moving to the college ranks after spending the last eight years in the National Football League, but he said that the biggest change for him comes from the fact that he is no longer a coordinator. Even while he served as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1998-99, Gailey filled the dual role of offensive coordinator.
“When I got out of there [Dallas], I didn’t think I would ever be offensive coordinator and head coach again,” said Gailey. “I felt like I cheated both jobs by trying to do both. That was just for me. Other guys can do that and do a good job at it, but I didn’t think that I could do both jobs justice.
“I won’t say that I won’t have something to do with the offense because I will. I’ll be in meetings, I’ll watch tape and I’ll have suggestions, but Bill [O’Brien] will run the offense, and Jon [Tenuta] will run the defense, and Tommy Raye will do that for special teams. But I’m going to be involved and hopefully try to be a great head coach.”
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