Herty Field

Herty Field is a large green space on the University of Georgia campus in Athens with walkways that invite students to gather for activities and relaxation. The area provides room for various events and is surrounded by university buildings.

The field hosted Georgia's first intercollegiate football game in 1892 when the university played against Mercer College. Later it became a parking lot in the 1940s before returning to a green space for students in 1999.

Named after chemistry professor Charles Holmes Herty, the field represents how collegiate athletics developed in Georgia. Today it serves as a gathering place where students connect with the university's athletic history.

The grounds are freely accessible and suitable for picnics, sports, or relaxing between classes. Visitors should note it is an active campus location, so early mornings or late afternoons tend to offer a quieter experience.

During the historic 1892 game, the university team used a goat as their mascot instead of a bulldog. This unexpected choice reveals the quirky nature of early college sports history.

Location: Athens

Inception: 1891

Official opening: 1891

GPS coordinates: 33.95596,-83.37559

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07